From Internship to Industry: Beth’s Journey into Transport Planning

For International Women’s Day 2026, we spoke to Beth Fowler, Graduate Consultant at ITP, to understand her journey into transport planning and the experiences that have shaped her early career. Find out what she had to say below.

What is your current role?

I’m a Graduate Transport Planner at Haskoning, working within the UK Mobility & Infrastructure team, ITP. Most of my days are spent contributing to nationally significant infrastructure projects and shaping the transport strategies behind some truly exciting large‑scale developments - from offshore wind farms to ports and major industrial schemes. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how transport sits at the heart of bringing these big ideas to life.

How long have you worked in the industry and at Haskoning?

I joined Haskoning a year and a half ago, stepping straight into the industry from university - and what a journey it’s been so far!

What led you to pursue your current career?

While studying geography at the University of Nottingham, I secured a ten‑week internship with Haskoning, working one day a week alongside my degree. I was drawn in by the focus on sustainability, especially the idea of connecting people and places through public transport and active travel, which aligned perfectly with my interests.
My first project, researching best practice in active travel schemes, opened my eyes to the positive impact transport planning can have on communities and the environment. It lit a spark, and I returned for a summer placement where I was able to dive deeper into real projects and client work. That experience confirmed I’d found a career that genuinely excited me, so when I finished my degree, it felt completely natural to join the graduate programme full‑time.

What type of projects are you involved with?

Most of my work revolves around preparing and implementing the transport strategies needed to support major new infrastructure schemes. That often involves working closely with other Haskoning business lines to provide the transport evidence required for clients to secure planning consent. On other days, I’m working with clients on schemes already under construction, ensuring the transport infrastructure needed to deliver these projects comes together smoothly. No two days ever look the same.

A large part of my role includes drafting transport-related documents such as Transport Assessments and contributing to technical work using CAD and GIS to design safe and efficient access arrangements for new sites.

I’ve also had the opportunity to visit construction sites, which really brings the work to life. Seeing how locations function on the ground - and the transport challenges they present - gives a completely different perspective on how our technical input makes a real difference.

What support and training have you received at Haskoning?

I’m part of the Haskoning Early Careers Programme, which includes four sessions – called Basecamps – focused on developing a wide range of skills from presenting and commercial awareness to networking techniques and collaboration. These sessions have been invaluable for building confidence, meeting colleagues from across the UK, and gaining a wider understanding of the work happening across the company.

What do you think could help support more women into STEM careers?

Representation really matters. Seeing women in technical, leadership and decision‑making roles creates a powerful sense of “I can do that too.” I’m excited about the launch of the UK Women’s Network at Haskoning. It’s a brilliant step towards building a stronger, more supportive community for women across the organisation.

What values are most important to you?

Sustainability is a big one for me. I love that so much of my work contributes to renewable energy and long‑term environmental goals. It’s motivating to know the projects I’m involved in not only align with my values but also reflect Haskoning’s broader priorities.

What do you hope people take away from your story?

I hope my journey highlights just how impactful work experience can be. Hands‑on opportunities give people the chance to explore an industry, grow their confidence, and discover what genuinely inspires them. Sometimes all it takes is one placement - or one supportive team - to open the door to a career you hadn’t even imagined.