Celebrating Opportunities: Morgan and Jose Reflect on Their TSPS Symposium Experience

Every year, the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (TSPS) offers students a unique chance to deepen their knowledge and connect with industry professionals. In 2025, TSPS Chapter 12 hosted its annual Fall Survey/Geospatial Student Meet and Greet, where two lucky students won a paid trip and registration to the TSPS Symposium 2026, thanks to a generous donation from Chapter 9. Morgan Markham and Jose Congo were the raffle winners. Their reflections on the experience reveal how valuable such opportunities are for students starting their careers in surveying.

How the Opportunity Came About

The TSPS Symposium is a key education event for surveyors across Texas, offering workshops, panels, and networking opportunities. Chapter 12’s annual Fall Survey/Geospatial Student Meet and Greet serves as a platform to engage students and introduce them to the professional community. Last year, the event included a raffle funded by Chapter 9, which covered travel and registration costs for two students to attend the 2026 Symposium.

Morgan and Jose were the fortunate winners. Their stories highlight how such support can shape the early stages of a surveying career.

Jose’s Experience at the Symposium

"Attending the TSPS Symposium this year was a great experience and an excellent opportunity to connect with new people as well as catch up with friends in the industry." ~Jose Congo

Jose attended sessions covering a wide range of topics, including:

• Common mistakes and best practices in surveying

• Preparation strategies for the TSSE (Texas Surveying and Spatial Exam)

  
  

Jose found the discussions on technology gaps in surveying particularly eye opening. He hopes to contribute to closing these gaps in the near future. His experience at the Symposium reinforced his commitment to the field and gave him a clearer sense of the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Morgan’s Experience and Takeaways

"2026 TSPS Symposium was a wonderful experience. I can only urge for more opportunities for young students like me to attend."

~Morgan Markham

Morgan described the 2026 TSPS Symposium as a wonderful experience that immersed her in the professional environment. She valued the panels and discussions led by experienced professionals, especially those focused on surveying math and exam preparation for the SIT (Surveyor-in-Training) and FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exams.

She expressed gratitude for the chance to meet key figures in the industry and emphasized the importance of creating more opportunities for students like herself. Morgan plans to continue attending future Symposiums as she advances in her career.

Why These Opportunities Matter

The stories of Morgan and Jose show how critical it is to support students entering the surveying profession. Here are some key reasons why such opportunities make a difference:

• Hands-on learning: Attending the Symposium exposes students to real-world challenges and solutions.

• Networking: Students connect with professionals who can offer guidance, mentorship, and job leads.

• Exam preparation: Sessions focused on SIT, FS, and TSSE exams help students prepare effectively.

• Industry awareness: Understanding technology gaps and emerging trends prepares students for future roles.

• Confidence building: Engaging with peers and experts boosts students’ confidence in their career path.

  
  

How Chapters Can Support Students

The collaboration between TSPS Chapters 9 and 12 demonstrates how chapters can work together to support the next generation of surveyors. Here are some practical ways chapters can help:

• Organize raffles or contests to fund student attendance at key events.

• Host meet-and-greet events that connect students with professionals.

• Offer scholarships or travel grants for conferences and Symposiums.

• Provide mentorship programs pairing students with experienced surveyors.

• Create study groups focused on exam preparation.

  
  

Looking Ahead

Morgan and Jose’s reflections highlight the lasting impact of attending the TSPS Symposium. Their enthusiasm and commitment suggest they will be active contributors to the surveying community in the years to come.

For students interested in surveying, staying engaged with TSPS events and chapters can open doors to valuable experiences. For professionals, supporting these initiatives strengthens the entire industry by nurturing skilled, motivated newcomers.

Don't forget to review Chapter 12's upcoming events and watch for our 2026 Student Meet and Greet. We would be delighted to have you join us this fall!

Best Regards,

Amanda Jonas

TSPS Chapter 12 President