Because every great career starts with a good map (and maybe a scholarship or two).
If you're studying surveying or you've just tossed your graduation cap into the air, congrats! You’re stepping into a profession that blends history, high-tech tools and real-world impact. Not bad, right?
Surveying isn’t just about measuring land, it’s about shaping the world. And guess what? The profession needs fresh minds like yours. But let’s be honest: starting out can feel like trying to find true north without a compass.
That’s where the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) and State Associations comes in. Think of NSPS as your career co-pilot, only with fewer dad jokes and more professional resources.
More about us here.
Student Membership: A Ton of Value for (Almost) the Price of a Coffee
For just
$10 a year - yep, less than your average fancy latte, you get access to a whole suite of perks, including:
- Industry news and publications
to keep you in the loop
- Webinars and tech updates
to stay sharp
- Discounted or free event access
to network like a pro without emptying your wallet
- Eligibility for scholarships, contests and internships
to help you level up fast
- A voice in the profession
, thanks to the NSPS Student Chapters
NSPS isn’t just for seasoned pros, it actively represents
students at a national level through its
Student Chapters. That means your voice can actually help shape the future of the surveying profession (yes, yours!).
And here’s another cool fact: NSPS encourages all schools with surveying, mapping, or geospatial science programs to start a
Student Chapter.
Why? Because it opens doors to:
- Connecting with industry leaders
- Showcasing your skills at state and national conferences
- Exploring career paths you might not even know exist
- Building a network that lasts well beyond graduation
Basically, it’s your backstage pass to the profession, no secret handshake required.
Scholarships: Free Money (But Make It Geospatial)
Let’s face it: textbooks aren’t cheap.
NSPS gets it, and through its Foundation, it offers a range of
scholarships each year, whether you're pursuing an associate degree or a master's.
These aren’t just handouts.
Applying gives you a chance to reflect on your goals, engage with mentors, and maybe even impress a future employer or two.
Did you know?
NSPS scholarships aren’t just generous, they’re diverse and deeply connected to the profession. Sponsored by state societies, private companies and memorial funds, these scholarships support students at all levels. From associate to graduate programs.
To find out more visit our scholarship page here. Get Your Hands Dirty (In a Good Way)
The
NSPS Student Competition is kind of like the Olympics of surveying, minus the torch, plus a lot more geodata. Held annually, it gives student teams the chance to test their skills on real-world challenges.
NSPS also connects students with
internships and job opportunities through its
Careers Center. Because nothing beats actual experience… except maybe getting paid for it.
Meet People, Find Mentors, Build Your Squad
Surveying is a team sport and NSPS is full of teammates. From virtual meetups to big national and state conferences, you’ll have plenty of chances to meet people who’ve been where you are and are happy to help you get where you’re going.
Many state societies connected with NSPS run their own
student chapters
and
mentorship programs
, so even if you’re not traveling far, your network can grow close to home.
Career Guidance Without the Headache
Trying to decode licensure paths, tech trends, or even what all those acronyms mean?
NSPS breaks it down with resources on:
- Licensure (yes, it’s complicated but they make it clearer)
- Professional ethics and standards (basically, how not to get sued)
- Tech trends like drones, GIS, and laser scanning
- Career paths from field tech to licensed surveyor (and beyond)
And behind the scenes? NSPS is advocating for YOU - making sure surveyors have a seat at the table when big policy decisions are made.
Ready to Join? You're Just Getting Started
Surveying is one of the oldest professions in the world and it’s changing faster than ever. Whether you're passionate about property boundaries, drones or just love a good topo map,
NSPS has your back.
So, take the first step. Join NSPS. Tap into the knowledge, support and connections that will guide your surveying journey from "Where do I start?" to "I've got this."
Your future self (and your future employer) will thank you.
Print Page