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Brand Ambassador ‘Grady Rowley’

Introducing Grady Rowley from Saskatchewan, Canada!

Where did you study?

Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Geomatics from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

Bachelor’s Degree of Education from the University of Regina

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? You must have completed a program that has been accredited by the Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors (CBEPS) or you must have challenged and passed all 13 of the exams administered by CBEPS. With a valid Certificate of Completion from CBEPS, a prospective student can then article under an existing member from the provincial Land Surveyors’ association. In Saskatchewan, there are 4 additional professional exams to write, alongside an oral defence/ interview regarding two survey projects you must complete.

How did you get into surveying? I was fortunate enough to know a husband and wife who were both Professional Land Surveyors; they were the ones that started me on this path.

How long have you been in the industry? I have been in the industry since 2014.

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? I am currently a member of the Saskatchewan Land Surveyors’ Association.

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? Aside from being a Professional Land Surveyor, I am also a Licensed Educator. As such, I spend a lot of time in schools and having access to the GKiS resources allows me to spread the gospel of survey to other educators.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Aspects of the Geospatial industry are dying. It is vital for kids to know that this is an option for them in the future, but it is also important for them to know how the absence of these professionals may impact their future life.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? I am going to continue to educate kids, teens, and adults about Land Surveying and the Geospatial industry as a whole. Again my access to the school system means that I have ample opportunities to provide demos and information.

What are your hobbies? I really enjoy music and singing andI like to play all types of instruments (i.e. Banjo, Guitar, Piano). Also I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t into video games.

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? The logo for my company is a bull, in part because the local area that I service is heavily dominated by ranching, but also because I am trying to pay respects to my professional predecessors who relied on astronomic information for establishing direction. So, perhaps some sort of minotaur looking thing would be the way to go for a GKiS character.

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? I’d love to work with GKiS to help create lessons for teachers that would satisfy curriculum needs in different jurisdictions. 

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? The geospatial industry can quite literally take you anywhere in the world so I hope that Surveyors, through collaboration, can elevate the profession back into the upper echelon of society where it belongs.

 

 

Character Spotlight ‘LES’

Introducing Levelling Equipment Services our latest sponsors! Check out their latest Homework Project ‘Construction Under Control‘

Company Name – Levelling Equipment Services Ltd.

Location – Celbridge, County Kildare, Ireland.

Why is it important for your company to help Get Kids into Survey? – We recognise there is a significant skill shortage of geospatial professionals within the AEC industry. This has resulted in an unfair expectation being placed on recent graduates of engineering or construction management degrees, to fill this gap. This inevitably has resulted in poor project coordination and in-turn costly rework and schedule delays. We believe the career opportunities for geospatial professionals is limitless, especially in the data driven world which we see today.

What do you do? At LES we sell, hire and services surveying equipment and construction tools, but more importantly, we build long lasting relationships with our clients as we become trusted advisors as we consult them on their geospatial requirements and considerations. My personal role within LES, is to tackle coordination issues or challenges with my clients and advise them not only on the right hardware and software to use, but also the right methodology.

How long have you been in the survey industry? I have been in the survey industry for the last 8 years

How did you end up getting into the geospatial industry? By pure luck, and also my mam. If she didn’t find the Geomatics course in Bolton street DIT, I probably would have ended up in some sort of engineering degree. I always had an affinity for construction as my Dad runs his own construction company.

Favourite piece of kit and why? I absolutely love the Leica MS60. In my eyes, it is the pinnacle of precision, productivity and flexibility. 

Favourite Survey technique and why? Traverse adjustments and network analysis. I personally love the challenge of taking raw observations, interrogating that data, and adjusting that data until you find the most optimal solution.

Your website

How did you choose the character and what does he/she/it represent? Mean to you? What’s his/her name? LES-ly the Lion cub represents how young we are as on organisation, but also our hunger to grow in the coming years.

Ambassador Spotlight ‘Jesse White’

Introducing Jesse White from Beaverton, Oregon in the USA:

Where did you study?

I started learning surveying in the United States Navy as an Engineering Aid in the Seabees (NMCB-74).  They gave me a great foundation of fundamentals of surveying and the opportunities to learn as much as I wanted to.  Beyond your technical school, where you learn and hone the minimum skills needed for battalion, they offer continued education classes in surveying and drafting giving me the opportunity to really excel.

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area?

I live in the state of Oregon, and there are three main pathways to become a licensed surveyor of the state.  All pathways require you to pass the Fundamentals of Surveying, Principals and Practices of Surveying, and the State Specific Exam.  Pathway one is achieve a 4-year degree in Land Surveying (or engineering degree) from an accredited program and four years of experience.  Pathway two is to achieve an accredited two-year Land Surveying and six years of experience.  Pathway three is to work hard and get 12 years of qualifying experience.

How did you get into surveying?

The summer between Highschool and College, I was working for my grandfather building a golf course in southern California and I remember one day seeing the surveyor laying out, what I know now to the be the gridlines, the building and when I went over to talk to him about what he was doing he actually stopped and took the time to talk to some 18 year old kid about surveying and how cool it is.  From there I know that along with civil engineering this is something that I wanted to do.  I then decided to join the military and due to having parents and friends in the military I already know about some of the jobs that they offered.   I went into the Navy recruiter’s office and said that I wanted to become an Engineering Aid so I could be a surveyor and that’s all that I wanted to do.

If you are not a surveyor, what do you do?

I think that if I wasn’t a surveyor I would have become a civil engineer.  I actually went to Oregon State University for civil engineering, but it became too costly for me and I had an opportunity to take a job surveying on a huge project and I took the opportunity.

How long have you been in the industry?

I started my surveying career roughly in the beginning on 2001.  So I have been doing this for about 23 years and I love every bit of it.

Are you part of any associations or organizations you would like us to mention?

I am part of our state surveyors organization, Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon (PLSO), a member of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), a member of American Council of Engineering Companies of Oregon (ACEC Oregon), and the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS).

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador?

There is nothing more important to the profession that focusing on our next generation of surveyors.  I would not have gotten to where I am at today had it not been for the great mentors that I have had.  I used to coach 12-under football, both outdoor and arena, and the reward that you get when you see the joy in a child’s eyes when they finally accomplished their goals.  I want to create roughly the same environment to give the opportunity for young individuals to find that love and passion for surveying as well.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry?

Maps! We all need to know how to get somewhere and today we take for granted that we can just pull out that little piece of plastic and electronic parts out of our pockets. 

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS?

My goal as an ambassador is to spread awareness of the Land Surveying & Geomatics profession to all, especially the future generations.  Today with outside influences, STEM industries are being lost in the wake and we need to get back to a point where professions like surveying are at the forefront. 

What are your hobbies?

One of the hobbies that I find myself doing the most is taking pictures with either my camera, phone, or flying one of my drones.  The world is a beautiful place and we need to get out there more to just admire it. 

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be?

Everyone who knows me knew my dog.  She (Augie) was a boxer and I wouldn’t go anywhere without her.  She would go to work with me, to the store, and out to eat.  If she wasn’t allowed in then we wouldn’t go there.  Some places even knew her more than me. My previous dog (Duke) was a boxer too, and he would go to work with me and even wear a survey vest.  So I would have to say that it would be a boxer dog.

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS?

I think that something that we might want to look more into is making video with kids surveying and posting them on the website.

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in?

This is from my website www.360landsurv.com under the educational tab.

I was once asked by one of my mentors, “What is the one thing in this world that no one can take away from you?”  I came up with all sorts of answers before he let me know that “the one thing in this world that no one can take away from you, is the knowledge that you’ve obtained!”  It was this seamlessly innocent question that changed my life.  From that point forward I started taking in information that would help me excel in whatever I was doing and in turn passing on the information that I have gained to others. 

Some people say that learning and studying is a chore and tend to shy away from it.  I don’t know about you, but I grew up with one simple song that was always stuck in my head, “I don’t want to grow up, cause I’m a Toys “R” Us kid!”  Some of the first toys you get as a child are educational toys, like putting the pegs in the hole or finding out what sounds all the animals on Old Macdonald’s farm make.  I don’t see why that joy and fun has to end just because we are getting older.  The only difference between then and now is the different toys we get to play with.

The STEM field is a great place to learn and play with cool toys. If you are a student, teacher, or parent interested in learning more about land surveying and the cool things that we get to do, check out the educational links below or reach out to me to set up a Survey STEM demo day at your school or other event.

Brand Ambassador ‘Edward Atoche’

Introducing Edward Atoche from Lima, Peru:

Where did you study? National University of San Marcos

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? The requirements to be a surveyor in Peru are the following:

                           – Obtain a professional degree in an institute certified by SUNEDU.

                           – The professional surveying career lasts from 2 to 3 years.

How did you get into surveying? I am a geographer engineer specializing in geomatics, when I started my professional practice my cousin who is a cartographer gave me the opportunity to work with him, it was a rewarding and wonderful experience that helped me and encouraged me to continue working in topography, geodesy and photogrammetry.

If you are not a surveyor, what do you do? To teaching on topography issues and also sales of topographic equipment.

How long have you been in the industry? More than 15 years working in topography.

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? For more than 8 years I work in my company EA SURVEY where I provide topography, geodesy and photogrammetry services, as well as training for topography students.

I am also a member of the chapter of engineer geographers in the college of engineers of Peru.

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? Because it seems to me a great initiative to make the surveying career known to children and young people, I always wanted to participate in this type of project and spread this interesting profession related to technology and innovation.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Because it will allow children to know how this interesting career develops and how important it is for the development of certain activities in the world, developing motivation and interest in topography in children.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? Support by publicizing this great initiative on social networks, visiting schools, participating in events and collaborating with GKIS in each of its new projects.

What are your hobbies? My hobby, apart from topics related to topography and geotechnologies, is soccer.

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? A boy with his helmet and his GNSS receiver in his other hand making an all-okay gesture.

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? I would like some application to be developed where, in a didactic way and with a teaching methodology, the child is oriented on general topics of topography, geodesy and photogrammetry.

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? A web platform with which all those involved in this great project can interact and thus develop courses, webinars and training.

Ambassador Spotlight ‘CBI’

Introducing our latest team of Brand Ambassadors from The Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science (CBI). For enquiries please reach out to Seneca Holland.

If you are not a surveyor, what do you do? The Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science (CBI) at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi is an inclusive research environment utilizing geospatial science to support data driven decision making. The institute’s research laboratories develop innovative solutions informed by precise measurements honoring the legacy of the Blucher family and their commitment to surveying and science. CBI pushes the boundaries of geospatial science by applying cutting edge technologies to map, measure, collect and manage big data used to predict our physical environment.

How long have you been in the industry? The Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science was dedicated on May 6, 1987. We just celebrated our 35th Anniversary!

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? The Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science supports the Geographic Information Science, Geospatial Systems Engineering and Geospatial Computer Science Programs at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. The Institute conducts innovative research and encourages scientists and professional engineers to develop and apply technology solutions relevant to surveying, scientific measurements, and to the issues in the Gulf of Mexico region. The Institute has achieved and maintains a national reputation for developing innovative geospatial science research and serves as a focused resource area for geospatial datasets relevant to the coastal environment.

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? For more than 35 years, the Conrad Blucher Institute has endeavored to increase awareness of and education in the fields of geospatial engineering and land surveying. We believe that together we can increase awareness of and broaden participation in the fields of geospatial engineering and land surveying. We can also increase preparation and enhance capacity throughout the region to foster and upskill a diverse workforce. By developing a strong coalition of multisector partners and uniting resources with the expertise of a broad range of stakeholders at local and regional levels, we can improve the resiliency of communities and economies throughout Texas.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? The number of skilled professionals entering the geospatial and land surveying fields has steadily declined and high-paying jobs across Texas are going unfilled. The average age of registered professional land surveyors in Texas is 59. With academic programs in land surveying seeing declines in enrollment, it is increasingly difficult to find new surveyors to step into roles left empty by a retiring workforce.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? The Conrad Blucher Institute, in collaboration with educational and industry partners, is leading the way in promoting and assisting Texas Independent School Districts (ISDs) in establishing this CTE Pathway. We are creating an educational pathway for K-12 students interested in pursuing a degree or career in the fields of geospatial engineering and land surveying. As part of our efforts with high schools in Texas we will bridge GKiS with the GELS CTE program.

What are your hobbies? Conducting measurement science in the Coastal Bend of Texas.

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? A hydrographic surveyor on a boat deploying side scan sonar or a Surfing Surveyor.

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? Instructions and a materials list for activities that can be done with late elementary/middle school students

 

Ambassador Spotlight ‘Sutoidem Theophilus’

Introducing Sutoidem Theophilus from Lagos, Nigeria:

Where did you study?

I studied Geoinformatics & Surveying at the University of Uyo, Nigeria.

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area?

The requirements to become a registered surveyor by law in Nigeria are:

• A first degree in surveying or geomatics.
  • Completion of the mandatory one-year national youth service corps programme.
  • Application for and completion of two years of pupillage/mentorship under a surveyor who has been inpractice for at least five years.
  • Registration for the professional examinations organised by the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON)
  • Submission of a survey folio with a log book(s), sitting for the written papers and attending an oral interviewbefore an examination panel.
  • Scoring at least fifty per cent (pass mark) in all the written papers and folio defence.
  • Attending the induction ceremony where the practising seal is issued to successful candidates and an oathof service is taken before the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON).

How did you get into surveying?

I got into surveying out of the interest I grew with. As a young boy, I was exposed to the construction industry by my father who was a builder and town planner. The frequent site visits and intricacies of the built environment fascinated me a lot. This was a determining factor in my career choice when I was to enrol at the university. I have had a robust share of field experiences as I got into paid employment in my second year at the university.

How long have you been in the industry?

I have been in the industry for eleven years

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention?

I am a registered member of;
  • Nigerian Institution of Surveyors
  • FIG Young Surveyors Network (FIG YSN)
  • Volunteer Community Surveyor Program (VCSP)
  • Young Surveyors Network, Lagos State Branch
  • Land Surveyors United (LSU)
  • We Robotics
  • British Project Management Academy (BPMA)- student member
  • Geospace Survey Network
  • Surveyors Connect

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador?

I am beyond thrilled to convey my deep interest in becoming a Brand Ambassador for the remarkable initiative, Get Kids into Survey. Allow me to articulate why I am wholeheartedly passionate about taking on this role:

  • Nurturing the Next Generation: I firmly believe in the transformative power of education and the significance of introducing young minds to the captivating realm of surveying. As a Brand Ambassador, I envision inspiring and nurturing curiosity among children, unveiling the thrilling possibilities and boundless opportunities within the dynamic surveying industry.
  • Fostering Accessibility in Surveying: Get Kids into Survey is committed to breaking down barriers and making surveying relatable to children from all walks of life. As a Brand Ambassador, I actively aspire to contribute to this mission by orchestrating captivating events, workshops, and educational initiatives that bridge the gap between children and the enchanting world of surveying, transforming it into a fun and interactive voyage for them.
  • Empowering Tomorrow’s Trailblazers: By championing the Get Kids into Survey brand, I aim to empower and embolden the next generation of surveyors to fearlessly pursue their passions. I yearn to become a beacon of inspiration, sharing my journey and experiences, and exemplifying the profound impact surveying can have in shaping the world around us.
  • Driving Diversity and Inclusivity: Diversity and inclusivity are pivotal in every industry, including surveying. As a Brand Ambassador, I will ardently promote diversity, ensuring that children from all backgrounds feel represented and encouraged to explore surveying as a promising career path.
  • Collaborating with a Common Purpose: Embracing the role of a Brand Ambassador entails joining a community of like-minded individuals driven by a shared goal: to inspire and educate the next generation of surveyors. I am thrilled at the prospect of collaborating, learning from others, and collectively fostering positive change within the industry.

Get Kids into Survey has deeply touched my heart and kindled an unwavering passion within me to make a lasting impact on young minds. By assuming the role of a Brand Ambassador, I can contribute my skills, boundless enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to this worthy cause. Together, let’s shape the future of surveying!

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry?

Enlightening children about surveying and the expansive geospatial industry holds tremendous significance for several compelling reasons:

• Unveiling Career Possibilities: Introducing surveying to kids from an early age grants them the opportunity to explore potential career paths they might not have previously considered. This exposure broadens their horizons and unlocks the doors to a field that seamlessly merges science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), presenting abundant prospects for growth and advancement.

  • Practicality: Surveying and the geospatial industry play a pivotal role in our everyday lives. Children who grasp the fundamentals of surveying can genuinely appreciate its contributions to mapping, infrastructure development, urban planning, environmental conservation, and disaster management. Such knowledge enables them to comprehend the vital role these industries play in shaping the world around them.
  • Nurturing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Surveying entails the collection and analysis of data to facilitate informed decision-making. By introducing kids to surveying, we cultivate their critical thinking abilities as they learn the art of measurement, map interpretation, and spatial problem-solving. This analytical mindset instils curiosity and problem-solving acumen, which prove valuable across various aspects of their lives.
  • Embracing Technological Advancements: The geospatial industry constantly evolves, embracing cutting- edge technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and global positioning systems (GPS). By acquainting children with these technologies and their applications, we expose them to state-of-the-art tools that are actively shaping our world. Such exposure ignites an interest in technology, innovation, and research.
  • Promoting Environmental Awareness: Surveying plays a pivotal role in environmental conservation and sustainable development. Children who grasp the concept of surveying understand the criticality of accurate measurements, monitoring our natural resources, comprehending land use patterns, and preserving ecosystems. This knowledge fosters environmental consciousness, instilling a profound sense of responsibility towards our planet.
  • By educating children about surveying and the broader geospatial industry, we inspire them to become future professionals who actively contribute to innovation, sustainable development, and the betterment of society as a whole. Moreover, it empowers them to make well-informed decisions and enables them to appreciate the interconnectedness between humans, the environment, and the built environment.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS?

My initiatives as an ambassador for Get Kids into Survey are comprehensive and focused on promoting the importance of introducing children to the field of surveying. By implementing these actions, I look forward to creating a strong foundation for generating interest and nurturing young talent in the industry. Here’s a summary of the initiatives:

  • Educational Campaigns: I will collaborate to develop campaigns to raise awareness about surveying and its career opportunities.
  • Outreach Programs: I will organize interactive workshops, presentations, and hands-on activities in schools and educational institutions.
  • Online Content Creation: I will create engaging and informative digital content about surveying through blog posts, videos, infographics, and social media campaigns.
  • Mentoring and Internship Programs: Establishing mentoring programs and collaborating with industry partners to provide internship opportunities for aspiring surveyors will be part of my plans as an ambassador.
  • Collaboration with Schools and Institutions: Partnering with educational institutions to include surveying- related topics in their curriculum or extracurricular activities is incorporated in my plan as well.
  • Events and Competitions: I will support and participate in surveying-focused events, competitions, and career fairs.
  • Advocacy and Partnerships: I will engage with policymakers, government bodies, and industry stakeholders to advocate for surveying education and collaborate with organizations in the geospatial industry.

By implementing these initiatives, I will inspire and empower children to explore the field of surveying, fostering a new generation of professionals who can contribute to the industry’s growth and societal development. Good luck with your role as an ambassador for Get Kids into Survey.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are; writing, research, swimming, listening to music across genres etc.

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be?

Setsuko Tanaka (The Eco Warrior)

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS?

As an ambassador for Get Kids into Survey, I believe it would be valuable to develop an interactive online learning platform or educational app specifically designed for children. This resource could offer engaging content and activities related to surveying, tailored to different age groups. Here are some key features and components that could be included in such a resource:
  • Interactive Lessons: The platform could provide interactive lessons that introduce children to the basic concepts of surveying in a fun and accessible way. These lessons could include videos, animations, and interactive quizzes to ensure an engaging learning experience.
  • Virtual Field Trips: Children could embark on virtual field trips to various surveying sites, where they can explore different types of surveying equipment, observe surveying techniques in action, and learn about real-world applications of surveying.
  • Hands-on Activities: The resource could offer a range of hands-on activities that allow children to apply what they have learned. This could involve using simple measuring tools, creating maps, or solving spatial problems.
  • Gamification Elements: Incorporating gamification elements such as points, badges, and rewards can make the learning process more enjoyable and encourage children to actively participate and progress through the content.
  • Career Exploration: The platform could provide insights into different career paths within the surveying industry. This could include profiles of surveying professionals, interviews, and real-life success stories to inspire children and showcase the diverse opportunities available.
  • Community and Collaboration: Creating a community feature where children can interact with peers who share an interest in surveying can foster a sense of belonging and provide a platform for sharing ideas and experiences. It could also enable collaboration on projects and challenges.
  • Resource Library: The resource could include a comprehensive library of educational materials, including downloadable worksheets, additional reading materials, and links to relevant external resources to further enrich the learning experience.
  • Teacher and Parent Resources: To support educators and parents in facilitating the learning process, the platform could provide supplementary resources such as lesson plans, guidance on incorporating surveying into the curriculum, and tips for hands-on activities at home or in the classroom.

By developing such an interactive online learning platform or educational app, Get Kids into Survey can provide children with an immersive and engaging experience that sparks their interest in surveying, promotes STEM education, and empowers them to explore the exciting world of geospatial sciences.

Ambassador Spotlight ‘Luciano Torreblanca’

Welcoming Luciano Torreblanca from San Fernando, Chile:

Where did you study? At the Metropolitan Technological University UTEM of Chile

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? Study a minimum of 2 years.

How did you come to topography? For having studied Geography

How long have you been in the industry? I have been working in Topography for 27 years

Are you part of an association or organization that you would like us to mention? My company COMPGEO

Why do you want to be a GKiS brand ambassador? Because the industry needs to strengthen geotechnological knowledge by training future surveyors from a young age

Why is it important for children to know about surveying and the geospatial industry in general? The new geotechnologies are attractive to children and this allows them to master general knowledge about the types of measurements that are carried out on earth earlier, in this way they can develop specialties that discover new ways of measuring much earlier.

What are you going to do as a GKiS ambassador? Disseminate the brand and train young people and children to be interested in measurement geotechnologies.

What are your hobbies? Walking in unknown places surrounded by nature, playing football and riding a bike with my daughter.

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? It would be a girl with a helmet and a compass in her hand

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? A poster on Easter Island measuring the Moai

Anything else you’d like to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? The installation of a measurement application on cell phones to give it a more positive use.

Ambassador Spotlight ‘Sierra Swartz’

Welcoming our latest Brand Ambassador Sierra Swartz from North Carolina, USA:

If you are not a surveyor, what do you do? As SAM Companies’ Early Talent Management Program Lead, my focus is on promoting surveying as a career choice among high schools, vocational schools, colleges, and universities. SAM acknowledges the importance of early talent engagement to attract future surveyors and expand our industry’s talent pool. Through our efforts, we hope to make surveying a household name, discussed around family dinners just as confidently as any other profession!

How long have you been in the industry? I’ve been working in the geospatial industry for almost a year and a half. Honestly, if I would have known about surveying growing up my career path may have evolved differently. However, I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to introduce today’s youth to new career path ideas.

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? Being a Brand Ambassador with Get Kids Into Survey really aligns with my mission at SAM. I want to continue to promote this initiative on social media and spread awareness.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? It’s common to hear people say that they stumbled upon their profession without realizing its potential beforehand. Surveying is not a well-known occupation, and one that tends to go unnoticed by many. However, this is where effective education comes in. By teaching people, especially the youth, about the importance and benefits of surveying as an occupation – we’re setting the stage for a brighter future.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? My goal is to start engaging younger talent at a middle school level.

What are your hobbies? Running, Backpacking, Snowboarding, Cooking, and Gardening.

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? Setsuko

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? I would love to see some content geared towards attracting middle school & high school students to the profession!