Can you tell us about your background story?
My name is Annika, and I'm working as a Senior Surveyor at EEI Corporation, a construction company. I graduated from Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga City with a degree in Geodetic Engineering in 2019.
What is the scope of your job?
As a surveyor, I’m in charge of “laying out plans” – taking the design plans for a construction project and physically marking out the location of where the construction work will take place. This involves using specialized surveying equipment to measure and mark precise locations for things like building foundations, walls, and utility lines.
The process of laying out a plan is critical to ensuring that the construction project is completed accurately and efficiently, and that all work is carried out in accordance with local regulations and safety standards.
I am also responsible for checking construction processes, especially if measurements are correct and aligned with the plan.
Can you share a project of yours that you are most proud of?
The first project I was able to finish is the Mitsukoshi Mall in Bonifacio Global City. I feel proud of it because I was able to complete the architectural works and tile works layout of the establishment.
How did you land your job?
After I graduated from Zamboanga City, I went to Manila to take my board exams and went back to my hometown after I passed. I first started doing survey work for an infrastructure company before I applied for EEI Corporation when they recruited surveyors. I knew about their recruitment through the message they sent out to the new board passers at that time.
When I got hired, I started as a trainee before I became a surveyor. Then, after a year, I got promoted to a Senior Surveyor. I have been with EEI for over three years now.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
I think, yes. Most of the people I meet within the department have different degrees like Civil Engineering and more so, as long as you majored in a course related to engineering, you can do the job.
What are the necessary skills needed in your job?
One is being meticulous in reading and analyzing plans, another is being good at noticing even small details and changes. For example, when it comes to condo units, when the measurements of the wall partitions (walls that separate different areas within a unit) do not add up to the sum stated in the plan, there might be a problem that needs to be addressed to make sure that the project will be built accurately.
You also need to be punctual, because the other workers won’t be able to do their job without the Senior Surveyor present.
What do you love the most about your job?
I would say field works and site visits. Generally speaking, being a Geodetic Engineer includes often engaging in land surveys which allows you to visit various places even while doing work.
I also love the challenge that comes with working on both structural and architectural works which EEI as a contractor specializes in. When resolving in-site issues, I like that I am able to share my opinions while also learning and collaborating with people who have more experience than me.
What motivates you to continue in your job?
The fact that my job gives me a sense of fulfillment. This is what keeps me motivated and even when I’m tired, I don’t feel drained because of it.
What part of your job do you consider difficult?
Since I currently handle three areas, when all of them call for layouts, I find it hard to attend to them all at the same time. What I usually do is I prioritize those that are rushing to meet their accomplishment date.
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