Working with CAMBUS, "you have the opportunity to take risks, make mistakes, and better yourself," says Neil Smithson, a former CAMBUS worker and University of Iowa graduate. He, along with other former employees, sees CAMBUS as more than just a student job.
Each year, dozens of University of Iowa students learn the inner workings of the public transportation system and take on leadership roles. CAMBUS provides unique opportunities that inspire students to pursue careers in the public transportation industry. Smithson, who graduated from the university in 2024, now works for a transportation system in Madison, WI. Cities across the nation, including Boston, MA and Tucson, AZ benefit from the expertise of Hawkeyes who started their careers at CAMBUS.
"I learned more throughout my time at CAMBUS than any degree could have ever taught me," says Bryan Mulrooney, former CAMBUS dispatch and bionic supervisor. "Driving taught me how to tend to the needs of the public, dispatching taught me how to prioritize safety and customer service, and leading dispatch and paratransit teams taught me how to work with different personalities. I lean on the skills I developed at CAMBUS daily."
Many CAMBUS student employees, like Mulrooney and Smithson, unexpectedly develop a deep passion for public transportation and service.
Neil Smithson
Current employment: Assistant Schedule Planner at Metro Transit in Madison, WI
Previous CAMBUS experience: bus operator, dispatcher, scheduling supervisor
Neil Smithson: Finding confidence in community
When Neil Smithson arrived on campus in 2020, his plan was to pursue a degree in theatre arts. His career trajectory changed after he was promoted to scheduling supervisor at CAMBUS.
Smithson began his journey with CAMBUS as a student driver. After his promotion to scheduling supervisor, he decided to pursue a permanent career in public transportation. Smithson graduated in spring of 2024 with his theatre arts degree and is now the assistant schedule planner at Metro Transit in Madison, WI. His experience highlights the transformative impact that student jobs at CAMBUS can have on career paths.
"Having a foot in the door allowed me to confidently decide that I wanted to serve my community by advocating for those who rely on transit for their daily lives," Smithson says.
CAMBUS allowed Smithson to learn the fundamentals of public transit while also developing key professional skills. He describes working at CAMBUS as progressive and rewarding no matter your career goals.
“I couldn’t think of a cooler opportunity where you have the chance to take risks, make mistakes, and improve yourself,” Smithson says, “The responsibility and dedication it takes to help run a transit organization is huge.”
Maddie Stoen
Current employment: Associate Transportation Planner at the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC)
Previous CAMBUS experience: bus operator, dispatcher, dispatch supervisor
Maddie Stoen's Path to Public Service
Maddie Stoen, a 2024 graduate in Public Health and Urban and Regional Planning, found her career trajectory reshaped through her involvement with CAMBUS.
Stoen did not anticipate a role with CAMBUS but found herself drawn to transit operations and management. Her time at CAMBUS became a cornerstone of her professional development.
"Initially, driving for CAMBUS felt daunting," Stoen recalls. "Yet, overcoming these challenges strengthened my confidence both behind the wheel and in my personal growth."
Throughout her service, Stoen encountered diverse daily challenges that prepared her for leadership roles. "As a supervisor, I learned the essentials of leadership and advocacy," she explains. "These skills are integral to my current work in public service."
Stoen attributes her refined communication abilities to her CAMBUS experience, skills now crucial in her role at MPOJC. Reflecting on her time at CAMBUS, Stoen emphasizes its role in fostering opportunities and a positive workplace environment for students interested in transit careers.
“Whether one pursues a career in transit or not, I highly recommend working at CAMBUS to everyone.”
-Connor Steele
Collen Mahoney Finds Peace in Helping Others
Current employment: Supervisor of Vehicle Schedules at Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA)
Previous CAMBUS experience: bus operator, dispatcher, scheduling supervisor
Collen Mahoney graduated in 2021 with a degree in political science and decided to pursue a career in public transportation after gaining experience at CAMBUS.
“CAMBUS is frankly the reason that I am in the role I am today. Once I began and saw how transportation services worked together to create a more efficient campus, I knew that public transit was where I wanted to dedicate my life’s work,” Mahoney says.
Following graduation, Mahoney found fulfillment in seeing the impact of his work on thousands of riders. Currently, Mahoney serves as Supervisor of Vehicle Schedules at MBTA overseeing bus scheduling services from two garages. These routes serve the cities northeast of Boston, MA including Cambridge.
Bryan Mulrooney's Mission
Current employment: Spokane Transit Authority (STA)
Previous CAMBUS experience: bus operator, dispatcher, dispatch and bionic supervisor
Bryan Mulrooney pursued a career in public transportation after developing a deep appreciation for the system.
“What’s great about working in public transit is that you get to work in a mission-driven environment. The more productive and efficient you are, the more people in your community you impact,” Mulrooney explained.
Just two years into his current role at STA, Mulrooney has played a pivotal role in the operationalization phase of the recently launched BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) line. The new line connects downtown Spokane to Mead, WA. Drawing from his experience at CAMBUS, he contributed significantly to this important project for his agency and the public.
Connor Steele Delves into the Tucson Transit Community
Current employment: Safety and Training Coordinator at Sun Tran, Tuscon, Arizona
Previous CAMBUS experience: bus operator, bionic assistant, training and safety supervisor
Connor Steele graduated from the University of Iowa in 2023 with a degree in ethics and public policy.
“As a senior, I discovered various career opportunities in transit. I developed a passion for training and safety, and when I found an opening in my hometown of Tuscon, I knew I wanted to build my career in transit and return home,” Steele reflects.
During his work at Sun Tran, Steele actively utilizes the skills he learned at CAMBUS. “The management and guiding principles I learned at CAMBUS have been instrumental in my current role,” Steel explains. The supportive environment at CAMBUS not only facilitated lifelong friendships, it also helped Steele develop the skills he needed for long-term success.