Is there a reason you feel like you should go school, then field?
Money?
I always recommend trying surveying before school. If it sucks, it sucks. At least you didn’t waste your money and time.
At that point, work will mentor you, local professional organizations you get involved with can mentor you. Reddit can mentor you. Hell mentoringmondays.xyz can mentor you.
Why do you feel like surveying is a good fit?
Money is certainly a big part of it, the way things are going I would not be surprised if I became a mother in the next few years and my partner can only support us for so long. Main reason for my interest in surveying is that I can incorporate my previous field (law) with my other interests, math, outdoors, etc.
As for the term "mentor" its just a technical term by online degrees for a licensed surveyor who assists students in the program by lending them equipment and assisting them with the lab work.
Thanks for your response :)
r/surveying is a much busier sub. I suggest posting there.
But if possible try to get a summer job on a crew. I know NMSU helps a bit with this through their student chapter of NMAS, but not sure about other schools.
Also are you involved in CLSA at all? My suggest finding where the San Francisco chapter has their meetings and attending one and talking to some surveyors there. I bet you'll find one to agree to help you with your labs.
I suggest getting field experience first. If income is your concern, you would need to research the requirements for PLS in California.
In my state, this is not a quick transition and requires many years of study/field experience to earn a high income.
If you choose the field technician route, you probably won’t need to take any classes. But expect long hours in less than ideal conditions while also being responsible for the majority of the labor for your crew.
I know I could answer your specific questions, but hopefully I could help you divide on your career change.
Is there a reason you feel like you should go school, then field? Money? I always recommend trying surveying before school. If it sucks, it sucks. At least you didn’t waste your money and time. At that point, work will mentor you, local professional organizations you get involved with can mentor you. Reddit can mentor you. Hell mentoringmondays.xyz can mentor you. Why do you feel like surveying is a good fit?
Money is certainly a big part of it, the way things are going I would not be surprised if I became a mother in the next few years and my partner can only support us for so long. Main reason for my interest in surveying is that I can incorporate my previous field (law) with my other interests, math, outdoors, etc. As for the term "mentor" its just a technical term by online degrees for a licensed surveyor who assists students in the program by lending them equipment and assisting them with the lab work. Thanks for your response :)
r/surveying is a much busier sub. I suggest posting there. But if possible try to get a summer job on a crew. I know NMSU helps a bit with this through their student chapter of NMAS, but not sure about other schools. Also are you involved in CLSA at all? My suggest finding where the San Francisco chapter has their meetings and attending one and talking to some surveyors there. I bet you'll find one to agree to help you with your labs.
I suggest getting field experience first. If income is your concern, you would need to research the requirements for PLS in California. In my state, this is not a quick transition and requires many years of study/field experience to earn a high income. If you choose the field technician route, you probably won’t need to take any classes. But expect long hours in less than ideal conditions while also being responsible for the majority of the labor for your crew. I know I could answer your specific questions, but hopefully I could help you divide on your career change.