This coming Sunday, 11 February is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. To help celebrate the occasion, we spoke with Jennifer Wong, who is starting her second year in the Bachelor of Engineering (Surveying) program at UNSW this year.
Spatial Source: Please tell us a bit about yourself — where you grew up, what your interests are etc?
Jennifer Wong: I’ve been born and raised in southwest Sydney. In my spare time I enjoy building models and reading… from a journal article to the back of a packet of chips.
SS: How did you become interested in surveying?
JW: During high school, my class was used to pilot a STEM program. And in the process of building Rube Goldberg machines and solar cars, I realised I wanted to do something in the engineering field. At first, I thought civil would be my best bet because structures and construction sites have always fascinated me. But I wasn’t quite satisfied with that choice as I was also quite the enthusiast for geography. Luckily, in year 11, a conversation with my grandfather brought me to surveying, and after a bit of research I was immediately hooked. What could be better at marrying the two — engineering and geography — than surveying?
SS: What do you enjoy about learning surveying?
JW: Field work! I don’t think there are many degrees you can do, where your classes take you out onto the grass to work with some awesome equipment. The smaller classes are also great for getting to know your classmates and professors.
SS: Tell us something you’ve learned so far that surprised you.
JW: I think I’ve been surprised at how fast surveying technology has progressed. During my first year, I had quite the shock discovering my dad had worked as a survey assistant (I’m surprised I hadn’t found this out earlier). And one the of first things he asked about was steel tapes. The emergence and rise in prevalence of robotic jiggers, GPS and laser scanning has happened so quickly. So, it’s exciting to think about what will change by the time I graduate.
SS: Do you intend to specialise in a particular kind of surveying once you reach the workforce?
JW: Honestly, I’m not quite sure yet. As a highschooler my understanding of surveying was limited to cadastral work. But my first year of study has opened my eyes to how broad the profession can be. Who knew hydrographic surveying was a thing? I also think GIS is an interesting field. I guess I’ll just have to continue working and studying and see what I like.
SS: What would be your dream job once you’ve finished your studies?
JW: I don’t have any specifics in mind yet, but I hope that it will be an adventure, whether that entails exploring the urban jungle of Sydney or elsewhere, physically or digitally. I love getting to experience new places.
SS: What would you say to someone who’s thinking about studying surveying? Would you recommend it?
JW: Absolutely! I’ve had a blast so far. Everyone I’ve met, from surveyors at my work, to industry reps, professors and my fellow classmates have all been wonderful and I’ve learnt so much from them. If I had one piece of advice, it would be to start looking for work early. It’s been really helpful to my studies to have practical experience. And as a bonus, I’ve learnt how to wake up at 5:00am.
