Department of Sociology & Anthropology

Name: Jonathon Bez

Year you graduated from Cornell: 1996

Other majors or minors: Major - Politics, Minor - Ethnic Studies

Post Cornell Education: Master in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Iowa

Job Title: Transit Planner, King County Metro Transit, Seattle, WA

Job description: I plan and manage projects that support and improve the transit's systems operating facilities (i.e. bus bases, maintenance bays, driver support areas). I also participate in planning for our system's future facility needs.

Most satisfying and rewarding aspects of your position: What I like best about my job is that I feel like I'm part of bigger system that effectively makes people's lives easier. I'm in the business of moving people. How many people do you know that aren't trying to get somewhere everyday?

On a smaller scale, it makes me feel good to have people look at what I produce and say, "yeah, this will help us get things done quicker/faster/safer/better."

What jobs or other positions have you held that prepared you for this position? This is my first true job out of grad school, but I did learn some good lessons in a few internships while I was in School. I interned at a huge planning department in Chicago, and a small one in Iowa City. I also did a lot of research work for the faculty at the University of Iowa. I think all of these experiences helped me learn what it is to be a professional planner, and how different governmental agencies work.

What are your occupational and/or educational goals? My short term my goals are to be an important part of the local transit system here in Seattle. Long term I'd like to become an integral part of my community, whether that be in community development, land use planning/law, transportation policy, or politics in general.

Additional comments: My time at Cornell was an incredibly positive experience. I really feel that Cornell laid the foundation from which I could build a solid future. I left Cornell with a much better understanding of the world and my place in it. In particular, the Sociology department taught me important lessons. They pushed me to develop skills that have served me well in experiences since.

Cornell provides an environment that nurtures learning, growth, and many friendships. When I think back to it, I can't help smiling.

Email: jonbez@home.com

back to list