Anna Filby founded the Young Mobility Network in 2020 and has since grown it from a small digital group into a 900-strong global community for young transport professionals.
At the 17th ITS European Congress in Istanbul this week, the network has partnered with organiser Ertico to place young professionals at the centre of the event.
Zag Daily sat down with Anna on-site, who – joined by the youngest member of her network, her baby daughter – reflects on the need for greater inclusion, better access to opportunity and urgent action to attract and retain the next generation of mobility professionals.
Zag Daily: Can you explain how the Young Mobility Network was founded and what motivated it?
Anna: “The Young Mobility Network was founded during COVID in 2020. At the time, it was quite hard to get out and meet people, so we started as a small digital group. We wanted to expand our horizons, get to know other companies and projects and connect in the evenings with guest speakers. That was really the starting point. From there, it grew into a network of over 900 young professionals. We quickly moved from digital into more in-person activities such as meet-ups, field trips, company visits and events. Our mission today is to support young professionals in building networks, sharing knowledge and empowering each other within the transport industry.”
Zag Daily: As a young professional yourself, was that gap in networking something you personally experienced?
Anna: “Yes, absolutely. I started at Deutsche Bahn and had a training programme which gave me good networking opportunities within the company. But I was missing that connection outside of it, the chance to see what other companies were doing across Europe and beyond. I was part of networks like Women in Mobility in Germany which are great but there was nothing specifically for young professionals.”
Zag Daily: Do you see strong interest from young people in the transport sector?
Anna: “Yes, among those already engaged, there is a lot of interest and enthusiasm. However, many struggle to access opportunities. I know students who are looking for jobs or internships and becoming frustrated when they cannot find them, which can push them towards other industries. We need to bridge that gap by understanding their needs better and involving them earlier whether through internships, university collaborations or project-based work.”
Zag Daily: How should companies support young professionals once they are in the industry?
Anna: “It is important to give them responsibility but in a structured and supportive way. They need space to grow and also to make mistakes. A healthy failure culture is important where mistakes are part of learning but not catastrophic. Finding that balance is not easy but it is essential for developing confident and capable professionals.”
Zag Daily: Was there a strong student presence here at ITS Istanbul?
Anna: “Yes, it was really good to see. A lot of students came along from Paris, including a delegation from a university offering a Masters in Smart Mobility. That was particularly interesting. I would say the average age was probably mid twenties, so quite a young group overall.”
Zag Daily: How do you help people connect at these events, especially those attending alone?
Anna: “That is a very real challenge and I experienced it myself early on. What we do is create a sense of community so people have a clear touchpoint. We organise formats that actively support networking. For example, for this Congress in Istanbul, we hosted a talent matchmaking session where companies gave short pitches and introduced themselves. At the same time, we prepared young professionals with tips on how to network effectively. We also run guided tours of exhibitions and attend sessions together as a group. That creates a safer and more comfortable environment, which helps people engage and connect.”
Zag Daily: The transport sector remains statistically male-dominated. Do you see that reflected among young professionals and how do you address it?
Anna: “Yes, it is definitely reflected. There are more men than women in the Young Mobility Network, which mirrors the wider industry. We are actively working to improve that balance. We collaborate with organisations such as Women in Mobility in Germany and Women in Transport in the UK to run joint activities. Internally, we also ensure representation by having women in leadership roles within our regional hubs.”
Zag Daily: You have brought your baby to the Congress. Is it difficult to participate in events like these as a parent?
Anna: “It’s certainly not without its challenges. You need a strong support system and it can be exhausting. But it is important to create environments that are more welcoming for parents. Many events, especially evening ones, are difficult for people with young children to attend. Small changes could make a big difference, such as having a quiet room, a play area or basic facilities for families. It is not only about women either. It would be great to see more fathers attending with their children as well.”
Zag Daily: What broader changes would you like to see to make the sector more accessible?
Anna: “There are several areas to consider. We need to think about young people, women, parents and also people with disabilities, who are often underrepresented. I would also like to see more engagement with school children as that is when interest in careers begins to form. Simple initiatives such as public days or interactive activities could help spark that interest early on. Small, practical changes can already go a long way.”
Zag Daily: What is your biggest piece of advice for people new to networking in the mobility sector?
Anna: “I would highlight three things. First, preparation is key. Think about your goals, which sessions you want to attend and who you would like to meet. Use LinkedIn and social media to let people know you are attending. Second, be present and memorable during the event. Engage, ask questions, and introduce yourself. Do not stay on the sidelines. Third, follow up afterwards. The event is just the starting point. Building relationships takes time, so it is important to stay in touch and nurture those connections.”
