Name: Gastón Kelly
Programme and year: MPP Class of 2022
Nationality: Argentinian & American
Job title and company: Global Head of Operations & Customer Success for Transit at Uber
Can you tell us about your background and your motivations and objectives for your studies?
My background is in transportation technology startups. I’ve worked in operations, management, and public policy across ridesharing, bikesharing, carsharing, and now transit. Transportation is a highly regulated space and public policy plays an important role in the fate of innovative approaches. My main objective for my studies was to gain an academic understanding of public policy to complement my professional experience.
Why did you choose to study the MPP programme?
I was looking for a rigorous and analytical program that I could do in one year. I also wanted to study policy through a global lens. Finally, London has so much to offer especially for someone interested in transportation.
Were there any standout classes from your studies?
PP405 - Public Policy Applications was very eye-opening. For my final group project I got to explore individual carbon mobility budgets in partnership with LSE Cities and Transport for London. That project was exciting and helped introduce me to the transit world.
How did you make the most of being #partoflse, and how did you take advantage of being a part of the LSE community?
LSE's campus in central London is stellar. I was usually at the library working on my dissertation, exploring The Marshall Building, or simply wandering around looking for a new place to catch up with classmates.
What are your highlights from your time with your classmates?
Being able to attend lectures as a cohort was a highlight. Also, I really enjoyed getting to dive deeper into issues during seminars, study groups and picnics on Lincoln's Inn Fields. I can honestly say I made friends for life during the program.
What are your plans now as a new MPP graduate?
My main plan is to get up to speed in my new job. The Uber Transit team partners with transit agencies all over the world to help increase operational efficiency and access.
What have been your key takeaways and how are you applying these to the next steps in your career journey?
A key takeaway has been the importance of reviewing the literature. A quick literature review is the best way to get up to speed! There is a rich body of literature on public transportation so I spent quite a bit of time studying before I started my new job.
Who would you recommend the programme to and what advice would you give to people who are considering studying the MPP?
It’s a wonderful program for people with a few years of work experience. The coursework helps to put practical experience in the context of theory. My advice would be to try to find study groups as quickly as possible. It’ll help with the reading and will lead to wonderful discussions.
How would you describe your SPP experience in three words?
Rigorous. Practical. Global.