At CFB, we understand the powerful impact of mentorship, not only on the mentee but also on the mentor. To celebrate National Surveyors Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the mentorship between Jeremy Hallick, PSM, VP/Principal at CFB Surveying, and Britney Sands, a University of Florida student pursuing a certificate in Geomatics.
Recently, we had the opportunity to join Jeremy and Britney during one of their weekly lab meetings. In this post, we’ll dive into their mentorship journey, explore the lessons they’ve learned, and share photos from their recent meeting. Read on to learn more about how this collaboration is shaping Britney’s career and the future of surveying.
Jeremy: The University of Florida contacted CFB about mentoring Britney in her labs for her certificate in Geomatics. As a company, we were eager to be part of her educational journey and help guide her through the practical aspects of surveying.
Jeremy: It’s a general lab where Britney has weekly assignments. We chose a parking lot parcel near the CFB Ocala office, and the labs build on one another, helping her apply her learning in a real-world setting.
Jeremy: Mentorship offers a great opportunity to spend one-on-one time, discussing the intent of the lab, understanding the instructions, and explaining how they are applied to the situations we face daily as Surveyors. It’s rewarding for both the mentor and mentee as it provides valuable insight into the profession and fosters professional growth.
Jeremy: I hope Britney gains some basic field experience, which will be vital in helping her grow her career. This hands-on experience will set her up for success in the surveying field.
Jeremy: The hardest thing to find in our profession is people. Mentorship allows us to build a professional relationship and opens doors for students to expand their careers. It’s a chance to invest in the future of the profession and support its growth.
Jeremy: ALWAYS make time for mentorship and to form new professional relationships. The overwhelming majority of people who go into surveying are introduced to it at an early age, so it’s never too early to teach others about this amazing profession!
Britney: I initially reached out to a geomatics instructor, who connected me with a former student who had just completed his labs with a mentor. After inquiring whether the student knew of anyone who might be willing to mentor me, I received an email later that same day informing me that Jeremy had offered to be my mentor. At first, my expectations were modest, as I had no prior knowledge of Jeremy beyond his LinkedIn profile. However, after meeting him and hearing great things from others, my excitement and anticipation grew significantly.
Britney: In addition to completing the labs for my class, I’ve had the opportunity to meet the CFB team and connect with other professionals in the field. This experience has provided me with a deeper understanding of the surveying profession, giving me insight into the day-to-day responsibilities and the diverse range of tasks that make each day unique.
Britney: Receiving a job offer from CFB before graduation is an incredible feeling. It has allowed me to shift my focus from job hunting to expanding my knowledge and skillset. With the security of a job offer in hand, I can now dedicate my energy to furthering my understanding of the career and preparing myself for success in the role.
Britney: Seek out someone who is not only willing to mentor you, but truly eager to do so. When you find that, the pressure to get everything perfect the first time diminishes significantly. Additionally, use the mentorship required for your class as an opportunity to find someone you’d be excited to have as a long-term mentor. As my experience shows, having the right mentor can open doors – it’s all about finding someone who sees your potential and is invested in helping you grow.
Mentorship is a powerful tool that shapes the career paths of students like Britney while contributing to the future of the surveying profession. At CFB, we are proud to foster these meaningful relationships, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is supported, educated, and empowered to thrive.
Thank you, Jeremy and Britney, for sharing your mentorship journey with us. We look forward to seeing all the great things you’ll accomplish together!
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