Mentorship Program

The Young Surveyors Network (YSN), in partnership with the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), invites you to take a major step forward in your career through our National Mentorship Program. This initiative brings together geospatial professionals from various backgrounds and regions to foster meaningful discussions, critical thinking, and mutual growth.

Whether you are a student exploring the field, a rising professional looking to build your skills, or a veteran surveyor ready to share your wisdom, this program offers an incredible opportunity to shape the future of our profession.

What Does the Program Do? 

At its core, the program pairs early-career surveyors with experienced industry leaders to provide personalized, one-on-one guidance. By matching participants based on their geographic location, professional interests, and background, we create a supportive environment where mentees can map out their unique career trajectories.

Key features of the experience include:

  • National Connectivity: Our network spans the entire United States and its territories, giving you access to a rich diversity of surveying expertise and fresh perspectives.
  • Customized Matching: We utilize the Mentornity platform to carefully align a mentee’s specific ambitions with a mentor’s proven experience.
  • Adaptable Communication: Distance is never an obstacle. Pairs can choose to collaborate face-to-face or through virtual meetings, depending on what works best for their schedules and locations.
A surveyor looks through theodolite
Two young surveyors map land

Program Requirements & Commitment

Mentorship is a powerful tool, but its success depends entirely on the energy and dedication you bring to the table. To get the most out of this experience, participants must meet the following expectations:

  • Duration: The mentorship journey takes place over a five-month period.
  • Meeting Frequency: Mentors and mentees must meet one-on-one at least once every two weeks.
  • Goal Setting: Mentees should arrive with a foundational idea of their career aspirations and be ready to actively develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals.
  • Active Participation: Mentors act as guides rather than instructors; therefore, the relationship relies on the mentee taking the lead in their own development.
  • Group Events: Beyond individual meetings, all participants are expected to attend scheduled group sessions, including orientations and networking socials, to expand their community connections.
  • Platform Tracking: All scheduling, communication, and post-session progress logs are securely managed and tracked through the Mentornity platform.

Program Leadership

Our mentorship committee is proudly led by:

Alex V. Chose – Co-Chair

Taylor Shepley, PLS – Co-Chair

Learn More on The Geoholics Podcast!

Curious to hear a deeper discussion about how this program is shaping the future of surveying? Listen to this featured podcast episode from The Geoholics discussing the Mentorship Program!

Listen Now

What Our Participants Are Saying

“This mentorship is the reason my future plans are happening faster than before. [My mentor] was able to push me a little harder to get out of my comfort zone and also provide me with great contacts for future plans!”

“[The program] provided a supportive space outside of my day-to-day work environment, where I could openly discuss challenges and goals with others who could relate. I would highly recommend this program to peers, as it offers meaningful insight and encouragement that goes beyond what you can always find in the workplace.”
“My relationship with my mentor impacted my professional growth by helping me keep perspective and recognize the importance of stepping back. At work it can feel like the pressure never ends, but this mentorship reminded me to pause, focus on what is truly professional, and keep long-term priorities in mind.”
“I’m so grateful for my mentor. He connected me with other young surveyors in my position, as well as helped me find myself in surveying and get an outside perspective into the profession.”
“[The program] held me accountable to the type of professional that I am and want to be known for.”
“The key cards challenged me to think in a way I never had before.”
“Even as a mentor, this helped to grow me as a professional. There is a high level of learning that comes as we teach others. It is a responsibility and a privilege to influence the next generation of surveyors.”
“It was rewarding to be a source of guidance and encouragement, and the experience also gave me a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities new professionals face in our field.”

Ready to Join? 

Are you ready to grow and connect within the surveying profession? Whether you are looking to guide the next generation or seeking guidance for your own career path, we would love to have you on board for the 2026 NSPS YSN Mentorship Program.

If you are interested in participating or have any questions about the program, please email us!

Email Us
A group of mentors and mentees