Had the question asked of me by a younger employee “Would you recommend that I should get my licenses and really get into surveying?”
He is capable of doing it too.
I know what I think, but how would you answer that question?
> but how would you answer that question?
Why?
Should I get into surveying ?
I got into it mostly because I like working outdoors. I also really get a sense of satisfaction from helping people with understanding their property issues.
Doing it to get rich not so much; the story i like best "asked what the surveyor would do with his lottery winnings, he replied keep working until it was gone":'(
I think the surveying profession is evolving. I think the future is bright, but moving forward will require one to think outside of the box, and adapt to a changing perception of what our profession actually does.
I believe we will be forced to work more with other spatial professions to manage data, and build a reliable dataset.
The need for quality surveying will not decrease, in my opinion. The need will always be there. The need for more educated surveyors will increase, as we move forward, and as technology continues evolve, so will our equipment.
If your employee enjoys the work, and enjoys learning, I say go for it. I am currently licensed in 5 states, and, if all goes as planned, will start back to school in the fall, to complete by 4 year degree.
I am far from rich, but I live comfortably. I don't live in the fanciest house, but I am warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and have plenty of food in the fridge. I enjoy the fact that as a small business owner, I have complete control over the product that I produce for my client. I have a small group of fellow professionals that we bounce ideas off of, and will review each other's stuff if we run into something that stumps us.
All in all, I am very satisfied, and happy with my career choice. I love what I do, and can honestly say that I cannot picture myself doing anything else.
Should I get into surveying ?
> Had the question asked of me by a younger employee “Would you recommend that I should get my licenses and really get into surveying?”
>
> He is capable of doing it too.
>
> I know what I think, but how would you answer that question?
Some questions a person needs to answer for themselves.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
Should I get into surveying ?
Most of the current surveyors are old. Study your economics on Supply and Demand. Set your fees accordingly and you will be welcome.
Should I get into surveying ?
> “Would you recommend that I get my licenses and really get into surveying?”
As opposed to what?
Very well stated Jimmy.
I agree.
Should I get into surveying ?
> > “Would you recommend that I get my licenses and really get into surveying?”
> As opposed to what?
As opposed to getting out of surveying?
😉
it depends...
Capacity is one piece of the puzzle. The bigger question is desire. It takes a unique combination of traits, desires and pathologies to make a Surveyor. You need part lawyer, part scientist, part biologist and part math whiz. On top of that he has to exhibit beyond normal attention to detail (think anal). Last but not least is an appetite for abuse from bosses and landowners.
Looking at the numbers of new Survey Interns, there should be a supply/demand issue in the near future. This is the perfect time for a young man to get his license.
My .02, Tom
Jimmy, with your permission, I would like to use the vast majority of your reply as part of my message to my Association members at next week's Conference in IL.
I have been searching for the right mix of words with which to encourage students and graduates to push forward; together with reminding the older gents among us that this 40 yr + ride has been worth it.
You did an excellent job of hitting just the right tone and presented a vision for what I also believe is the greatest profession and no better job one could ask for.
Here's to Spring being just around the corner.
Should I get into surveying ?
> As opposed to getting out of surveying?
I mean as opposed to going to university and becoming a doctor, lawyer, engineer or as opposed to just staying a rodman forever? I would have a hard time recommending somebody go to university for 4 years to become a surveyor when he/she could be an engineer for similar effort and money. Engineers just make more money and have more options.
What does his heart tell him?
There is a higher-spirit he can ask for this kind of guidance - for anything.
Ask him where he wants to be in his life in 5 or 10 years.
Depending on his age, I'll bet a dollar to dookie he can't answer.
That's a question I cannot answer still.
I'm going on 55 and still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
I can't really say any more than that.
E.
Feel free. We're all friends here.
Should I get into surveying ?
I was just being a little smart a$$. Sorry, cabin fever.
Should I get into surveying ?
Things are going to change dramatically, over the next couple decades. Attend this years state conference and tell me the ratio of attendees over and under the age of 40. That's what I thought; about 10 to 1. How many of those over 40 will be over 60 in 20 years? :-S yep, all of them......
How has the way we collect data, changed in the last 20 years? How will it change in the next 20?
Yes.
Maybe you are asking the wrong question
How do you get OUT of surveying?
It's a lifetime disease!
🙂
N
> Had the question asked of me by a younger employee “Would you recommend that I should get my licenses and really get into surveying?”
I've thought about how you answer this kind of question a number of times. It is indeed a quandary.
I can't really say anything glamorous like "you don't pick surveying, it picks you"...that's kinda dumb.
But I can draw from my experiences and relate those to the younger folks that work in our field.
The first time I realized the party chief didn't necessarily know what he was doing was a solidifying moment in my path toward a career in surveying.
The first time I followed another surveyor and found "rookie" mistakes made by someone licensed and forty years my senior was another turning point.
The first time I actually laid out a boundary survey and realized I had to draw upon every bit of experience I had picked up was eye opening. I not only had to know what I knew, I had to know what I didn't know. I knew then I was a surveyor.
When I felt I could add to the endless process of surveying and retracement and could improve not only the precision of the field work, but the recordation. The recordation that one day would eventually been viewed by someone else...and the circle would begin anew.
That's when I knew I had to be a surveyor. Once I made up my mind, the path to licensure was rhetoric.
Sooo, in a nutshell, I believe it's a personal commitment to a time honored process. A commitment that requires a passion. Folks having that hutzpah in their hearts already know the answer to the question "Should I get into surveying?" B-)
Should I get into surveying ?
I believe it is a credit to one's personal development when one of your mentors calls you and asks you questions.
I have been very blessed to have had great mentors in my career. I am still friends with all of them. I still talk to them, and just saw one of them tonight at a planning commission meeting. We picked up on a conversation we started a few weeks ago in the phone about a question he had about some gps measurements.
It is very rewarding to be able to offer advice/a suggestion to a mentor that taught me so much early on in my career, and help him figure out a situation that he was having trouble with.
This goes back to my statement earlier in this thread. This is a great profession, filled with great professionals. Some of the best, most professional people I have ever met are surveyors.