Student Life
Studying Surveying offers lots of interesting and diverse experiences. It combines a unique mix of learning with both theoretical and practical hands-on field-work projects.
If you enjoy studying maths, science and information technology and like the variety of being indoors and outdoors, then Surveying would interest you.
Student Profile - Simon D Alfonso
Program studied: Bachelor of Applied Science (Surveying)
Graduation Year: 2008
What attracted you to the degree?
I really enjoyed Geography at school and I wanted to get involved somehow in a Geography based course so I went to an Open Day at RMIT. At the Open Day, I saw GIS packages and saw all the mapping of crime based activities, which I thought was really cool.
Are there opportunities to work in the industry while studying?
There is plenty of work out there for Surveyors. Companies always need assistance so you can gain some great experience while studying and earn some good money.
What has been your favourite subject/course - why?
I loved the hands on aspect of the course; we went out in the field every week.
The Engineering and Surveying camps are great fun too.
What have you been up to since you Graduated?
My career path has changed a bit from when I first started working. Through uni I was working as an Assistant of Engineering and when I graduated, I was employed to work with Emerging Spatial/Surveying technologies full-time.
Student Profile - Tanya van Trienen
Program studied: Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) (Geomatics)
Graduation Year: 2008
Why were you attracted to a Surveying degree?
I’d actually done a Diploma in Conservation and Land Management that had a mapping component which I found extremely challenging and interesting. I wanted to specialise in something, so I chose Geomatics. I would definitely recommend Geomatics to anyone as it’s such a diverse job. Technologies are improving all the time, so you are constantly exposed to equipment and methods which is really exciting.
Are there opportunities to work in the industry while studying?
Yes, I worked in the industry from my second year of study onwards.
What was your favourite subject at Uni?
Photogrammetry was one of my favourites. I found the whole concept of photogrammetry incredibly interesting, the way you can take measurements from images. For me, it was really cool to watch two 2D photos become one 3D image. You can do it on a computer using 3D goggles.
What have you been up to since you Graduated?
I have been working as a GIS Officer at Moonee Valley City Council. My responsibilities are managing and administrating the corporate Geographical Information System (GIS). Representing information geographically is something that is growing in importance across all councils. What I enjoy most about working for local government is that I can apply my skills to a wide range of situations, everyday is different and there’s great variety.