Your path into surveying doesn’t have to be confusing. Here’s the guidance many wish they had when they started.

For many years in this profession, one thing I have consistently observed is the uncertainty young surveyors and geomatics students experience when trying to find their footing or choose a career path in such a vast industry. And I understand that feeling very well, because when I started, guidance was scarce. Most of us learnt through trial, error, and the patience of those who took the time to teach us.

Surveying today is much bigger and more dynamic than it was when I first held a GNSS receiver. Back then, most of our work was focused on boundaries, levelling, and construction. However, as the years went by, I watched the industry expand into hydrography, drone mapping, CORS network operations, LiDAR scanning, GIS analytics, and now even geospatial data science. Many young professionals don’t realise the numerous opportunities available within this field. Your strength may not be in traditional land surveying alone; you may find yourself excelling in drone photogrammetry, marine mapping, 3D scanning, or engineering. The earlier you understand the diversity of this profession, the faster you can position yourself where you truly fit.

One piece of advice I always give is this: learn beyond your job description. Observe what other professionals in your team are doing. It could be the CAD technician drafting the plan, the hydrographer setting up the echo sounder, the drone pilot planning a mission, or the GIS analyst processing data. There may come a time when those people are no longer around, and you will be the only one available. It will be a shame if you cannot step up simply because you didn’t pay attention. These little efforts, watching, learning, and asking questions, are what set you apart. They prepare you for bigger responsibilities and position you for leadership roles long before you even realise it.

Tools also matter greatly. Over the years, I have trained and worked with numerous young surveyors, and I have noticed that those who take technology seriously rise faster. GNSS receivers, total stations, drones, scanners, GIS software, and CAD tools are now integral to our everyday work. I still remember the first time I processed a drone dataset on a major project; it changed my entire understanding of speed, accuracy, and efficiency. To succeed, master the old, embrace the new, and stay curious.

And then, there is the part nobody tells you early enough: success starts with curiosity, not money. When I started working under my superiors, I was not driven by money. I was focused on gaining knowledge and equipping myself for the future. Some of us were not even paid site allowances back then, yet it never stopped us from getting to the site early and doing the job with commitment. We knew what we wanted to become, and we understood that learning was the real investment.

I was more concerned with building myself, sharpening my skills, and laying a strong foundation. And because of that mindset, when opportunities came, I was ready. In fact, it was that attitude, that willingness to learn beyond what I was paid for, that positioned me for the first major job, which gave me the financial push to start my own company.

Today, many young surveyors are too focused on “how much will you pay me?” even before they learn the basics. Even while on the job, some are not curious enough to expand beyond classroom knowledge. They want the rewards but are unwilling to put in the groundwork. But the truth remains: skills attract opportunities, and opportunities attract the money you are chasing.

Certifications also play a major role. Over the years, I have seen how SURCON registration, HSE certifications, GIS training, and even licensed drone piloting can set a young surveyor apart. Employers want more than classroom theory; they want people who have taken the extra step.

When I began guiding young surveyors, I noticed how quickly their confidence grew once they completed just one or two relevant certifications. It’s like it switches something on inside them.

But nothing compares to practical field experience. I have mentored students who felt lost until they stepped onto an actual site, whether it was a topographic survey in a congested estate, a bathymetric grid on a river in Nigerian ports, an equipment testing, or a monitoring job that tested both patience and precision. Fieldwork teaches discipline, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in ways no lecture can. It also exposes you to real world challenges: equipment downtime, unpredictable weather, client pressure, and the need to think quickly. These are the experiences that build a true professional.

The truth is, the industry is evolving faster than ever. New roles continue to emerge, such as LiDAR specialists, CORS network engineers, drone operations lead, and geospatial analysts. I have watched young surveyors thrive in positions that didn’t even exist when I started. This is why mentorship is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. Someone needs to help you navigate this changing landscape, avoid common mistakes, and discover your strengths. I have mentored enough young professionals to know that sometimes, all a person needs is direction.

If you’re beginning your journey in surveying or geomatics, let me tell you this: there is a place for you here. Stay curious, stay teachable, invest in your skills, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This profession rewards those who are willing to learn and grow. And companies like OTIC Surveys Limited will continue to support the next generation, not just with equipment and projects, but with genuine mentorship, real exposure, and real guidance that prepares you for a successful career.

Your future in this field is bright. All you need is the right start and the willingness to keep growing.

Bad roads are more than an inconvenience—they are costly, unsafe, and reflect poor planning and execution.

Bad roads are more than an inconvenience—they are costly, unsafe, and reflect poor planning and execution.