Introducing Desiree Hurst an Experienced Survey Project Manager and Land Surveyor from Texas, USA.
Where/what did you study?
M.S., Geospatial Surveying Engineering, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, Texas
B.A., Mathematics, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas
What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? 2 year or 4 year degree with specific course requirements and experience – Texas. Each state varies throughout the US, my New Mexico licensed required a 4 year surveying degree.
How did you get into surveying? By accident, I was looking for a job after college and didn’t know what I really wanted to do with my math degree. My sister was working with an engineering company that wanted to hire someone with a strong math background they could train in their survey department. I was actually finally qualified for a job (straight out of college which is rare) and I haven’t looked back since.
How long have you been in the industry? Over 14 years.
Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (TSPS)
Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I want to spread the word about the surveying profession, speak with students about career options and get the word out to the public on who surveyors are and what we do.
Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Surveying seems to be a profession that is not often talked about in the STEM world, however, it should be. You hear about Engineers, Architects and construction jobs but never really Surveyors and they work so close with all of these other professions. We not only use math and science in our field but we are get to learn the history or our region history and we get to spend time outdoors.
What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? Utilize the GKiS information and speak with schools, classes and work with my professional society about increasing the word on surveying.
What are your hobbies? Currently, my family. Outside of work I’m a mom to two and haven’t had much time for many other hobbies. We love spending time outside at the park and crafting.
If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? Something Texas themed, we are based solely in Texas, we even have the state in one of our logos.
What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? There are so many great ones already, maybe something on the traditional side of surveying – land and history, oldest profession.