Introducing our Brand Ambassador Marco Andrade from Texas, USA
Where did you study? I studied Architecture at Cornell University and graduated with a professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch). I also studied Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at Tyler and graduated with a (B.Science).
What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area?
There are five different ways to qualify to take the exam and upon passing, become an SIT:
- hold a Bachelor of Science in surveying;
- hold a Bachelor’s degree with 32 hours in civil engineering, land surveying, math, photogrammetry, forestry, land law or the physical sciences and one year of experience working under a RPLS;
- hold an Associate’s degree in surveying and have two years of experience working under a RPLS
- have 32 hours in land surveying courses and two years of experience working under a RPLS; or
- graduated from high school, have four years of experience working under an RPLS, and can prove you are self-educated in land surveying.
Once you become an SIT you will practice under an PLS or RPLS for a year and are eligible for take the exam.
How did you get into surveying? Purely by chance while working on a Heavy Civil Job. They offered me a chance to lead a survey team and I took it and ran with it. I have never looked back.
If you are not a surveyor, what do you do? I would probably still be involved in the design/engineering field but in a different capacity.
How long have you been in the industry? Roughly 9 years.
Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? Texas Society of Professional Surveyors, American Society of Civil Engineers
Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I had a rough time finding mentors while I was growing in the field and I wanted to take away obstacles for future generations.
Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Its a growing field that will take you to unexpected and exciting locations and professional opportunities.
What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? I want to show kids there are fun opportunities in the survey field like going camping, exploring rarely visited areas of the world, using new technologies and serving as a go between for many professions.
What are your hobbies? The major hobby would be teaching others. Most of my time is dedicated to learning land surveying, engineering, and architecture. My family takes up the all my other time when I’m not teaching currently.
If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? Probably an armadillo. It’s always digging in the earth and it’s pretty Texan 🙂
What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? Showcasing next gen tech by using it in fun and weird way kids can relate to in real life.
Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? It’s a field that is in desperate need of new members, it will alway be in need, and it is growing in new and exciting ways.