Erik Kodjie MRICS,
Aged 27

Erik is a chartered geomatic surveyor working for Balfour Beatty Rail Projects in London. Erik's career has taken him from the Yuvacik Dam in Turkey to the depths of the London Underground system

What qualifications do you have?
I studied A-levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry and then went to Nottingham Trent University to take a degree in Engineering Surveying. Last year I qualified for my APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) which means I am a chartered surveyor. The APC helped broaden my knowledge of subjects such as contract law and as a result I'm more aware of both client and contractual needs and my responsibilities as a surveyor.

I've also attended various training courses on the latest surveying software, including a week's laser scanning training in San Francisco. The courses help keep me up to date with new techniques, technology and legislation.

How did you become interested in surveying?
I first heard about surveying and civil engineering through an uncle who works in Ghana. He always has a good story to tell and it's usually tied in to his job - where he's been travelling, who he's met and the latest project in hand. His life is full of adventure and challenge and he rarely seems to spend a day in the office.

What projects have you been involved with?
I've surveyed a reservoir for defects in Turkey. I've also been responsible for providing 3D data and imagery for a laser scanning project of the entire Caledonian Road tube station. I worked with the design team using various data capture techniques and applications and produced internal and external plans for the tube station's future development. On another project, I planned and managed the in-house teams and external contractors to provide survey information for a 9km pipeline through East London and to East Ham Pumping Station.

What aspect of surveying do you enjoy?
Surveying is a very 'hands on' job and surveyors are likely to be involved at a number of stages in any one project. Whilst working on site surveyors will use a variety of tools and then process the data using CAD drafting and design software. I enjoy keeping up to date with the latest technology such as laser scanning, GIS (Geographical Information Systems), GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and 3D CAD applications.

Surveying has become much more technologically advanced and now surveyors are capable of providing much more accurate data in a shorter amount of time.

What are your career ambitions?
I hope to combine my career with my love of travelling and work on a variety of projects in a number of different countries. I hope to be able to apply all the skills and knowledge that I have learnt and be able to manage major engineering projects all around the world.