u/Pacific9

Hi everyone... I want to know some things to keep an eye out for when starting out as a survey assistant/technician.

One company I had an interview with for such a role has said that, if successful, applicants will be asked to do a trial shift with them. While I am not opposed to the idea, I'd like to know if I should be suspicious if it is an unpaid shift? I've been burnt with such conditions in hospitality.

Also, is it recommended to join a union when starting out? If so, is it the CFMEU that's the most common one?

I've started a Cert 4 in land surveying a few months ago and I intend to pursue the diploma course next year to increase my employability. Ideally, I'd like to get myself some experience as an assistant surveyor while studying for the higher qualification.

Advice from others has been to directly send resumes to neighbouring companies and explain my plan to keep studying while working so they are not taken by surprise. Would you recommend cold -calling companies asking for work or send them cover letters and resumes via email?

Background: I feel that my situation is somewhat unique because I've worked as an engineer in the construction sector for 20 years. I have software and technical knowledge of what surveyors do and, in a sense, I may come in as "overqualified". I worry that employers may pass me over. My careers counselor has recommended that I condense my work background to line up with surveying jobs. I know there's potential to leverage it to show I can hit the road running because there's a lot of transferable skills.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

I realise it may be a little early to be asking this question but I want to consider my options early.

I've started a Cert 4 in land surveying in Melbourne in July. I'm enjoying it so far and workload is manageable. I'm going to keep at it until the end of the year. My question is whether I try my luck in the job market as a surveyor's assistant or do I push on with the 1 year diploma after graduating?

Ideally I'd like to do desk based GIS and drafting tasks, with a decent amount of field visits on some days.

I've been hearing about the OCI card from family members and friends and wonder what it is? At first glance it seems to be like being a citizen of India or something. Is there any benefit that the holder gets from it?

So I have enrolled in a Cert 4 in surveying after much deliberating over what to career change into. I've always been interested in maps, maths and GIS data and think that it was a good step in that direction.

I'm still wondering if I'll head towards where I want to be... that is, a career path with direction, work-life balance, exploring my backyard. I've been bouncing around unrelated jobs and my last 3 have been just shite. I'd go home and sob about my lack of direction, manager abuse, and whatnot.

This sub seems to have some positive people/posts and I don't think I've seen any "I hate my job" type. I admit it has partly influenced me in enrolling.