Welcome to our interview series in partnership with the **[EIT Urban Mobility Master School](https://shorturl.at/TkD41)**, where we spotlight inspiring young urbanists passionate about sustainable city development. This series delves into the diverse and dynamic career paths of emerging professionals dedicated to shaping sustainable and livable cities. Through their stories, we explore the challenges, achievements, and impact of their work, providing inspiration and insights for anyone interested in the future of urban mobility and sustainable urban development. This time, we speak to **Olajumoke Beyioku**, a Building Engineer and urban mobility professional whose decade-long career has impacted city planning.
# Journey into Urban Mobility
*Can you tell us about your journey into urban mobility and sustainable cities? What inspired you to pursue this field?*
I am a Building Engineer and urban mobility professional with over a decade’s experience in the construction field. My interest in sustainable cities and urban mobility stemmed from seeing the built environment components operating mostly in silos, connecting only when required, and often retroactively. I wanted a broader picture; a more in-depth understanding of how modern cities were being shaped, beyond the ways in which urban sprawl has been typically understood and planned for.
{{Pic1: Attending Tomorrow Mobility World Congress in Barcelona, a leading global event showcasing innovative solutions for sustainable urban mobility — an opportunity offered to EIT Urban Mobility Master School students.}}
# Defining Moments
*What has been the most defining moment or experience in shaping your career so far?*
It was an incident which occurred many years ago, when my boss called me into his office and said, “Jumoke, you are good at negotiations and calmly talking to hot-headed people. Please go represent me along with Mr. Y at this meeting.” This role in resolving disputes over land use between land-owning families, construction firms, and government entities not only saved our company significant amounts but also highlighted my impact in complex negotiations, truly defining my career path.
That experience was transformative; it was the moment I realized the profound impact that embracing a multi-dimensional approach to problem-solving could have. It pushed me to step beyond the conventional boundaries of my job description and explore how different perspectives can lead to more effective solutions.
This drive to embrace diverse perspectives within the built environment led me to the [EIT Urban Mobility Master's Program](https://shorturl.at/TkD41), which further shaped my approach to my work. The program enhanced my understanding of how integrated solutions can address complex urban challenges. For instance, I began to see accessibility not just as a matter of compliance with building codes—like ensuring the right door width or installing ramps—but as a broader issue that intersects with social justice, technology, and urban policy.
Now, my approach to assessing projects includes not only the current technological applications but also considerations of transport justice and innovative forms of accessibility. I look at how these projects can contribute to sustainable land use and city transitions that go beyond mere technical, economic, or political metrics. This holistic perspective allows me to contribute more significantly to creating sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments.
# Impact of Learning
*How did the [EIT Urban Mobility Master’s program](https://shorturl.at/TkD41) contribute to your journey?*
The knowledge and expertise I gained in transport, mobility, and innovation within the built environment have greatly enriched my career as a Building Engineer. The program also exposed me to how various cities approach sustainability issues—some with clear intentionality and others less so, especially in the face of rapidly evolving technology.
Visiting global cities as a tourist in the past was one thing, but experiencing them through the lenses of planners, academics, researchers, policymakers, and active citizen engagements provided a completely different perspective. For instance, during the 'remaking the streets summer school' in Munich, which is a component of the Master School’s programmes, our efforts to redesign streets elicited a range of reactions from the public, from supportive to outright skeptical.
Overall, the program offered a unique blend of eclectic and structured learning experiences that positively shaped my path towards making a meaningful impact on the sustainable development of our built environment.
{{Pic2: Assembling a parklet as part of a street experiment with colleagues at the 2022 Remaking the streets summer school, Munich. Photo credit: Michal Durta}}
# Challenges and Solutions
*Were there specific challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?*
Yes, there were definite challenges. When I enrolled in the [program](https://shorturl.at/TkD41), I lacked coding skills, which were essential for the transport modeling courses. It was quite tough at the beginning, especially since I had been out of a structured academic setting for a long time. However, I quickly took to self-learning to bridge this gap. It required a lot of old-fashioned tenacity, but thankfully, things started to click after the first semester. Gaining these analytics skills not only helped me overcome the initial hurdles but also broadened my interests and deepened my involvement in various aspects of mobility, construction, and the broader built environment."
# Reflections and Advice
*What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this field or considering a similar program?*
To someone just starting out in the field, I would advise being open to unexpected pathways and freeing your mind to learn. The education programs are designed to aid your journey in exploring your unique problem-solving niche within mobility and the built environment. Pay particular attention to the program's minor subjects; even if you find topics like business talk boring, they hold significant value. The courses on innovation and entrepreneurship, for example, are crucial as they foster creative, practical innovations based on actual user needs and their processes.
Remember, every challenge you face is a stepping stone to innovation—embrace them, and you might just change the world one city at a time!