I've been thinking about a career change, and surveying is something that appeals to me.
I've seen people throw out the term "button pusher", which has me a little worried. I'm hoping this profession is a little more involved, so I thought who better to ask then the people in it.
How do you get started? Because of my current profession, I would be starting from scratch. Is this career something I could jump right into? Would I have to go back to school? Is there an apprenticeship program?
A concern of mine is that I'm 35yrs old, I'm worried I might be too old to start?
What made you decide to become a surveyor?
Tell me your most memorable moment.
What do you find most/least rewarding about this career?
For people in the Ottawa, ON area (hopefully there are a few) what is the employment situation like?
Replies
Too old to start at 35? I don't think so.
Surveying is the best job in the world.
Patrick,
Glad to see new blood interested in our profession. I started as a rodman, just out of high school at 17 years old. I did not have the option to go to college. Here I am, 30 years later, a licensed Land Surveyor. I loved it from the word go!! I was lucky to have been mentored by older experienced Land Surveyors who took great pride in sharing their experience with others. Me personally, would share any information or knowledge I have with anyone who would take an interest. Yes, you can get a college degree and become a licensed surveyor, but good old hands-on experience cannot be beaten. Good Luck in your venture.
Justin - I think that's one of my biggest concerns, people not willing to share their knowledge. Is it because people are insecure about job security or is there another reason? If yes, is it justified?
Paul - Thanks for the helpful reply, I appreciate it. I'm in Canada. You're career path sounds like what I want to do... work in the field while going to school, hopefully that's possible here.
Hey Patrick,
As someone of a similar age, who has recently made the change into a new career, I could not recommend it highly enough.
The career is certainly not just a "button pusher" and it can be extremely technical depending on what you might want to specialise in.
I am not sure where you are from, but it could be anything from a certificate course to a masters degree. The biggest benefit I found was that I was able to work in the industry from day one. It was only as an assistant, but in only 12 months, I now find myself working my own jobs, with a vehicle, and I get a range of work, both inside and outside, in a range of different environments (and weather).
I wouldn't swap it for the world. My long term goals are to gain as much experience here in Australia as i can, finish at least half of my course (4 years in total) then move to Canada. It seems to be a profession, where you can earn very reasonable money and take your skills to stable employment, anywhere in the world.
Don't worry about being too old, being a little older has been a benefit to me. Although I have struggled a little with some of the maths etc, it becomes easier as you continue and with a mature outlook and proven work history, an employer will not hesitate to give you more responsibility as soon as you can prove you're earned it.
Good luck!
Hey Paul,
I am currently in the same boat as Patrick, considering a career change in my 30's and surveying has piqued my interest.
I was also considering starting out in Australia, so interested in hearing more detail about how things work there, if you can share some experience? For example, did you start working before your qualification and are you doing them in conjunction (or just working during out of term time)?
If you started work first, was it difficult to start without any qualifications?
Cheers,
Jason
Never too old to start! Ā Surveyors are a tough bunch to crowd source information from, unfortunately. But hopefully someone will come along with some helpful advice!