Introducing Desiree Hurst an Experienced Partner | Survey Director from Texas, USA.
Where did you study? M.S., Geospatial Surveying Engineering Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX
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- B.A., Mathematics, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
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- What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area?
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- It varies by state to state. In Texas it was a 4 year degree when I was licensed now it is a 2 year degree.
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- How did you get into surveying?
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- I fell into surveying shortly after I graduated from college. I was wanting to change career paths when my sister told me about a job opening for a survey technician where the Director of Surveying wanted someone with strong math skills (my undergraduate degree is in math). I had no idea what surveying was or what I was getting into, but I took the job, discovered an amazing career I enjoyed, and the rest is history.
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How long have you been in the industry?
I’m coming up on 18 years in the industry.
Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention?
- Texas Society of Professional Surveyors – Director
- Education Forum TSPS DFW Representative
- NCTX Aerial Robotics Advisory Committee – Industry Partner (https://www.nctxaerialrobotics.com/services)
- Educational Service Center Regional 11 Industry Advisory Board – Industry Partner
Why are you volunteering as a GKiS Brand Ambassador?
I wanted to find avenues to help spread the word about surveying and this amazing profession. GKiS is a great organization that has material that younger kids can understand and relate to. I believe learning about career options early can help the survey profession grow.
Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry?
The survey profession is not one that is widely known as a career option. I had no idea that surveying was a profession when I was in college or even afterwards. I was lucky to have a family member that introduced me to someone in the profession that mentored me. I believe if we reach out to kids and teenagers, they may find a career path or an interest in an area that they didn’t know could be a profession. I don’t think many people realize how the geospatial industry is all around us and necessary for development and growth.
What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS?
As a result of being an ambassador I was able to connect with the NCTX Aerial Robotics Initiative. This has helped me work with and affect change in my local area. We have recently been able to get a Regional Program of Study in Geospatial Engineering and Land Surveying approved to be taught in High Schools in our region. I hope to be able to use the connections and materials from GKiS to continue to work with my local schools and society to continue to help with the education of our youth.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Currently it is chasing my three young children around and taking them to their activities. I have an almost 2, 9 and 6 years old. They are already very familiar with surveying and love coming to visit me at work.
If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be?
I created a GKiS character of my pug that I rescued after college, Tobbie. I lost him to cancer several years ago and would love to create another character of his best buddy, Tonka. They were the perfect pair and enjoyed life to the fullest.
What resource would you like to see next from GKiS?
I love the school resources and want to see more activities that can be done with groups of children. I think they really enjoy hands on activities.