When George Ling graduated from the University of Liverpool in July 2024 with a degree in Geography, he didn’t have a detailed five-year plan mapped out. Surveying wasn’t even firmly on his radar.
Just over a year later, George has progressed from Graduate Surveyor to the position of junior surveyor at Plowman Craven. He is building a career he now describes as both exciting and essential.
A Career Discovered
“I didn’t really know much about surveying at all,” George admits. “It wasn’t something I’d seriously considered.”
During his time at university, George worked on a zero-hours contract carrying out grounds maintenance. As he approached graduation, he began thinking seriously about his next steps. Then, conversations with friends and family connections introduced him to Plowman Craven and the possibilities within surveying. Eventually, these discussions led him to a role as a junior surveyor.
“It’s sometimes about who you know as well as what you know,” he says. “I was fortunate that there was someone who worked here that I already knew, and that gave me the opportunity to learn more about the Graduate Programme and what surveying really involves. The more I learned, the more it sounded like something I’d enjoy.”
That curiosity paid off. George graduated in July 2024 and joined the company the following month as a Graduate Surveyor. He stepped into his first professional role and, eventually, his junior surveyor responsibilities.
Learning by Doing
Starting his first full-time job in a well-established company was naturally daunting for any junior surveyor.
“It was my first proper job out of university, so it was a bit intimidating at first,” he explains. “But everything’s gone very smoothly. Everyone’s been supportive, and there are so many resources to help you learn.”
One of the standout elements of George’s experience has been the Graduate rotation structure. This system gives him exposure across multiple teams as a junior surveyor would experience.
He began within Asset Management during a major Crown Estate project, before moving into Property and more recently joining the Rail team within Digital Construction. Along the way, he’s gained hands-on experience with total stations, laser scanners and mobile mapping systems. As a result, he is building both technical skills and confidence as a junior surveyor.
“The rotations have been brilliant,” he says. “I’ve been able to see how different departments operate and use a wide range of equipment. That’s helped me understand where my strengths and interests lie.”
Working on Infrastructure That Matters
For George, the Rail team has been a particular highlight for his junior surveyor journey.
“I’m not a train enthusiast or anything,” he laughs, “but I do find infrastructure fascinating, especially historic rail structures.”
Recently, he worked on surveying historic viaducts in Cornwall. These structures have stood since the 1800s in an experience valuable for any junior surveyor.
“Even though it was night shifts and I didn’t always get the best view of them, it was still incredible to be working on infrastructure that’s been around for over a century and is still standing today. Being part of its upkeep feels important.”
That sense of purpose is something George hadn’t anticipated when he first heard about surveying and his future as a junior surveyor.
“It goes under the radar a bit as a profession,” he says. “But without surveyors, so many construction and infrastructure projects just wouldn’t happen. We’re involved in the groundwork that makes everything else possible. It feels like you’re part of something bigger.”
A Practical, Hands-On Career
Now progressing into his Junior Surveyor role, George spends the majority of his time on site. This is something that suits him perfectly.
“I’d say it’s about 90% field work now, and I really enjoy that. I like being out and about, travelling to different sites and seeing different environments. I’m a bit of a ‘doer’.”
While he appreciates the balance of office-based processing work, it’s the hands-on element and variety of projects that motivate him most as a junior surveyor.
Looking ahead, George hopes to continue developing his site experience and work towards becoming a Surveyor in the next couple of years. In the long term, he has the ambition of progressing into a more senior site-based role. He also wants to advance beyond junior surveyor status.
“I’m only 22, so I know there’s plenty of time,” he says. “For now, I want to keep learning, gaining independence and building my experience.”
Advice for Future Graduates
For students unsure about their career direction, George’s advice is simple: be open to opportunities and conversations, as the junior surveyor route might surprise you.
“Speak to people, friends, parents, friends of friends,” he says. “I was fortunate that there was someone who worked here that I already knew, which gave me an insight into the company and the role. Don’t be afraid to have those conversations. You never know where they might lead.”
He also encourages students not to overlook industries they might not initially know much about, including the path to junior surveyor positions.
“Surveying isn’t always the first career people think of, but it’s such a key part of the modern world. We’re constantly building and improving infrastructure, and surveyors are fundamental to that process.”
From balancing university life with grounds maintenance work to surveying historic rail viaducts, George’s journey is a powerful example of how early career opportunities, combined with curiosity and hard work, can quickly turn into a clear and rewarding professional pathway as a junior surveyor.
Ready to Start Your Career at Plowman Craven?
George’s journey from graduate to Junior Surveyor shows what’s possible when curiosity meets opportunity. Whether you’re finishing university, exploring placement options, or considering a career change, Plowman Craven offers structured early talent programmes, hands-on experience and real progression pathways for the junior surveyor role.
If you’re looking for a career where you can work on meaningful projects, develop cutting-edge technical skills and be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team, we’d love to hear from you. The path of a junior surveyor could be your next step.
Explore our current vacancies and early career opportunities here:
https://plowmancraven.com/life-at-pc/opportunities/
