Transitioning from classroom lectures to real-world surveying projects is one of the most exciting milestones for engineering students. Recently, Datum One Surveys Ltd. Co. (DOS) had the privilege of hosting On-the-Job Trainees (OJTs) KC and Thea from Bicol University.
We sat down with them to talk about their first impressions, field experiences, technical growth, and what it’s really like to work alongside our team.
First Impressions & Cultural Fit
Stepping into a professional workplace for the first time comes with a mix of excitement and anticipation.
Q1: Looking back at your first day, what surprised you most about working at DOS?
- KC: What surprised me most was how organized and professional the team was in handling projects. At the same time, everyone was approachable, fun to work with, and always willing to teach us, which made learning much easier.
- Thea: What surprised me most was how organized the team is. Everyone knows their role, and the workflow is very systematic, but the environment never felt intimidating. They don’t expect everything to be perfect from interns; instead, they focus on helping you learn, improve, and understand the work. That balance between professionalism and patience was something I really appreciated.
Q2: Did your OJT experience live up to what you expected when you applied?
- KC: It definitely did. My OJT gave me a better understanding of how surveying projects are handled professionally, and exposed me to real workflows both in the field and in the office.
- Thea: Yes, definitely—in fact, it exceeded my expectations. The internship gave me a much clearer picture of what being a Geodetic Engineer is really like, both in the office and in the field. It helped bridge the gap between what we learn in school and how things are actually done in practice.
Real Experience & Office Work
From encoding technical descriptions to plotting parcels in AutoCAD and QGIS, the interns jumped straight into actual project workflows.
Q3: What technical software or tool do you feel much more confident using now?
- KC: Although I already knew how to use AutoCAD before my internship, I became much more confident using it because I was able to apply what I learned to actual survey projects. I also improved my skills in plotting lots using coordinates and bearings.
- Thea: AutoCAD and GE Survey. Through my time at DOS, I got the opportunity to apply them to actual projects instead of just classroom exercises. I became much more confident in plotting lots, interpreting technical descriptions, and using the software efficiently.
Q4: What was the biggest technical challenge you encountered, and how did you navigate it?
- KC: The hardest challenge I faced was using GIS because I had little experience with the software. Although some parts were familiar, I wasn’t very confident with many of its features. The people at DOS continued to guide us, teach us, and provide helpful pointers throughout the process.
- Thea: The challenge wasn’t that I had never seen these tools before—I was already familiar with technical descriptions, plotting, AutoCAD, and GE Survey from school. The real challenge was using them in actual projects where accuracy and efficiency really mattered. Whenever I got stuck, I asked for guidance, and the engineers were always willing to teach.
Into the Field: Drones & Relocation Surveys
Fieldwork brought classroom calculations to life, giving students direct experience with advanced technology and survey operations.
Q5: What project or field task are you most proud of participating in?
- KC: Working in the field and helping with instrument setup and actual survey work. Every time I had the opportunity to go to the field, I learned new techniques and practical tips from the engineers and instrument men. Those experiences helped me improve my skills and gain more confidence in actual survey work.
- Thea: Our drone survey in Ubihan. It was my first time participating in a drone survey, so it was a memorable experience. It showed me how large-scale surveying projects are carried out and how modern technology has transformed the profession. Seeing the entire workflow, from flight planning to processing data, made me appreciate how advanced and exciting geodetic engineering has become.
Q6: What did you enjoy most about field operations compared to office work?
- KC: I enjoyed working in the field the most. While office work was enjoyable, being in the field allowed me to experience many things that are not fully discussed or taught in school. The field team was fun, supportive, and always gave us opportunities to participate.
- Thea: Every day in the field brought a different challenge and a new learning experience. The field team encouraged us to participate instead of just observing. Listening to their stories gave me a glimpse of what life as a Geodetic Engineer is really like and made me even more excited for my future career.
Team Culture & Mentorship
Gaining clarity on career paths is often the most rewarding outcome of a successful internship.
Q7: What is the best piece of advice or mentorship you received from a DOS engineer?
- KC: One of the best pieces of advice I received was simple: “Don’t give up.” It was very heartwarming because I know it was based on his own experiences. It is something I will definitely carry with me throughout my journey as a future engineer.
- Thea: The advice that really stayed with me was: “It’s okay if you don’t know everything. School won’t teach you everything, experience will.” As someone about to graduate, hearing that reminded me that learning doesn’t stop after college and that it’s okay to keep learning as you grow.
Q8: How would you describe the team dynamic at DOS in three words?
- KC: Supportive, Collaborative, and Professional.
- Thea: Professional, Patient, and Encouraging.
Q9: How has this internship impacted your career goals as future Geodetic Engineers?
- Thea: It gave me total clarity. During my first three years as a student, I honestly couldn’t picture myself working in this profession because most of what we learned was theoretical. After experiencing actual projects and seeing the impact of the work firsthand, I can now confidently say that I see myself becoming a Geodetic Engineer.
- KC: This internship strengthened my desire to become a Registered Geodetic Engineer. The people around me and the work we did served as motivation and role models for the kind of professional I want to become in the future.
Looking Ahead
Q10: What would you tell a batchmate who is considering an OJT placement at DOS?
- KC: I would definitely recommend DOS to my batchmates because it is a great place to learn. The engineers and the whole team are approachable, patient, and always willing to share their knowledge, making it an ideal environment for interns.
- Thea: I would definitely recommend DOS! You don’t need to worry if you feel like you don’t know enough because everyone is always willing to teach and answer your questions. They genuinely want interns to learn and make the most out of their internship by participating in real projects.
Final Thoughts
Hearing directly from KC and Thea reminds us why mentorship is so vital to the future of our industry. Their journey from theoretical classroom concepts to real-world field execution and office processing is proof of what happens when passion meets opportunity.
We thank our Bicol University trainees for their hard work, fresh energy, and commitment throughout their OJT program. We have no doubt they will make outstanding Registered Geodetic Engineers!
Surveys Done. Datum One.