What does a career in geospatial surveying look like? For students at Newcastle University, a recent visit from Plowman Craven offered an opportunity to explore that question with the people helping to shape the profession.
On 16 October 2026, Amber France, Talent Acquisition Partner, and Ross Macaulay, Head of Survey, attended the university’s ACCESS careers and networking event. The event brought together employers and students from civil engineering, infrastructure, construction and the wider built environment. Therefore, it connected academic learning with the opportunities available in industry.
For Plowman Craven, it was a chance to share practical experience, answer questions and help students see where their skills could take them.
Exploring career possibilities
Throughout the event, Amber and Ross spoke with students about the variety of work within geospatial surveying and its contribution to the built environment. Furthermore, conversations explored a profession that combines technology, analytical thinking and practical problem-solving. This includes opportunities to work across buildings, infrastructure and complex construction projects.
The team met students from Newcastle’s Geospatial and AI master’s course, alongside those studying related engineering disciplines. Their questions opened up discussions about routes into the sector, the work surveyors undertake and how university learning translates into professional practice.
Amber also offered advice on CVs and the skills students should highlight when applying for roles, helping them think about how to communicate their experience and potential to employers.
These individual conversations are an important part of outreach: giving students space to ask questions, build confidence and make more informed decisions about their next steps.
Bringing surveying alive
The visit continued the following day with a presentation from Ross to third-year civil engineering students and students on the Geospatial and AI master’s course.
Drawing on the Barbican project he had previously presented at GEO Business, Ross connected surveying theory with a real project. As a result, he provided an insight into the technical considerations behind collecting and processing geospatial data.
The presentation prompted detailed questions about surveying equipment, achievable accuracies and the processing of laser scan data. Students were keen to understand both the technology and the decisions that turn measurements into useful project information.
This exchange gave students an opportunity to explore the practical application of their studies. Additionally, it brought an industry perspective into the classroom.
Supporting STEM futures
At Plowman Craven, we believe that helping people discover geospatial careers starts with making the profession visible and accessible.
Surveying brings science, technology, engineering and mathematics together in practical ways. It offers opportunities for people who enjoy investigating problems, working with data, using technology and understanding the world around them.
By taking part in careers events and sharing project experience with students, our colleagues help demonstrate what those interests can become in the workplace. Just as importantly, they offer an honest insight into the skills, curiosity and teamwork that support a career in the sector.
Our visit to Newcastle University reflects our commitment to supporting future talent and strengthening connections between education and industry. Thank you to the university’s organisers and to everyone who spoke with Amber and Ross, shared their ambitions
