June 2025
 

Isabella Kim
Senior Transport Planner | Transport for NSW | NSW

"There is a great sense of community at AITPM — everyone is willing to share their knowledge with a contagious can-do attitude.”

Tell us a little about yourself and your background

I describe myself as a transport explorer, always curious and with an ever-expanding list of interest areas. This has led me to be part of a range of projects, from traffic impact assessments, transport analytics to developing metrics to prioritise transport projects for a local council area.

Currently, I am leading strategic network planning work for one of the fastest growing areas in Western Sydney. Having worked across the private sector, local and state governments, this has given me unique insights to look at transport in different lenses. So far, I’d say there has never been a dull day in transport as there are always new challenges and opportunities to unpack.

What is your current involvement with AITPM?

I am the National Emerging Professional Network (EPN) President where I work alongside representatives from each EPN Committee across Australia. Together we share our insights, leverage successful initiatives where we can and discuss broader EPN matters. This is to help bring emerging professionals together to build connections and support professional development.

In addition to my role, I am also an AITPM member where I attend the range of technical, networking and social events. One of my favourite social events on the calendar is the trivia night where I can show off some of my quirky transport knowledge.

How has your involvement as a member/volunteer grown with AITPM?

AITPM has been part of my career journey since I was a student. I joined to explore what the transport industry has to offer, and it was a bonus that the student membership was free! Since joining, I gained useful learning, networking, and professional development opportunities which has helped me progress my career as an emerging professional.

I soon joined the NSW State and EPN Committees, as the NSW Young Professional Award recipient at the time, working with other transport professionals across different transport disciplines. This motivated me to formally join the NSW EPN Committee and was elected as the Chair soon after. I was leading a team of driven young professionals where we delivered a balance of technical and social events that was open to all. During my time, one of my highlights was launching the first Buddy Program as a pilot. After its success, it has been adopted by other EPN Committees and continues to evolve so that it is a valuable experience. Now as the National EPN President, I am excited to see where this role will take me next.

What motivates you to volunteer or involve yourself with AITPM? How has your involvement with AITPM benefited you personally and professionally?

As cliched as it may sound, but I remain involved and volunteer with AITPM because I want to give back to the AITPM community and the broader transport industry. Over the years, I gained so much value from all the opportunities AITPM has offered, whether that’s learning more about my interest areas by listening to global experts, having the chance to interact and network with different people across the sector or simply enjoying social activities with my peers after work. I want to continue creating opportunities for emerging professionals to come together, help progress their career journeys and forge meaningful connections.

Also, there is a great sense of community at AITPM where everyone is willing to share their knowledge and offer their help with a contagious can-do attitude. It is empowering to be part of a collective effort and knowing there is group of people who share similar goals for AITPM's members and the wider transport community.

 
Have you gained any skills whilst being involved with AITPM? How have these skills influenced your career or shaped the way you view the industry? What are your plans for the future?
One of the key skills I’ve gained during my involvement with AITPM is the development of my leadership capabilities. Being part of various Committees, I observed and learnt what it means to be a good leader by listening to people's needs and stepping up when required. I was given the opportunity to put my skills into practice and this has given me invaluable experiences where I've been able to apply this in my professional roles in my career. As a result, I've become more courageous in testing my leadership abilities and growing increasingly confident in taking on leadership positions.

What would you say to transport professionals considering getting involved with AITPM? Do you have any words of wisdom for Emerging Professionals starting out in the industry?

For any professionals who are on the fence about getting involved, my advice would be to give it a go! At the very least, you will be greeted by friendly faces and meet people who collectively have a wealth of knowledge to share.

For emerging professionals who are starting your career journeys, some advice I would like to share based on my experience so far:

• Network and build relationships with people at different career stages as early as you can. I found that attending industry events, like the AITPM events, is one of the best ways to do this.
• Seize every opportunity that comes your way as you never know what doors it might open. When I look back, some of my career highlights happened when I took a chance and gave it a shot.
• Maintain a curious mindset and don't hesitate to ask questions. I learnt more effectively when I asked questions and often gained more insights than I initially anticipated.
• While developing your technical capabilities, learn to look at the bigger picture. It will help you understand how your work adds value, where to make improvements and identify what might be missing.