It is a career that will take you places and make you realize how big the world really is! I have had amazing opportunities to see different corners of the world, experience other cultures, fly and hike so many different landscapes. And a career in mining draws on many different fields of science and engineering, which means many possibilities for specialization along the way.
Although I started out studying Geology and completed my M.Sc. at Laurentian University, I
have been fortunate to have landed a job in airborne geophysics in Ottawa not long after
graduating. Over the past 10+ years, it has proven to be a very rewarding path and continues to challenge me every day. Leading field crews on airborne geophysical surveys has brought me to some exotic parts of the world, brought me well outside of my comfort zone, and allowed me to develop skills in so many different areas. I have been lucky to work with amazing and intelligent colleagues from various backgrounds which has broadened my knowledge of geoscience, electronics, and aviation. I would say that the most rewarding aspect of my work on a daily basis is realizing I am part of the future – the geophysical datasets I help to generate today are going to help discover and/or delineate the next mine or oil/gas deposit, help constrain and better-define regional geological maps that will be used for decades, and, in some cases, help guide the development of entire countries. I am still a small cog of course, but all jobs in mining contribute to our future in this way.
You get to work with so many different people and in a variety of environments which will set you up for continual growth and career development. There are also many opportunities to find work that fits your lifestyle, whether you want to live and work in the city, small town, remote regions, or internationally. And without a doubt, mining continues to be a critical player in our economy as improvements in our technology shifts the demand for minerals and metals. The challenge for you will be to be adapt to the ever changing markets. But remember, don’t live to work, work to live!