Junior Exploration Geologist
Qualification: Master of Science (Geoscience)
Year of Graduation: 2021
Education Provider: The University of Western Australia
Job Title: Junior Exploration Geologist
Employer: Norton Gold Fields, Kalgoorlie
Country of Origin: India
Are there any notable experiences from your time studying you’d like to share?
Yes! Active engagement in social activities and clubs and other organisations outside UWA – such as StudyPerth, Rotary Club, Multicultural Society, etc has had a huge impact on shaping the person I am today.
Undertaking a part-time job, an internship, and studying at university at the same time also gave me life skills that I could use to prosper in my career and daily life.
If you could tell your graduate self one piece of career advice, what would it be and why?
Failure is your greatest teacher and make effort to work closely with failure.
Why? I was told by one of my mentors, that, “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new”. This is also because if you tend to do the same thing again and again, you will prosper in that, but there is no real goal or improvement in the way or purpose of your life.
The mistakes that I make provide me with an opportunity to learn, grow and take risks.
Tell us about your experience since leaving UWA – how has your career progressed to date? Any professional achievements you’d like to share?
Although it was a slow period during COVID-19 in 2021, things did go well as I started working as a Geologist in May 2021 at Norton Gold Fields in Kalgoorlie and have continued the trend from there on.
I was recognised by the Council for International Students of Western Australia (CISWA) as WA International Tertiary Student of the Year 2020, for my work with the Council of International Students Australia (CISA), and the StudyPerth Student Ambassador program (StudyPerth 2019-2020).
What are some of your passions and interests?
My goal in life is to live an unforgettable life, so I try to be proactive and get the most out of my day.
I love to travel, experience new daring activities, go for hikes, explore Perth, and have a good time out with my friends.
What are the top 3 skills you need in your role as a Junior Exploration Geologist?
- Standard geological database management software, data interpretation and reporting skills.
- Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work safely and effectively, autonomously and as a part of a small and close-knit dynamic team
How has your technical and operational experience assisted you in your role?
It is a very different environment when compared to what we think and prepare for whilst studying in a university. I have understood every single theory but I have learnt even better with the operational experience than what I would have grasped while studying.
I have learnt valuable skills through time and experience such as problem–solving, self-reliance, interpersonal skills, and time management skills.
What was your main reason(s) to select Perth as your study destination?
Perth provides the perfect backdrop for cultural festivals all year long and luckily, I get to enjoy the same variety of food choices that I get back in India. I chose Perth as it is a metropolis and did not have too many crowded places; it presented itself as the perfect place with plenty of opportunities to live, learn and enjoy while studying.
What have you enjoyed the most about living and studying in Perth?
Beaches, road trips and the laid-back lifestyle are the main three things I have enjoyed and still do! Various discounted events and festivals were another highlight that needs to be mentioned as it offers students an opportunity to mingle and make friends from various parts of the world. Who knows, when you go to Japan, you might just have a friend to show you around!
What would you say to students thinking of coming to Perth to study?
Prepare for the best and the worst, prepare yourself to enjoy the best as well as plan for your future. Perth has a lot to offer but it is up to oneself to find the hidden gems.
It is totally different from what people think when they say Perth; it’s not just kangaroos and koalas, we’ve got cuter ones like the quokkas! The only advice I have for new students is to come here and mark Perth as your starting point in achieving your dreams and ticking off those bucket list items.