Donna Terry, Local Operations Manager, Network Rail

Donna Terry is a local operations manager with Network Rail, working in the London Bridge signal box. She was appointed to this position one year ago and was previously the assistant signalling manager at London Bridge. Prior to that, she was a signaller at Ashford in Kent and was introduced to the railway industry as a driver for Eurotunnel.

Why go into the rail industry?

Donna initially went into rail by chance. "I wanted to use my French language skills and work with people but instead went into train driving! I then wanted to further my career and be in charge of a team of people in a management role and so I joined Network Rail as it was such a big company and gave the best options."

Donna had to undertake a nine-week intensive signalling course: "This was very rewarding and a complete contrast to my previous working life… it was interesting and a challenge and I got so much job satisfaction it was unbelievable."

Career advice and prospects in the railway industry

Donna's advice to those wanting to start a career in the railway industry is to look at the bigger picture – aim for your goals and never feel that there is something beyond your capabilities.

What are the current prospects at Network Rail? "Opportunities across the sector are fantastic, as is the salary, and there is an excellent relationship with management," she says.

"Railway is evolving so much at the moment that there are excellent prospects. It's nice to be part of a team that can make a change for the better."

What is being a local operations manager like?

"As an operations manager at Network Rail, no two hours are the same," explains Donna. "It makes it interesting as you never know what you are going to be dealing with from one day to the next. It could be anything from normal office duties to investigation of incidents. We are making operational decisions all the time, managing staff and dealing with welfare.

"Network Rail is a good employer with superior staff care and employee engagement."

Donna believes that hands-on experience is essential and leads to successful management. Even graduates have to make sure they understand the job as they progress, and not just fly through each department without learning as they go. Donna also thinks that there are not enough females in the operations field of the railway industry: "It is not about strength but about technique and how well you learn the job. I have set points, handled couplings and prepared trains and believe that this can be done by a female as well as any man."