Hi.
One of my second year students has a work opportunity over the summer. He's in hydrographic surveying rather than land surveying but I still think he asks a neat question to which you'll have your individual answer! He asks, "What 5 points would you impart to someone about to set off on their first job?"
Thank you for your responses,
Vic
1) Learn as much as you can; don't be afraid to ask questions
2) Show up on time and ready to work every day
3) Don't do the minimum; if you see something that needs doing, do it
4) If you're not sure about something, ask someone
5) Don't do anything that you recognize as being foolhardy or unsafe. Even the "new guy" who is lowest on the totem pole has stop work authority
The best overall pieces of advice I can give someone entering the work force are be accountable for your actions, behave ethically, always do your best, and never stop trying to learn. How you do a job when no one is watching and you won't get any credit or recognition for it is what defines you as a worker. If you're an entry level rodman, be the rodman that the party chiefs want on their crew.
If you really have the solutions, you will never be without a job.
Save money,make connections & start your own company as soon as possible.
Nothing more valuable than having control of your own time.
Dont be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
1. Show up on time and focused on the day ahead.
2. Listen, listen, listen...which is different from hear, hear, hear.
3. Learn what is taught and what you might need to learn on your own to advance your position.
4. Be the BEST and what you do, go above and beyond what is expected.
5. Realize that no one is going to give you anything, you have to reach out and take what you want. In order to do that you have to be the best, work the hardest and have clients that will only work with you. As you progress you may work many unpaid hours in order to satisfy the needs of your clients, but if keep your clients happy it will payoff in the end.
One more thing, treat all your clients like they are number 1, weather they are 2% of your billings or 98%.
Performing good work, on time and budget will get you far in your career.
The fact he asked THAT question speaks loads about how he was brought up...
1. move with purpose
2. act like you give a rip
3. respect the experience of those teaching you
4. show up and be there; engage
5. compete in the game of life
Thank you.
My own answer was:
[INDENT=1]Stephen,[/INDENT]
[INDENT=1]What an interesting question! IÛªm going to ask my media sites that one![/INDENT]
[INDENT=1] [/INDENT]
[INDENT=1]Be flexible and muck in with whoeverÛªs doing anything as long as it doesnÛªt distract you from the responsibilities with which youÛªre charged.[/INDENT]
[INDENT=1]Be serious, dedicated, paying attention to detail (including behaviour (alcohol/ respecting peopleÛªs religions/ opinions), dress & timekeeping; ready to learn; never say you know because youÛªve been to Uni.[/INDENT]
[INDENT=1] [/INDENT]
[INDENT=1]Discover the local geodetic parameters, write them down; see what others are using and fit in; practise speaking the terms appropriately.[/INDENT]
[INDENT=1]Pay attention to calibrations and error checking routines; take notes; watch the error statistics.[/INDENT]
[INDENT=1] [/INDENT]
[INDENT=1]Read a standard, basic textbook[/INDENT]
[INDENT=1] [/INDENT]
[INDENT=1]Vic[/INDENT]
[INDENT=1]Up to date Passport; Injections; Chargers[/INDENT]
I am forwarding your responses to Stephen. You have been the best responders but I'll post replies I receive from Twitter/ LinkedIn later.
Victor.Plymouth, post: 373861, member: 11292 wrote: Hi.
One of my second year students has a work opportunity over the summer. He's in hydrographic surveying rather than land surveying but I still think he asks a neat question to which you'll have your individual answer! He asks, "What 5 points would you impart to someone about to set off on their first job?"
Thank you for your responses,
Vic
Lee's answers were great so I will just say ditto to those.
I would tell every student going into their first professional position:
"You have had X number of classes in surveying. You are well acquainted with the basics in most areas and beyond in several areas. You are now going to work with people who may have a similar educational background plus experience or may have grown professionally through self-guided education and experience. Do not embarrass yourself by assuming you know more than any of those people. If you believe you have knowledge that can help on the job, by all means volunteer what you know. If your crew chief/manager/boss uses a different method, learn from it and see if there is a reason they choose that method over your idea. You may be have been right or you may learn something new."
Thanks. I'm interested how the strength of opinion (above and below) is on behaviour than in scientific knowledge or technical skills.
Other responses ...
From LinkedIn
I'd tell them not to be afraid to ask questions
Think before you speak. The employer may think you're quiet but they'll respect that you've thought through your response. Also, there are no stupid questions, asking shows that you're listening and taking an interest. Also, be presentable
If they say they are going to do something, then do it. If you don't know how to do something ask. Take time to get to know everyone you can in every department and speak to them about their own spheres of activity in their own language. Treat everyone with respect. Volunteer for everything that will get you ahead directly or indirectly.
From Twitter
Ask questions!
Exceptional organisation and time management
Good presentation in all your work.
1. Pack light
2. Read all the manuals
3. Check your offsets twice!
4. Befriend the cooks/ stewards on board
5. Don't stress.
Be punctual
