Nathan, now a Senior Project Manager and Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) at Topographic’s Tyler office, credits Tyler Junior College’s (TJC) Surveying and Geomatics program for his career transition and immediate professional success. He states the knowledge and skills he gained at TJC prepared him to begin work without extensive additional instruction.
His current role as an RPLS involves state-licensed expertise in determining and certifying land boundaries, crafting legal descriptions, and mapping land features for various construction, legal, and engineering projects. This professional ensures accuracy and compliance with legal standards, holding the sole authorization by law to provide professional land surveying services to the public.
Nathan made a significant career change to pursue surveying. After graduating with a business degree and working in a field it prepared him for, he realized he was unhappy. He had previously been exposed to surveying through a part-time job during business school and found himself consistently thinking about how much he enjoyed that work. Despite what others might have perceived as a successful career path, Nathan decided to pursue his true interest.
In 2016, Nathan quit his job and reentered TJC, where he had completed his freshman year in 2008 and 2009. He enrolled in the Surveying and Geomatics program, taking a demanding schedule of 18 hours in his first semester and 21 hours in his second, all while working 30 hours a week. He emphasized that the support and knowledge of TJC faculty members, specifically Willace Johnson and Patti Williams from the Surveying Program, were crucial to his ability to manage this challenge. He noted their patience and willingness to take time to explain concepts he didn't understand, expressing gratitude for their impact on his career.
The TJC Surveying and Geomatics program teaches the foundational elements required of a land surveyor. Its curriculum places emphasis on boundary surveying, incorporating historical context, legal principles of boundary location, evaluation of property corners, land description, calculation of land areas, and the use of the Texas Coordinate System, computer mapping, and geographic information systems. The program prepares graduates for roles such as survey technicians, who can earn between $36,000 and $80,000 annually in Texas. Registered Professional Land Surveyors (RPLS) can command salaries ranging from $86,000 to $165,000, or more.
Nathan’s connection with his current employer, Topographic, a national full-service design, land surveying, engineering, and environmental consulting firm, was facilitated by TJC. He met representatives from the company at the Texas Society of Professional Land Surveyors annual convention during a field trip sponsored by the college, which ultimately led to his current position.
Initially, Nathan considered obtaining only a basic certificate from the TJC program to continue field work on a surveying crew. However, as he delved deeper into the curriculum, he decided to pursue the Associate of Applied Science degree in Surveying and Mapping Technology.
Beyond securing employment, Nathan highlighted that his experiences at TJC also fostered his professional development and leadership skills. He explained that the program’s emphasis on group work and applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations prepared him to be a resource for his colleagues. He described walking into his new role not just as a new hire, but as a mentor, a confidence he attributes directly to the TJC program.
He encourages individuals considering surveying as a career to explore TJC’s Surveying and Geomatics program, stating it significantly contributed to his professional success and provides a comfortable life for him and his family. He expressed deep gratitude for his experience and time at TJC.
