\u201cI didn\u2019t really know much about surveying at all<\/em>,\u201d George admits. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t something I\u2019d seriously considered.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s sometimes about who you know as well as what you know,\u201d he says. \u201cI 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\u2019d enjoy.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning by Doing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting his first full-time job in a well-established company was naturally daunting for any junior surveyor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt was my first proper job out of university, so it was a bit intimidating at first<\/em>,\u201d he explains. \u201cBut everything\u2019s gone very smoothly. Everyone\u2019s been supportive, and there are so many resources to help you learn.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the standout elements of George\u2019s experience has been the Graduate rotation structure. This system gives him exposure across multiple teams as a junior surveyor would experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe rotations have been brilliant,\u201d he says. \u201cI\u2019ve been able to see how different departments operate and use a wide range of equipment. That\u2019s helped me understand where my strengths and interests lie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Working on Infrastructure That Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For George, the Rail team has been a particular highlight for his junior surveyor journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m not a train enthusiast or anything,\u201d he laughs, \u201cbut I do find infrastructure fascinating, especially historic rail structures.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recently, he worked on surveying historic viaducts in Cornwall. These structures have stood since the 1800s in an experience valuable for any junior surveyor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEven though it was night shifts and I didn\u2019t always get the best view of them, it was still incredible to be working on infrastructure that\u2019s been around for over a century and is still standing today. Being part of its upkeep feels important.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n That sense of purpose is something George hadn\u2019t anticipated when he first heard about surveying and his future as a junior surveyor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt goes under the radar a bit as a profession,<\/em>\u201d he says. \u201cBut without surveyors, so many construction and infrastructure projects just wouldn\u2019t happen. We\u2019re involved in the groundwork that makes everything else possible. It feels like you\u2019re part of something bigger.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Practical, Hands-On Career<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now progressing into his Junior Surveyor role, George spends the majority of his time on site. This is something that suits him perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019d say it\u2019s 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\u2019m a bit of a \u2018doer\u2019.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n While he appreciates the balance of office-based processing work, it\u2019s the hands-on element and variety of projects that motivate him most as a junior surveyor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m only 22, so I know there\u2019s plenty of time,\u201d he says. \u201cFor now, I want to keep learning, gaining independence and building my experience.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Advice for Future Graduates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For students unsure about their career direction, George\u2019s advice is simple: be open to opportunities and conversations, as the junior surveyor route might surprise you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSpeak to people, friends, parents, friends of friends,<\/em>\u201d he says. \u201cI 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\u2019t be afraid to have those conversations. You never know where they might lead.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n He also encourages students not to overlook industries they might not initially know much about, including the path to junior surveyor positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/plowmancraven.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/02\/George-Ling-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/plowmancraven.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/02\/George-Ling-3.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/plowmancraven.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/02\/George-Ling-5.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/plowmancraven.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/02\/george-Ling-6-1536x2048.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/plowmancraven.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/02\/George-Ling-4.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"