Mining engineering is a challenging and rewarding career that requires technical skills, creativity, and teamwork. But how can you stand out from the crowd and build a positive and professional reputation in the industry? Here are some tips to help you achieve your goals and advance your career.
One of the best ways to develop your reputation in mining engineering is to join professional associations and networks that connect you with peers, mentors, and potential employers. These organizations can provide you with opportunities to learn from experts, share your knowledge, and participate in events and projects that showcase your skills and achievements. Some examples of mining engineering associations and networks are the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME), the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum (CIM), and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
Thank you for asking me to contribute. In my career two aspects that stand out are:- My Network. Mining is complex and many times the solutions to problems come from the combined input from numerous disciplines. Be ready and willing to share your expertise freely to any problem and don't be afraid to ask for help and input for your challenges. Value Approach every task with value for all stakeholders. Focus on the outcome not how you get there. I have often seen engineers worry an issue for extraordinary amounts of time when they could simply have asked the practitioners, the shop floor, the people who often bring great value to problem solving. Bring value at all levels and your reputation as a trusted "go to" will soon follow.
Another key factor in building your reputation in mining engineering is to be ethical and responsible in your work. This means following the standards and codes of conduct of your profession, respecting the environment and the communities affected by your projects, and ensuring the health and safety of yourself and others. Being ethical and responsible also means being honest, transparent, and accountable for your actions and decisions, and admitting and learning from your mistakes. By doing so, you will earn the trust and respect of your colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
This is incredibly important. The mining industry is a relatively small community. Reputation is a key element, both for establishing credibility for projects, and for raising capital. Unfortunately our industry has a poor track record caused by a "few bad apples". One of the most problematic areas I have encountered is the Junior Mining industry and goverance. There are around 2500 junior mining companies, many of which appear to be dormant. For investors outside the industry, distinguishing between ethical and unethical operators can be challenging. This is an area that has made raising capital much more challenging.
Mining engineering is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and improvement. To maintain and enhance your reputation in the industry, you need to keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and innovations that can improve your performance and efficiency. You can do this by taking courses, attending workshops, reading journals, and seeking feedback. You can also seek new challenges and opportunities that can expand your horizons and expose you to different aspects of mining engineering.
Mining engineering is undoubtedly an exciting profession, but indeed, it can be very dynamic. Constant upskilling is required. I recently completed a great internal management course offered through Duke University. It helped me engage better with all stakeholders at work, get involved in all parts of the value chain, and find innovative ways to combat identified problems. This year I started with my business studies, and not only is this a great networking experience for me, but a guaranteed way to evolve into an all-rounded mining professional who understands every aspect of the business they are in. I now go into discussions with more willingness to learn and contribute better to achieving a safe and efficient working environment.
Communication is essential for any profession, but especially for mining engineering, where you have to collaborate with diverse teams, present complex ideas, and negotiate with various parties. To develop your reputation as a competent and reliable mining engineer, you need to communicate effectively with different audiences, using clear, concise, and respectful language. You also need to listen actively, ask relevant questions, and respond appropriately. Effective communication can help you build rapport, solve problems, and achieve your objectives.
I would encourage anyone who is building their career to learn how to present clearly and confidently. This can be daunting to many but there are simple techniques you can learn that can make a massive difference to how you come across, which helps build confidence. It is never too late to learn some effective presentation techniques which you can put into practice in your next presentation to your team, the office or a client. An effective presenter will also embrace the times things didn't go so well and learn how to do it a bit better next time!
Finally, to develop your reputation in mining engineering, you need to showcase your achievements and demonstrate your value. You can do this by creating a portfolio of your projects, publications, awards, and testimonials that highlight your skills, experience, and impact. You can also use social media, blogs, podcasts, or webinars to share your insights, opinions, and best practices with your peers and the public. Showcasing your achievements can help you attract attention, recognition, and opportunities in the industry.