It’s been a while since I posted about what I’ve learned or worked on. Here are some things I’ve done since March:
Spatial Data Science: GIS, GeoPandas
A few months ago, I wrote about how I wanted to learn Spatial Data Science. Specifically, I wanted to learn GIS, GeoPandas, GeoJson and PySAL.
Shortly after that, I became the task lead on a project involving a data file at work. The task heavily involved GIS and GeoPandas, and I ended up learning many of the topics that I outlined on the blog post. The only exceptions were network analyses – which I didn’t cover – and buffer analyses and ArcOnline maps with comments – which I got help with. This project was quite expansive – so there’s a lot more to write about in future blog posts.
Beyond the technical analysis, I also created a slide deck (which involved lots of analyses of ridership data) that I presented to our group’s leadership.
I’ve also become the de facto project manager on this task, so I’m picking up some project management and process management skills.
Excel
I strengthened my problem solving skills and quantitative skills with Excel this summer. We decided to phase the implementation of the new bus network, so we needed a way to figure out how many resources (hours, runs, operators) are associated with each route, so that we could phase the changes in a way where we didn’t go over our limit. We knew how many resources were in the current network (by route) and how many were estimated in the new network (by route). I took those two documents, plus a ton of SUMIFs and XLOOKUPs, and created a resource matrix that lets you choose what phase a route goes in – and calculates the resources associated with that phase. Pretty nifty!
I also strengthened my debugging skills. Some of the numbers didn’t line up, so the head of the Schedules department and I had to dive deep into the numbers to figure out where the issues were. It was really exciting – I like the sleuthing element of it, and the satisfaction of seeing the final tool being built.
What’s next?
Most of my projects from the summer are wrapping up, so it’s a good opportunity to reflect on how I’d like to grow, both in and outside of work.
Growth Strategy
Last summer I did a Strategy & Operations bootcamp that was pretty interesting. I’d like to apply some of what I learned to work – specifically in building a ridership growth strategy.
I got into transit because I want transit to be better, and a more prominent part of America’s transportation network. I think part of that involves having a holistic strategy around the kinds of trips that transit does well, and how agencies can double down on their strengths.
Project Management
At work, I’d like to learn more about the project management side of things. So far, I’ve been pretty effective in delivering on things when I do most of the work. I think that’s important, but it limits the kind of impact I can have since what I can deliver is restricted by the hours I have in a day.
I think there’s probably some room to squeeze out some more productivity as a lone person, but I’d really like to learn to effectively leverage teams and resources. I think what I’m interested in is project management, and doing things like task orders or managing consultants. Because at that point, you can amplify or magnify your impact.
Relationship Building
Also, this last project showed me the necessity of relationships and navigating internal politics to get important (for the riders) projects done. I think I did a good job despite being quite new to the authority, and I’d like to continue to build on that base. I know of people who are excellent relationship builders – and I’d like to try to learn from them and get to the next level.
Freelancing / Business Ideation
One of my dreams when I was a kid was to own a business. More specifically, it was to do something where your effort was proportionally compensated with some kind of reward.
I’ll admit I’ve been scared to explore this path – because it seems really hard. I did a startup fellowship (Venture for America) out of college, and met many people who started their own business, or were working on building one. I think many people who haven’t been around entrepreneurship fantasize about the flexibility and “being your own boss”, but my experience through VFA has shown me that that’s not always the case. But I’m not getting any younger – and I figure now is a good time as ever to explore both freelancing, and building a business. I did a program while I was in college (Dare to Dream), which taught me how to explore a business idea in a low-risk way.