Fiji National University (FNU) graduate Grace Sovalawa emphasized the need for more women to enter the field of land surveying during the institution’s Open Day in Nasinu.
“I primarily learned to use AutoCAD, which is a computer-aided design software for both 2D and 3D drawings, along with various methods for surveying different land types,” Ms. Sovalawa shared.
She noted that the curriculum also incorporated aspects of architecture and other engineering requirements, such as building construction. At just 21 years old, the Rewa native earned her diploma in Land Survey after completing three years of study.
“This field is accessible to everyone, but for a woman entering a predominantly male field, it can be quite challenging as you may experience resistance. However, with determination, you can succeed in this environment,” she stated.
Ms. Sovalawa pointed out that there is a shortage of land surveyors in Fiji and expressed a desire to see more women join this profession. She believes that a career in land surveying is ideal for women who enjoy outdoor activities like camping and exploring.
She also acknowledged that some students find calculations in the program challenging due to the heavy emphasis on math and physics, but noted that support is available from peers.
The entry requirements for the program include passing grades in both English and Mathematics, along with achieving a mark of at least 200 out of 400.
Additionally, Ms. Sovalawa mentioned various extracurricular activities offered by the institution, including FUSA (Fiji University Sports Association) games and debates.
“The advantage of this course is that students are able to transfer credits to the University of the South Pacific (USP) for further studies in Geographic Information System (GIS),” she explained.
She also highlighted the opportunity for students to apply for scholarships abroad. Ms. Sovalawa is currently employed at KGenesis Engineering and Consultant Pte Ltd as a chainman/survey technician.