I know a lot of the people on this forum work in the railroad industry and so I wanted to pose the following hypothetical. I’m currently 30 years old with 8 years of experience in the financial services industry (investment banking and private equity investing). This job, while interesting, is not what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have a strong interest in the railroad industry but while I’ve read a lot about it, I have no practical experience. In a few years when I get tired of the Wall Street thing, would there be a path for me to get into the railroad industry? I’d be interested in a CFO or similar position at a large shortline. Would this be an appealing job and, if so, could I get it? Any thoughts on this idea greatly appreciated.
Brad
they always need someone to clean the toilets.
Is that your area of responsibility? I doubt you could afford me.
Most of the short lines these days are owned by larger companies, i.e., companies that own several railroads, and one CFO does the job for all of them. I’m sure there may be opportunities for getting in on the ground floor at some operations, but doubt that they’ll be very large. Also, by the time we hear about prospective shortline operations around here, the company taking them over is pretty well established.
I don’t know if this would work, but you might try a trade publication like Railway Age or Progressive Railroading. They (at least the former) have a classified section that includes employment opportunities, and I’m sure I’ve seen a “position wanted” ad there before, too.
I suggest you start building a network with the finanical community serving railroads.
Check out the American Shortline Association. Try to find out the larger shortline holding companies, Progressive Rail, Rail American, Geenesse and Wyoming, Anacosta Pacific, etc. bankers. There are also many firms leasing locomotives and cars to shortline railroads. The trade magazines CShaveRR mentions occasionally put on rail conferences for the financial community. See who the speakers are at these conferences or attend some your self. Lastly, check out the anaylists following rail stocks.
nice. real nice. Local nut strikes again.
That is generally outsourced to contractors.
A alternative would be to work for a large RR at a lower level mgt position - even as a mgt trainee - to gain some experience and then leave to do short line work. The problem with shortlines is that there are two large conglomerates that own a large percentage of all the shortlines and then a bunch of small mom & pop types. Slim pickings in the medium - sized category.
You can find out what the large RRs are looking for by visiting their web site.