As part of our ‘Women in the Built Environment’ campaign, we will be showcasing a series of successful women over a variety of posts each Monday. Today, we talked to Lauren who is a Land Surveyor for BWB.
” After completing my GCSEs, I studied for my A Levels at a 6th form college. I then went on to university to study BSc Environmental Sciences. I worked hard in my summers as a student and took a course in lifeguarding and worked in bars and hotels.
Working allowed me to travel in my student holidays and after my final exams. Having decided this was only the beginning of my ‘travelling journey’, I took a couple of years out to travel some more… I even managed to work in Australia as an Environmental Consultant to further fund my travels and gain valuable experience at the same time!
Upon returning from overseas, I went back to university to study for my MSc in Surveying. After that, I joined the world of work for good this time and got a job as a surveyor.
So what’s it like being a woman in an engineering environment?
I have never found this to be an issue! I am quite a confident person and comfortable with the environment whilst on the site. Sometimes, I think it takes a little while to get used to young women having a career in engineering but as soon as people see you are totally capable, they seem to relax and view you as one of the team.
In terms of a ‘typical day for a Land Surveyor’, there isn’t really one. I could be anywhere in the country on greenfield, brownfield, construction, demolition sites – anywhere! In the past, I have spent 70% of my time on site and 30% of it based in the office. However, as I take on more responsibility within the team, I have found myself spending more time in the office. I really enjoy the mix. ”
If you are looking for a more detailed description of the duties of Laurens role, please watch the video below!
If Lauren’s story has inspired you, and you are a female Post-16 or college student passionate about a career in property, construction, architecture or civil engineering, please book onto our ‘Women in the Built Environment’ event. This is an incredible opportunity to get a head start and network with industry professionals. You can find more information about this here
I really like what you had to say here about land surveying and what the job is like. Ever since I was a boy, I have been interested in construction; however, I want to make sure that I go to school and get a degree. Doing something like land surveying would definitely be interesting, and I really like how you said that you spend about 70% of the time on the site. I am sure that my wife would love for me to do this instead of doing all the heavy lifting as well. Thanks again!