Whether it be a long term career that you already have your eye on, or are undecided on the long term direction your career will take, IGO has a huge amount of opportunities available to its staff. I have had a fairly long working career. It has taking me in a few different directions in which I have worked in privately owned business's as well as one of Australia's biggest companies. Never have I seen the opportunities as well as the support to ensure our staff get the best possible opportunity to achieve the working goal. I am a living testament to this.

I had a lot of difficulty in my earlier years engaging with STEM subjects, and while at uni understanding what my potential options were, because I struggled to find many role models that I could relate to, particularly female role models that I could look to for influence. While I am grateful for my roundabout journey into earth science, having some mentors and STEM positive influences around me would have taken away a lot of the stress and frustration, and provided me more of a sense of direction earlier on. Now, I have a lot more people around me who can speak to their pathways, whether it's regarding earth science, academia, industry focus, work-life balance, or simply life administration in an ever-busying world. It is very centering for me to be able to speak to people about their experiences or life challenges. Now that I am in more of a position to offer my own advice on pathways into STEM careers etc, I try to be involved as much as I can in various organisations and events that seek to engage young people, and particularly young females in STEM and industry roles. I hope to be the role model for others that I couldn't seek out myself.

The ability to improve on oneself is key. It may be a new skill or re-evaluation of what activities make you a happier version of yourself.