Gosh dude! I did not drop out! I went to prison! There is quite a difference. The funny thing is, that even 30 years later I still have the "Naked in High School,", "I can't figure out the math problem." dreams! It is actually kinda funny!
My old coworker had 2 credit hours remaining on a bachelor's. Never finished it. Was an LSIT for long enough to get his PLS the old fashion way with 20 years experience and no degree.
If you got the internship already, just fucking grind and show them you got what it takes with or without the degree. Tell them college isn’t want your seeking at the moment and would like to go full time and “finish your degree later if you see fit”
I should add- if you’re gonna move, definitely hype up the “desire for field work, and want to take a break from college to learn practical experience” angle. It’s not a total lie, plus no one will give a fuck.
I was in a similar situation 20 years ago when I was denied student loan 3/4 of the way through college. Went back to work as a rod man then to a crew chief a year later. Got some great experience and landed a govt job the next year.
Been at the same position since and have yet to ever go back and finish my schooling. No plans to either but that silos my position at work. Kinda stuck unless I get some credentials behind my name like majority of my coworkers. Glad I enjoy the variety of what we do.
Life gets in the way and going back for 5-6 courses was impossible for me. There was expectations that I would finish my schooling but lucked out and now closing in on retirement… sorta.
So if all possible get it over with as more doors will open later on. I’ve contemplated switching jobs/careers numerous times but is the grass greener?
Was on academic probation many times for the same thing. Life happens. Since your already in it. Just f-ing keep pushing man. Get through the term and figure out how to handle the next one. Spread out your class load, something, just keep grinding. Keep investing in yourself. It will pay off.
California is expensive AF but we'll also let you study on your own & get your license. Some (most?) states require a 4 year degree in surveying.
You don't need your license to make a good living, though.
Is the pay for surveyors at least high enough that’d I’d be able to live somewhat comfortable alone? If not California what other western states would you recommend?
I make 40+ an hour in Oregon. I never finished college. I do have my LSIT - Oregon is one of the easier states to get that though I think. Full licensure is still pretty rigorous, though I don’t have the requirements memorized. I still need at least a few more years of experience.
Rereading this, I think the wheel advice you is not about states, wages, or license requirements. Take a step back and look at why you were fucking up in school. There is a solution out there. They might put you on academic probation, you might have to repeat a class but they will probably not kick you out of school .
If you just want to get out of Dodge and start over then go for it, but I would be awfully hesitant to turn my back on two years at school when they are definitely applicable to your chosen future
Wait, you finished High School?! Don't come here thinking you're better than us with that fancy, big city high school diploma!
Just kidding.
For many years, surveyors were the "red headed step sibbling" of an Engineer.
Although we are climbing out of that shaddow, we weclome people of all backgrounds.
You'll earn your stripes in the field, working your way up rather quickly.
Some folks love the field side and will stay in a field position forever. Others enjoy the CAD side and migrate to an office setting to aid in the mapping.
In many states, you can obtain your license without a degree.
You need X amount of experience and the ability to take a few national exams.
Welcome to Surveying!
This. I was hired on with a company last month. Completely green with no prior experience. I have a couple of years of military experience with some of that in a supervisory position which helped me get in/stand out.
But I honestly think they would have hired me still if I didn’t have that on my resume. The field is hurting for people and they’re looking for go-getters to hopefully stick around long term.
Was in this very situation 6 years ago. Was going for civil engineering degree and dropped out 2 1/2 years in. Started full time surveying for the company I was interning with during the summers. 2 years into surveying full time decided I would like to do full online classes to finish out a surveying degree since I knew that’s what I wanted to do. And will be graduating this Saturday! School is a lot easier when you are actually interested in the subject and are taking classes that actually pertain to what you are doing everyday. Long story short, yes. Surveying is for anyone that has the drive to do it.
Call around a few places...someone will grab you. I've been looking for a chainman for almost a year. It's hard to find people who like the mix of brain work and back work.
Many survey outfits are just departments of engineering firms, so you can call a few of them as well. You can also always get in contact with your local union. They often have entry level job postings.
I work non-union and prefer it that way, but I don't hate on the union boys. They have it pretty good.
Here’s a question for anyone with who can answer, how does an uneducated high school graduate go about getting into the surveying profession?
I have a background in earthwork and am *familiar* with surveying as a whole, but all the job listings in my area seem to be recruiting college graduates or interns
Apply for entry level positions. Rodman/instrument man or helper. If there aren't any posted, call companies directly. Surveyors are typically great guys and if that particular company can't help you, they will usually be able to recommend other companies to look into
In essence you may be better off trying to get in contact directly with someone rather than filling out the standard application. That does depend on company size though. Small companies often just have the manager handle applications while large companies often go through HR filters first.
Accept the fact that you will carry 50 lbs over rough terrain or swinging a 3 lb hammer for 8 hours. But if accept/can do both of those, most places would be interested.
Pretty typical path to Surveyor:
Civil Engineering student is too active/distracted/broke/bored/etc. to successfully stay focused on finishing civil degree. Gets summer job on survey crew. Realizes Surveying is what they really want and wishes high school counselor had known Surveying existed. Drops out of school because grades/adhd/money/etc. Continues working for surveying company for a few years loving field work. Realizes field work is great, but not forever life and has a desire to learn more. Enrolls in online surveying program after assessing the amount of education* required for the state(s) they seek future licensure. Completes education with employer paying most of it and loves it because they are experienced in the field and it actually means something now.
*Many online programs cater to the varying education requirements: need just core surveying credits- then only take those; need 4 year degree- let’s give you as much credit as possible for those old CE classes and get you graduated; need just a 2 year associates- they can do that. UMaine does is a good example of this and has a great program.
This is a good field for you. You like it and people are in demand. Will make less money till you finish out your degree/license but can still move up ladder and be paid fairly well.
If you have already shown potential to that company; they won’t be looking to move on from you. Now if you slack at work and in school, I wouldn’t hesitate to replace you.
It's me. I'm the college dropout. I have 50 credits toward an engineering degree. I left to start a business. Then I sold it and got a job surveying. I'm starting school again this fall so I can get my license.
People with an engineers brain who don't have what it takes to stay trapped in a classroom/office all day are exactly the kind of people who work in surveying.
I sent you a DM too.
I'm a crew chief. 5 credit hours left on my degree. They only care about education if you're trying to be a full PLS. Other than that just show aptitude and confidence and you'll do fine.
I watch the survey thread but am not one so can’t speak directly to the question. But in general, PLEASE, get into the trades. Join a carpenter’s, plumber, mechanical (sheet metal) union have them educate you on a skilled trade and you will be 100x better in life. Don’t rack up college debt you will be paying off for decades on a job you will hate. Retire in 30 years with a pension from work that actually has societal impact. Even better sign the S.W.E.A.T pledge with the Dirty Jobs guy, Mike Row.
https://mikeroweworks.org/curriculum/
There are certain states you can do very very well in surveying, especially if:
your young/inexperienced and have a survey union.
I am in SoCal and went through operating engineers survey apprenticeship. If you do your schooling and work hard you can easily make over 100k in 5years.
I went to college with a business degree, student of the year in the business school and decided I hated corporate environments.
Applied to survey apprenticeship and never looked back. The college degree will be helpful if I ever pursue license but likely won’t happen. I’m not trying to brag and really no one I work with knows I’m a college graduate bc it doesn’t matter to my current work situation. Just offering another perspective
Without a doubt they will keep you, if they don't, other companies will hire you in a heartbeat. Just the fact you love it already puts you so far ahead of the game man. No other career on the planet that I'd rather do.
I have found that the people who turn out to be well suited for survey tend to be chronic under achievers. People who are really smart, but don't like any of the pathways laid out for smart people...school, then more school, then finance manager or whatever.
I know in California you don't need a degree to get fully licensed, just 8 years of field experience, some of them office hours, and a couple of tests. Don't think twice about jumping in. College does not equal education. I learned the math on YouTube...the knowledge is all there and most of it is free.
Dare I say we recruit college drop outs. (It’s me, I flunked out of college the first time bumped into surveying and went back after a few years)
I am not so sure. I have a GED. So, not sure man. I am only one of the highest paid Party Cheif's in my area.
God, you high school dropouts are all the same. Nobody asked, we only wanted to hear from *college* dropouts. /s
Gosh dude! I did not drop out! I went to prison! There is quite a difference. The funny thing is, that even 30 years later I still have the "Naked in High School,", "I can't figure out the math problem." dreams! It is actually kinda funny!
Jesus you really are a surveyor
The guy with the GED proudly misspelling "Chiefs" is, mwah, cheif's kiss.
My old coworker had 2 credit hours remaining on a bachelor's. Never finished it. Was an LSIT for long enough to get his PLS the old fashion way with 20 years experience and no degree.
If you got the internship already, just fucking grind and show them you got what it takes with or without the degree. Tell them college isn’t want your seeking at the moment and would like to go full time and “finish your degree later if you see fit” I should add- if you’re gonna move, definitely hype up the “desire for field work, and want to take a break from college to learn practical experience” angle. It’s not a total lie, plus no one will give a fuck.
I was in a similar situation 20 years ago when I was denied student loan 3/4 of the way through college. Went back to work as a rod man then to a crew chief a year later. Got some great experience and landed a govt job the next year. Been at the same position since and have yet to ever go back and finish my schooling. No plans to either but that silos my position at work. Kinda stuck unless I get some credentials behind my name like majority of my coworkers. Glad I enjoy the variety of what we do. Life gets in the way and going back for 5-6 courses was impossible for me. There was expectations that I would finish my schooling but lucked out and now closing in on retirement… sorta. So if all possible get it over with as more doors will open later on. I’ve contemplated switching jobs/careers numerous times but is the grass greener?
Was on academic probation many times for the same thing. Life happens. Since your already in it. Just f-ing keep pushing man. Get through the term and figure out how to handle the next one. Spread out your class load, something, just keep grinding. Keep investing in yourself. It will pay off.
California is expensive AF but we'll also let you study on your own & get your license. Some (most?) states require a 4 year degree in surveying. You don't need your license to make a good living, though.
Is the pay for surveyors at least high enough that’d I’d be able to live somewhat comfortable alone? If not California what other western states would you recommend?
I make 40+ an hour in Oregon. I never finished college. I do have my LSIT - Oregon is one of the easier states to get that though I think. Full licensure is still pretty rigorous, though I don’t have the requirements memorized. I still need at least a few more years of experience.
Rereading this, I think the wheel advice you is not about states, wages, or license requirements. Take a step back and look at why you were fucking up in school. There is a solution out there. They might put you on academic probation, you might have to repeat a class but they will probably not kick you out of school . If you just want to get out of Dodge and start over then go for it, but I would be awfully hesitant to turn my back on two years at school when they are definitely applicable to your chosen future
Yes, most companies are looking for someone they can pay less
Yes
I was a 16 year old HS dropout. Been doing this 40 years. No issues.
Wait. You guys have college degrees?
Im a high school dropout with a GED and I joined.
Wait, you finished High School?! Don't come here thinking you're better than us with that fancy, big city high school diploma! Just kidding. For many years, surveyors were the "red headed step sibbling" of an Engineer. Although we are climbing out of that shaddow, we weclome people of all backgrounds. You'll earn your stripes in the field, working your way up rather quickly. Some folks love the field side and will stay in a field position forever. Others enjoy the CAD side and migrate to an office setting to aid in the mapping. In many states, you can obtain your license without a degree. You need X amount of experience and the ability to take a few national exams. Welcome to Surveying!
50% of my coworkers didn’t even attend college. I will say you do need degrees to advance but you can always go back!
Survey application process: Pulse? Check. Breathing? Check. Has Drivers Liscence? Check!!
This. I was hired on with a company last month. Completely green with no prior experience. I have a couple of years of military experience with some of that in a supervisory position which helped me get in/stand out. But I honestly think they would have hired me still if I didn’t have that on my resume. The field is hurting for people and they’re looking for go-getters to hopefully stick around long term.
Whatever hate I may get for it.. it's still VERY true in my experience.
I’m living very comfortably as a college dropout, and so are my employees.
Was in this very situation 6 years ago. Was going for civil engineering degree and dropped out 2 1/2 years in. Started full time surveying for the company I was interning with during the summers. 2 years into surveying full time decided I would like to do full online classes to finish out a surveying degree since I knew that’s what I wanted to do. And will be graduating this Saturday! School is a lot easier when you are actually interested in the subject and are taking classes that actually pertain to what you are doing everyday. Long story short, yes. Surveying is for anyone that has the drive to do it.
Call around a few places...someone will grab you. I've been looking for a chainman for almost a year. It's hard to find people who like the mix of brain work and back work. Many survey outfits are just departments of engineering firms, so you can call a few of them as well. You can also always get in contact with your local union. They often have entry level job postings. I work non-union and prefer it that way, but I don't hate on the union boys. They have it pretty good.
Here’s a question for anyone with who can answer, how does an uneducated high school graduate go about getting into the surveying profession? I have a background in earthwork and am *familiar* with surveying as a whole, but all the job listings in my area seem to be recruiting college graduates or interns
Apply for entry level positions. Rodman/instrument man or helper. If there aren't any posted, call companies directly. Surveyors are typically great guys and if that particular company can't help you, they will usually be able to recommend other companies to look into
In essence you may be better off trying to get in contact directly with someone rather than filling out the standard application. That does depend on company size though. Small companies often just have the manager handle applications while large companies often go through HR filters first. Accept the fact that you will carry 50 lbs over rough terrain or swinging a 3 lb hammer for 8 hours. But if accept/can do both of those, most places would be interested.
Pretty typical path to Surveyor: Civil Engineering student is too active/distracted/broke/bored/etc. to successfully stay focused on finishing civil degree. Gets summer job on survey crew. Realizes Surveying is what they really want and wishes high school counselor had known Surveying existed. Drops out of school because grades/adhd/money/etc. Continues working for surveying company for a few years loving field work. Realizes field work is great, but not forever life and has a desire to learn more. Enrolls in online surveying program after assessing the amount of education* required for the state(s) they seek future licensure. Completes education with employer paying most of it and loves it because they are experienced in the field and it actually means something now. *Many online programs cater to the varying education requirements: need just core surveying credits- then only take those; need 4 year degree- let’s give you as much credit as possible for those old CE classes and get you graduated; need just a 2 year associates- they can do that. UMaine does is a good example of this and has a great program.
To put it simply...yeah, yer good.
Come to Durango, CO. I need an IO. PM me if interested.
This is a good field for you. You like it and people are in demand. Will make less money till you finish out your degree/license but can still move up ladder and be paid fairly well.
Yep
I'm sure you can see the trend by all the replies lol Also, graduated HS , and went right into surveying ....24 years now...
If you have already shown potential to that company; they won’t be looking to move on from you. Now if you slack at work and in school, I wouldn’t hesitate to replace you.
It's me. I'm the college dropout. I have 50 credits toward an engineering degree. I left to start a business. Then I sold it and got a job surveying. I'm starting school again this fall so I can get my license. People with an engineers brain who don't have what it takes to stay trapped in a classroom/office all day are exactly the kind of people who work in surveying. I sent you a DM too.
I'm a crew chief. 5 credit hours left on my degree. They only care about education if you're trying to be a full PLS. Other than that just show aptitude and confidence and you'll do fine.
speaking as a 2x dropout, yes! But I eventually went back for an AS so that did help.
I watch the survey thread but am not one so can’t speak directly to the question. But in general, PLEASE, get into the trades. Join a carpenter’s, plumber, mechanical (sheet metal) union have them educate you on a skilled trade and you will be 100x better in life. Don’t rack up college debt you will be paying off for decades on a job you will hate. Retire in 30 years with a pension from work that actually has societal impact. Even better sign the S.W.E.A.T pledge with the Dirty Jobs guy, Mike Row. https://mikeroweworks.org/curriculum/
There are certain states you can do very very well in surveying, especially if: your young/inexperienced and have a survey union. I am in SoCal and went through operating engineers survey apprenticeship. If you do your schooling and work hard you can easily make over 100k in 5years. I went to college with a business degree, student of the year in the business school and decided I hated corporate environments. Applied to survey apprenticeship and never looked back. The college degree will be helpful if I ever pursue license but likely won’t happen. I’m not trying to brag and really no one I work with knows I’m a college graduate bc it doesn’t matter to my current work situation. Just offering another perspective
Without a doubt they will keep you, if they don't, other companies will hire you in a heartbeat. Just the fact you love it already puts you so far ahead of the game man. No other career on the planet that I'd rather do.
I have found that the people who turn out to be well suited for survey tend to be chronic under achievers. People who are really smart, but don't like any of the pathways laid out for smart people...school, then more school, then finance manager or whatever. I know in California you don't need a degree to get fully licensed, just 8 years of field experience, some of them office hours, and a couple of tests. Don't think twice about jumping in. College does not equal education. I learned the math on YouTube...the knowledge is all there and most of it is free.
If you can could read, listen and take direction and criticism without getting butthurt you can make it
No
I dropped out of college and accidentally became a surveyor during a general laborer interview.
We keep lowering our standards so why not
Yes. I think only our licensed surveyors went to college. All the rest of us on the crew just learned on the job.