Introducing our latest Brand Ambassador Andra Catias from Romania!
Where did you study? Technical University of Constructions Bucharest – (utcb.ro)
What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? You need to have a degree in this domain, that means 4 years degree. You can apply for a master degree if you want but that extra one is not essential to survey.
How did you get into surveying? I had friends in this domain, and it sounded very interesting when they discussed this world (the surveyors world). I was very passionate about Geography as a child, and the world in general, and the concept of measuring it – it blew my mind.
If you are not a surveyor, what do you do? I started as a surveyor, but now I process point clouds (it’s easier at the office
How long have you been in the industry? I graduated in 2014.. so 8 years already. I did some practical work during college but I don’t count those.
Are you part of any associations or organizations you would like us to mention? I’ve been the executive director at 90 DEGREE since 2021.
Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I struggled myself as a kid (and my parents are simple fellows, they did not know how to guide me to find a work field for me) because I did not know what I want to be as a grownup; (242) NF – When I Grow Up – YouTube I want to pass some of the aspects of our world to the young ones, maybe some of them need guidance and they don’t know that this option exists.
Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? They need to understand some basic concepts, that we are very important in this entire world, they learn about maps etc, but nobody mentions us, nowhere. And in this way, we, the ambassadors, can also be an example for them, and guide them to a future job, why not?
What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? First I will reach out to some English teachers, because it’s the only place where those materials can be used (since we don’t speak English as the first language, and it’s going to be impossible for me to translate them) and try to include some lessons during the English classes. I think this is going to be the first step. I also have a niece that lives near us and she’s 5, and I will try to discuss with her, and his teachers if there will be a possibility to join some classes with them to explain what we do.
What are your hobbies? Reading (also, I’m obsessed with the Auschwitz fenomen – I have lots and lots of books about this subject), hiking, puzzles (I just love them).
If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? My husband associates me with Taz, the Tasmanian devil from Looney Tunes, so I think this will be the one 😊 or a Flamingo 😊
What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? Some puzzles 😊 since I mentioned that I love those. And it will be great to have a poster with some tourist attractions from Romania, but first you should come visit it. Also, some merch – cups, t-shirts, stickers, etc (maybe you can create something like a geospatial first aid kit – don’t ask me what should be inside – but definitely I will buy it).
Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? Not for now, no; but you can always reach me out via social media 😊