According to a recent study by McCrindle Research, surveying is the smartest choice for prospective students to enrol in, as nine out of ten graduates found full time work in their chosen field, with a median starting salary of $52,000. This ranks it as ‘Australia’s most underrated degree.’

The same study found Psychology to be Australia’s most overrated degree, with only 63 per cent of psychology graduates finding full-time work in their chosen field, and with a paltry median starting salary of $47,500.

Adam Brown, a surveying recruitment specialist with Aspect Personnel, told news.com.au that 2014 should be a boom year for graduates, with building approvals at levels not seen since 2010.

“2013 was a tough year for building approvals, but that is set to change,” Mr Brown said. “There will be an urgent demand to fill holes in surveying staff and clients will prefer graduates to train and give more ‘bang for their buck’.”

Bryce Campbell, who has just completing his first year of surveying at the University of Newcastle, is hoping the buck will swing his way.

“Surveying isn’t a popular degree,” he told news.com.au. “In my home town of Port Macquarie a surveyor I know said there is currently a shortage. By the time I graduate, there should be huge demand.”

After graduating, his degree could mean working with roads, mapping, oceanography or something with volcanoes.

“I haven’t quite decided yet,” said Mr Campbell.

While the surveying industry has been aware of the skills shortage that it faces, and has created several initiatives to try and address this shortage, including Destination Spatial and A Life Without Limits, it’s great to see recognition of the problem reaching public channels.

Hopefully, with the findings of McCrindle Research, the shortage won’t last much longer.