Internship Interview

Mike E. Roy: Transportation Planner
Out in the field watching out for you and your transportation

Mike E. Roy: Transportation Planner
Out in the field watching out for you and your transportation

Michael Roy is a Caltrans Employee his job is a Transportation planner in the planning division of the CalTrans District 11, which is located in Old Town, the facility consists of three buildings each several floors which all connect with bridges. The design for this site is very modern. He supervises all Park and Rides and also looks over other projects. His job as the supervisor for the Park and Ride’s requires him to go into the field frequently. Simple jeans with a casual shirt works since being out in the field could get damaged or dirty.
Since Mike has worked at Cal Trans for many years he knows a lot about the company. When not in the field he spends much of his time in a cubical of the 4th floor office-building number 2. The atmosphere is easy going; no frenzied rush or a boss that demands work that needs to be done that minute. People walk around calm, politely, and talk to each other about work or basic day to day things. Following is an interview with mike about him and his career and his advice on what one should look for when choosing a place of employment.


Did your college degree help you with the job you have know?

Well not directly associated with what I’m doing now. I have a Bachelors in history and in political science I had a double major. So it’s not directly related to what I’m doing now. Although in my political science class I had some public administration classes and it helps me with my job responsibilities I have now.

When applying for jobs what benefits like health insurance or retirement plans should you look for?

You should always whatever perspective job you’re applying for look at their insurance program and their retirement package as well. See what benefits they provide and of course that’s the key factor in any ones employment. I think you should be looking towards a strong retirement and strong health programs in order because that would certainly be the foundation of any employment you’re seeking.
Do you see any improvements that could be made here at Caltrans?
Well I don’t know that I would say it needs to be improved upon necessarily. But for instance the intern program for yourself and a lot of interns from UCSD that’s, were most of our interns come from. I personally feel that if they could get a more diverse exposure to the division, that it could benefit them quite a bit. Rather then just keep them in one branch. Maybe diversify there exposure to all the different branches within planning. I think it would be more beneficial to the division as well as the intern. So if you want an area of improvement I think that’s were we could improve in.

What were some good choices that led you to this job?

I have been working for the state now for about 35 years. I was working as a supervisor for about the last 17 years in the toll collection at the Coronado Bridge. They did away with the tolls on the bridge so I was placed in the planning division. Afterwards I was able to obtain the possession I have now as a Transportation Planner.

So you didn’t choose planning out of other divisions?

I didn’t choose it but I’m glad I’m here because it’s a very nice division to work for and the people are very friendly and I really enjoy the work I’m doing now.


How long did it take you to find out this is the job for you?

I felt this is a good fit when I first came in, like I said the management and just the general staff are very cordial, very helpful, and it’s my personal opinion that this division is the best division in the department. I’ve never been denied help when ever I needed it from anyone. They’ve all been very agreeable to help me at any time.

What percentage of work is meetings compared to field work and paper work?

Well I think most other people are probably involved in more meetings then I am. I’m involved with primarily our own headquarters. We have periodic meetings for Park and ride coordinators and on occasion go to meetings for individual cities, if we have some sort of project going with that city. I do attend those meetings on occasion however not as frequently as most of the other people here. And I think this division as a whole it is pretty equal. Well I probably do more field work then most people in this division, most other people are involved with paper work, at their desk, and also at meetings. There probably more involved in that then I am primarily.

So most people don’t have as much fieldwork as you do?

Not in this division but in other divisions like Construction, Traffic Operations and Environmental.. Those are probably more involved in field work by in large our division as a whole.