Transport Economics

Daithio

I'm applying for a graduate economist position with an engineering firm. Their economics department specifically specializes in transport economics. As it's not offered in many universities, they don't expect you to have prior training in it. Obviously it would be a good idea to research it a bit before the interview though. So does anybody know any good resources or books that would give me a rundown of what is involved in this area of econ? Broadly speaking, what other skills would complement a career in this field? Thanks in advance

Économiste Monétaire

Trinity and UCD offer undergrad courses in transport economics...

There's a textbook called 'Principles of Transport Economics' by Quinet and Vickerman, which you could pick up. Also, the NRA 'Project Appraisal Guidelines' which should have details of cost-benefit analysis and such. Then there's the AASHTO red book for the U.S. treatment of project appraisals; you could ask the firm for a copy of that. Check their website for examples of recent projects, I have zero experience in this area beyond the theory.

Good luck with the interview.

(I didn't include anything on competition because I doubt that an engineering firm would specialise in that.)

Daithio

Daithio wrote: »

I'm applying for a graduate economist position with an engineering firm. Their economics department specifically specializes in transport economics. As it's not offered in many universities, they don't expect you to have prior training in it. Obviously it would be a good idea to research it a bit before the interview though. So does anybody know any good resources or books that would give me a rundown of what is involved in this area of econ? Broadly speaking, what other skills would complement a career in this field? Thanks in advance

What firm are you applying for?

I ask because there are a lot of firms involved only in sectors, so boning up on the sector might be better for you.

Daithio

Thanks a million for the replies, the case study on the NRA website looks like it will be very helpful.

The job is with Maunsell, and it's based in Sydney. Apparently there are no transport economics courses here in Sydney, so they're just looking for econ grads and will provide all the training.

Daithio

Daithio wrote: »

Thanks a million for the replies, the case study on the NRA website looks like it will be very helpful.

The job is with Maunsell, and it's based in Sydney. Apparently there are no transport economics courses here in Sydney, so they're just looking for econ grads and will provide all the training.

Would be worth checking out what they specilise in.

No point in really being able talk about motorway volume and not know what RO-RO or LO-LO capacity is if they focus on building deep water ports.

Anything by sean barrett....

tipp86

yes