California Surveyors Forums

I have over 20 years experience working in the field and I'm finding it difficult to break into the office side of our profession as I need the experience to grow and learn and also to qualify for the State exam. Any advice on a direction to take would be much appreciated. Thanks.

that's a tough situation.
First, I would attend all chapter meetings... network as best you can.
You may need to Relocate and take a low paying job. That sucks.

Perhaps you can get some part time qualifying work in addition to what you do now.

best of luck

Peter Ehlert wrote:that's a tough situation.
First, I would attend all chapter meetings... network as best you can.
You may need to Relocate and take a low paying job. That sucks.

Perhaps you can get some part time qualifying work in addition to what you do now.

best of luck

Thank you, great advice to act on.

Is there anyone in the office itching to work in the field?
Maybe you could trade places and mentor each other.

Are you working for an Operating Engineers signatory firm?

I understand field and office can be very segregated in the Operating Engineers.

If you have talked with the Principal in your firm and they can not help you to get the experience you need, I would consider CALTRANS or another public agency. CALTRANS has some good training programs.

Seeking out training outside of the workplace will be a big help in getting started. It will show your employer that you are motivated to learn.
You can find online courses at colleges such as Great Basin College and others. Basic CAD skills would be a good place to start.

If you do not have your LSIT yet, make that your #1 priority. Search out and attend LIST exam prep courses. Talk to other surveyors and find out how they got started. It will take persistence and it may even require making a change in employment, but it can be done.

I think the conventional "office" requirement is rather antiquated given the advancement of new field to finish technologies. In many instances, the field surveyor is performing many of the traditional office functions with field computers and newer devices. Perhaps that requirement can be modified in some way?

I don't know Mike, but I doubt that button pushing in the field would equate to the required Office Experience.

I hope not.
that seems like basic tech work to me...

Perhaps.

Just a thought. The technology is very advanced.

Mapping, Exhibits, Legals, Contracts, these items take office time to learn.

Brian

I know it is hard to do but have a hart to hart with the person who is signing your paycheck, get in the office even if you need to change
jobs.

Yes, they do, of course.