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Introducing Brand Ambassador Katrina Olsen, covering California, USA:
Where did you study? California State University of Fresno with a BS in Surveying Engineering in 1991 (currently this degree is Geomatics Engineering).
What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? In the State of California you need 6 years experience and to pass a surveyor in training exam, Federal Exam (USA), and State Specific Exam. The six years can be all on the job experience or a 4 year degree at an accredited university with 2 additional years of experience.
How did you get into surveying? I was thinking I wanted to be an architect and my mother suggested I take a surveying class my second semester at college, and I thought, sure why not. During my first summer I worked as an intern on a surveying crew and instantly knew this was my calling! I finished my schooling, went to work and got licensed. I’ve always been happy with my career decision and wouldn’t pick a different path if I could do it all over again.
How long have you been in the industry? 31 years
Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? I am a member of NSPS (National Society of Professional Surveyors), CLSA (California Land Surveyors Association), and have been active and an officer of our local San Joaquin Valley Chapter of CLSA for years. I’ve helped dozens of kids earn their Surveying Merit Badge through Boy Scouts.
Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I think it is important to expose kids (and all of society) to what we do. I had no idea this was a career path and I don’t want others to miss this amazing opportunity. There is diverse opportunities (office/field) and we use our brains and out brawn. We need more surveyors to ensure quality of infrastructure and property rights around the globe. I think it is very important, in a male dominated field, to see women performing and succeeding in this profession. I own my own business and would love to be an example for others.
Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry?. Knowing the history and how things relate to each other are key – this is what surveying is about. It goes way beyond just measuring.
What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? I’m hoping to do outreach at local schools and public events to showcase our amazing profession.
What are your hobbies? I enjoy working…LOL, no seriously it is so rewarding and fun (new tech and old history).. I also enjoy hiking, skiing, genealogy and scrapbooking.
If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? A female land surveyor with pig tails finding old surveying markers like they were buried treasure out in the woods.
What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? What is available is amazing. I’ll speak up when I see a need.
Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? This profession offers WAY more than you can imagine… new tech (GSP, Lidar & drones), programming and computers (GIS), construction, boundary and law, small local & large global projects, private and public job opportunities, problem solving, historical records, rural and urban… the list goes on and on.
