According to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, the number of new Professional Surveyors is increasing. This is subject to vary in different regions; however, it is overall, very encouraging news, considering that in previous years, the numbers were substantially declining. Recently, the demand for Professional Surveyors has been on the rise, in part due to growing requests for new land transactions, developments, commercial lending, and residential home construction.
To keep up demand, we as professionals need to find ways to share the good news about this career opportunity with the next generation. To borrow a hashtag, we need #PEPTalks about surveying by Surveyors. Surveying is not as widely known about as many other jobs relating to development and construction, so we must consider various ways and methods to help us engage the next generation.
For example, when the opportunity arises, we can attend local Career Fairs to educate young individuals on what we do as a Professional Surveyors. Many students don't even know that surveying is a field of study, so this is a great way to share information about our profession. Employing young workers during their Summer break is also an excellent way to educate and train future surveyors.
In addition, attending local STEM meetings and providing information on the profession is a productive way to increase the public's knowledge about the surveying career field. New technologies involved in surveying, such as robotic total stations and drones, are also innovative ways, which could be useful in capturing the attention of new and prospective surveyors. In addition, many faculty members at schools enjoy helping students expand their knowledge and encourage them to explore their individual interests in consideration of their future. Sharing information about this career with local high school counselors and teachers, as well as expanding their awareness of the recent high demand for professional surveyors, is another great way to broaden the interest in this wonderful profession.
The daily experiences of a land surveyor can be very rewarding. Recovering monuments that were established back in the mid 1800's is just one example. Another benefit of the career is seeing a parcel of land go from a wooded plot to an entire neighborhood all due to the initial efforts of a professional surveyor. It is vital to not just show students the professional aspects of a job but also the impact it makes on society. Many people want their job to be something other than just a means of making money, and this is one way to convey that surveying is not just about receiving a paycheck.
Overall, surveying is crucial to society, and it plays a vital role in the future development of our nation's growth. It is essential that we convey this to the next generation, so that this profession can continue to grow and thrive to meet the rising demand.
About the Author: Patrick currently serves as a PEpLS Board member and is the owner of Martino Surveying.
Articles by contributors are not necessarily the viewpoint or opinion of the Mississippi Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Surveyors