Cassandra Quintal: Professional land surveyor and online graduate student 

University of Maine online professional science master’s student, Cassandra Quintal, is a Maine-based licensed land surveyor and geographic information systems (GIS) professional. The founder of the Maine Young Surveyors Group and current vice president of the Maine Society of Land Surveyors (MSLS), she is a leader in her field and passionate about her work as a surveying professional.

Originally from West Gardiner, Maine, Quintal received her bachelor’s degree in business economics and political science from the University of Maine at Farmington in 2007. She began her graduate education at the University of Southern Maine, completing a graduate certificate in applied geographic information in 2013. She expects to earn her professional science master’s (PSM) in engineering and business degree from UMaine in 2023.

Quintal works full-time at SurveyWorks Inc. in Auburn, Maine. She designs practical mapping solutions for land owners and businesses, combining precision survey techniques with digital mapping resources. “I love surveying large parcels of land,” she says. “I want to be out in the woods. That’s really where I’m most happy. That’s something I get to do here in Maine quite a bit.” 

Why did you choose UMaine for graduate study?
The University of Maine was a clear choice for me. Being a Maine resident, I wanted to continue my education at an institution within the region I practice. The online course offerings allowed me to continue working full-time and attend classes around my already busy schedule. UMaine is recognized as a leader in geospatial education and I feel lucky to be able to learn from faculty nationally recognized for their expertise. The PSM program made that all possible for me. 

How do you balance work, academics and other commitments?
Finding the balance between career and academics requires a true commitment to dedicated time: time to work, time to study, and time to rest. I focus on staying organized and managing expectations of my time. It can be stressful trying to keep it all straight but the pressure pushes me to do my best. I enjoy the challenge. 

What advice would you give to others considering a career in land surveying?
To become a successful professional land surveyor, it requires higher education in a broad range of topics. Studying the principles of surveying can get you past the tests, but what sets you apart is how you apply the fundamental concepts to each unique project scenario. Surveying is a hands-on way to understand the past and apply it to the future. My advice to the aspiring survey professional is to take the knowledge you gain in class and apply it within the niche you want to work. Find a mentor to help build the bridge between knowledge and practice.

Contact: Lindsey McMorrow, lindsey.h.mcmorrow@maine.edu