Insider profil
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Top Insider Advice
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.
Career path
Exploration Geologist
IGO Limited
Started 11/2017 to PresentCompany
What do you like about your job and the company?
In my current role I interrogate a lot of data that has been collected using various microanalysis techniques - all of which needs a critical eye and can not be taken at face value. This means I am constantly researching and needing to stay on my toes when it comes to learning new concepts about mineralogy. I then get to relate that back to the larger scale of mineral exploration - does what I learned today at the micro scale have implications for how we explore at the macro scale for various mineral deposit styles?
Greatest achievements
I competed my Honours year at UWA in 2019, and when my supervisors suggested I should work towards having it published I thought it was going to be another one of these things in life that never get finished. It took me 2 years to get the paper up to publication standard while I was working in the field as a graduate student, I can't tell you how many times I was sitting around the camp fire working on revisions, there was a lot of self doubt, a lot of steep learning curves and a lot of lost sleep. But I lived to tell the tale and can now say my work has been published, which is a very, very proud moment.
Natasha C
Mine Geologist
Top Insider Advice
Always pick a job/ role that will provide you more experience within your role and sometimes beyond your role this will create an environment for growth.
Gail M
Senior Advisor Talent
Top Insider Advice
- Apply to companies that match your values or your interest - Apply for jobs that interest you and align with your career direction - Don't be afraid to apply for jobs where you don't meet every requirement - Show you have done your homework when you attend interviews - Tailor your resume and covering letter (we do read them!) - Find a mentor and listen to advice from more than just one person!
Scott L
Land Access & Heritage Officer
Top Insider Advice
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.
