Career Talk with Sergio Rizzoli, Head of Network Management at Bernmobil

Dear Sergio, where are we today and what connects you to this place?

Today we are at the Bernmobil tram depot on Bolligenstrasse. This is a special place. I’ve been involved in the 20-year development history of this site from A to Z, and that’s something I’m particularly proud of.

What is your role at Bernmobil?

I lead the network management department. We are responsible for planning, project design, and later also for the implementation of the infrastructure.

How do you experience your long-standing work in a transport company?

When you’ve worked in a transport company for a longer period – in my case it’s been around 20 years – you start to realize: yes, I myself use the infrastructure as a passenger, on systems or lines that I personally planned and implemented. That fills you with pride and a sense that you’ve contributed something meaningful to the society in which you yourself live as a citizen.

What advice would you give to young people who are interested in the rail industry?

When I think of young people who are studying and considering entering the public transport or rail sector, I say: go for it! That’s absolutely the right decision. I’ve never regretted it.

What education and steps would you recommend for entering the rail industry?

My advice would be to first complete a technical education and, at the same time, start building a network – make contacts, engage with transport companies, and attend industry events.

Why is public transport particularly relevant today?

In today’s society, people talk almost daily about CO₂, decarbonization, about the climate – and I believe urban public transport is absolutely in line with these trends. So I can really only recommend studying something in this direction and entering our world as quickly as possible.

What do you find most interesting about your work?

The work we do – I can speak particularly about our construction sites, like the one currently on the Kornhaus Bridge here in Bern – is something that becomes highly visible in society, in the public infrastructure. It influences the mobility of the entire city, sometimes for weeks or even months. And that’s what I find especially interesting: that you are truly working at the pulse of society, at the pulse of the city in which you yourself live.

Thank you very much!