Say Yes to Opportunity: An Early Career Geologist Q & A with Renzo Ocampo
Renzo Ocampo is an early-career geologist and a committee member of the AusIMM Geoscience Society. He actively promotes Australia’s mining and resources sector and holds leadership and volunteering roles with AusIMM, AIG, and Austmine.
In this feature, Renzo reflects on his journey from an international university student to an emerging professional in the minerals and mining industry. He shares his pathway into geoscience and mining, the challenges and opportunities of studying and working in Australia and his commitment to supporting the next generation of geoscientists. Renzo also discusses the value of volunteering, the importance of diversity and inclusion and how resilience has been central to his career development.
What led you to geoscience?
While completing senior high school at Mount Gambier, South Australia, geology was no longer offered, leading me to focus on engineering subjects including advanced maths, physics and chemistry. I then spent a gap year in Central Queensland with my family and to reassess my career direction. My dad, who had worked closely with geologists and drillers during South Africa’s diamond rush in the late 1990s, encouraged me to consider geology as a potential career path – advice that ultimately shaped my professional aspirations.
I returned to South Australia to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Mineral Geoscience at the University of Adelaide, complementing my studies with a minor in geophysics and several maths elective courses. Over time, I developed a deep passion for geoscience and knew I had made the right choice.
What was it like being an international student living independently in Australia?
It was a challenging adjustment. Living away from my family meant I had to grow up quickly — balancing studies, part-time work and everyday life on my own. It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me resilience and independence. I had to build my own support network here and I found that through my peers, mentors and professional societies. Looking back, those challenges shaped me into the person I am today.
Having lived in Australia for over a decade now, I am deeply committed to making it my permanent home and am eager to continue building my career while contributing to its vibrant minerals and mining sector.
What role have scholarships, bursaries and professional development programs played in your journey?
They have been invaluable. I’ve been fortunate to receive scholarships and bursaries that enabled me to attend professional development programs, workshops and conferences across Australia including the National Exploration Undercover School (NExUS), ASEG’s Camp for Applied Geophysics Excellence (CAGE), the Executive Micro Certificate in Economic Leadership for Mining through UBC BRIMM, the IMARC NextGen Leaders Program and AusIMM New Leaders Summit, among others. Beyond covering costs, these opportunities provided access to training, mentorship and networks that continue to shape my career approach.
For both students and early-career professionals, financial support is available — you just need to apply and track deadlines carefully. Planning ahead, setting clear personal goals and maintaining a monthly calendar can help you meet eligibility criteria and stay motivated. Many skills critical to the mining and geoscience sector are gained outside the university through field programs, technical training and networking. Some opportunities aren’t widely advertised or may not immediately appear in your line of sight, so connecting with people across different organisations and fields is key to discovering them.
What have been some key highlights in your career so far, and how has your career progressed?
There have been several milestones in my career, each building on the last. I started as a vacation student geologist and progressed through undergraduate and graduate geologist roles at Fortescue. During this time, I gained valuable experience in greenfield exploration, working on Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) and sediment-hosted copper projects in South Australia and lithium pegmatite exploration in Canada where I worked with a geological database and early-stage exploration team.
I am now a Junior Geologist at Barton Gold, working with an experienced team to explore and advance major gold deposits in the central Gawler Craton of South Australia. This role has broadened my knowledge across both the technical and operational aspects of gold exploration and mining while giving me exposure to geodatabases, exploration and resource drilling campaigns, and early-stage development.
What to expect when starting your first job in the industry?
Starting your first role in mining or exploration is both exciting and challenging. A few things to keep in mind:
- Learn from your colleagues: Conversations with experienced professionals are invaluable. Ask questions, seek advice and observe how processes are applied in practice. You’re not expected to know everything immediately. Mistakes are part of learning — what matters is reflecting and improving.
- Be proactive and say yes: Any task you’re offered is an opportunity to learn and build your foundation. Even if it seems small, repetitive or outside your comfort zone, take it on — this is how you develop core skills and gain practical experience that builds your career.
- Understand the company culture and workflow: Each company has its own way of operating. Early on, focus on understanding how decisions are made, how teams collaborate and how your role contributes to the bigger picture.
- Balance learning with contribution: You’ll spend time both absorbing knowledge and adding value. The key is to actively observe, participate and communicate.
- Professionalism and safety first: Safety is paramount in this industry. Adhering to safety protocols, workplace respect and professional conduct is non-negotiable. It’s also essential to look after your own wellbeing — sleep, nutrition, mental health and fitness affect your performance and enjoyment of the work.
- Networking matters: Even in your first role, building relationships within and outside the company is just as important as developing technical skills. Networking keeps you informed about the latest industry trends, helps you maintain a professional presence in the industry and often shapes your career path by opening doors to future opportunities.
Share challenges and opportunities in the industry. What is something you wish you knew before entering the industry?
One of the first things I wish I’d known before entering the industry is the reality of its boom-and-bust cycle. Mining and exploration are inherently cyclical industries — project funding, commodity prices and global events can significantly impact employment. Knowing this beforehand doesn’t discourage anyone from pursuing a career here; rather, it’s a chance to prepare. Building a strong professional network and maintaining relationships across companies and projects is invaluable — it can help you navigate uncertain times more confidently.
Another challenge is the highly competitive nature of online job applications. Early on, I applied for more than 50 roles during my second year at university. While I secured a few interviews, most opportunities and job offers came through networking — talking to people in the industry, attending events and reaching out to mentors. This taught me that building personal connections can often open doors that online applications alone cannot.
On the positive side, there is a wealth of support networks available. Professional organisations like AusIMM, AIG and Austmine offer mentorship programs, workshops and social events. Beyond career development, these networks support mental health, workplace safety and professional wellbeing. Knowing that there is support available helps reduce stress, especially during times of redundancy or high workload. Other opportunities in the sector include exposure to cutting-edge technology, national and international projects and career diversity. Being proactive and adaptable is key to making the most of these opportunities.
You’ve been heavily involved in volunteering and leadership roles early in your career. What has that meant for your career and personal growth?
Volunteering with professional organisations like AusIMM, AIG and Austmine has been one of the most impactful decisions I’ve made. Holding multiple roles across diverse committees has allowed me to give back to the geoscience and mining communities while gaining valuable experience in return. It opened doors to networking, mentoring and leadership opportunities and helped me develop key skills in teamwork, communication and project management while also broadening my technical knowledge.
Equally important, these experiences have reinforced the importance of creating inclusive spaces where young professionals feel supported and empowered. Through outreach programs with high school and university students, I’ve been able to promote geoscience careers and support the next generation of professionals. These opportunities have shaped both my career and personal growth and even taken me across Australia and internationally — including South Korea.
In recognition of my contributions, I have been honoured with several awards, including being nominated for the 2024 Rising Star of the Year Award at the Resourcing Tomorrow Outstanding Achievement Awards in London, receiving the 2023 ASEG Young Professionals Award in Perth, and being presented with the 2023 AIG Wandearah Award in Adelaide for my dedication and proactive involvement within professional geoscience organisations in South Australia.
You mentioned you went to South Korea to volunteer. Can you tell us more about that trip?
Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to South Korea as a sponsored delegate to attend the 37th International Geological Congress (IGC) in Busan where I also assisted the Melbourne bid team for the 38th IGC. The congress brought together geoscientists from around the world, giving me invaluable insight into global collaboration, emerging trends and strategies to support the next generation of geoscientists. I am grateful to the Australian Geoscience Council, the Australian Academy of Science and the Geological Society of Australia for this opportunity, which came shortly after my first redundancy in mining. It gave me the chance to contribute, refocus and explore new opportunities.
I extended my stay for about a month to experience South Korea’s geology and rich culture — visiting geoheritage sites in Busan and Jeju Island, cycling around Udo Island and taking in the breathtaking views from Seongsan Ilchulbong and Mt Hallasan. Soon after, I flew directly to Brisbane to join my AusIMM Adelaide team to compete in the National Mining Games and attend the New Leaders Summit.
What personal lessons or memorable experiences have you gained from competing for mining games?
Competing in national and international mining games, such as the International Collegiate Mining Games 2023 in Kalgoorlie and the National Mining Games 2024 in Brisbane, has been an incredibly rewarding experience. These games celebrate the industry’s history while honouring the miners of the past through a series of traditional mining techniques. It is a powerful reminder of how far we have come in terms of mining technology, methods and safety standards.
Representing the AusIMM Adelaide Student Chapter as part of a team taught me the importance of collaboration, communication and leveraging each other’s strengths under pressure. Winning awards in events like gold panning and mineral rock identification was exciting, but the real value came from the camaraderie and shared experiences with emerging leaders and peers from diverse backgrounds.
These competitions also provide a unique opportunity to expand professional networks and engage with diverse perspectives, offering inspiration and insights that have been invaluable for my personal and professional growth as a geologist.
Last year, you experienced your first redundancy. How did you navigate that period, and what did you learn from it?
Experiencing redundancy for the first time was challenging — it can feel unsettling when your career path suddenly shifts. What made all the difference was the support I received from mentors, colleagues, professional organisations, family and friends. They reminded me that redundancy isn’t a reflection of my capability; it’s simply a reality of the mining and exploration industry, which is driven by market cycles and project timelines.
I’m incredibly thankful for the support, learning opportunities and the chance to work with amazing people in the industry during my time with my previous employer.
It took about three months to secure my next role and I made a conscious decision to use that time productively. I allowed myself some downtime to recharge, stayed active by volunteering with industry organisations, attended networking events and conferences, and spent more quality time with family and friends.
That period taught me valuable lessons:
- You are not alone – talk to your mentors, advisors and peers; many have been through it and can offer guidance and encouragement.
- Focus on what you can control – update your CV, strengthen your network and keep your skills sharp through short courses or industry engagement.
- Maintain perspective – redundancy is not a personal failure; it is part of the natural ebb and flow of our industry.
Looking back, that experience made me more resilient and adaptable. It reminded me to see change as an opportunity — a chance to reflect, reset and ultimately move forward with more clarity about my career direction.
What motivates you to keep pushing forward in your career?
My motivation comes from curiosity, discovery and people. Geology is a discipline that constantly challenges you to learn, adapt and think critically. The idea that the work we do in exploration can one day support society — through technology, infrastructure and economic growth — is incredibly inspiring.
I’m equally motivated by the community around me: mentors, colleagues and peers who remind me that resilience isn’t just about individual grit but also about recognising and leaning on the support of those around you.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself advancing in mineral exploration and mining, hopefully contributing to new discoveries while taking on greater leadership responsibilities. Mentorship is important to me — I want to continue supporting young and emerging geoscientists the way others have supported me. I also hope to keep promoting outreach and diversity initiatives, inspiring students that geoscience and mining are exciting and inclusive career paths.
What advice would you give to university students and young professionals?
- Get involved early: Join professional societies, participate in panels or roundtable discussions and volunteer wherever you can. These connections will shape your career more than you think.
- Get your name out there: Share your experiences and insights through newsletter articles, LinkedIn posts or professional blogs. This can include updates about your volunteering, career milestones, key learnings and professional activities. Communicating your journey not only builds your profile but also opens doors, inspires others and connects you with like-minded professionals.
- Find mentors: Don’t hesitate to reach out. Most professionals are more than willing to share their time and guidance. Many organisations run formal mentoring programs or you can simply arrange a coffee with someone in the industry to learn from their experience.
- Keep learning: The mining industry is evolving quickly. Commit to continuous professional development whether through short courses, conferences or fieldwork. Stay adaptable and open to new technologies, approaches and opportunities — curiosity and flexibility will keep you moving forward. Remember — there are no dumb questions. Asking them is how you learn, grow and show genuine curiosity.
- Persevere and embrace change: You will face setbacks — it’s part of the journey. Each challenge is a chance to grow stronger.
- Value your support network: Friends, colleagues and mentors play a vital role in your growth. Invest time in building and maintaining these relationships — they provide guidance, encouragement and perspective that will help you navigate challenges and celebrate achievements throughout your career.
What advice would you give to high school students considering a career in geoscience or mining?
Stay curious and pay attention to how the world works — from the rocks beneath your feet to the resources that shape daily life. If you enjoy science, environmental studies or spending time outdoors, geoscience could be a great fit. It’s an interdisciplinary field, so combining earth science subjects with others you enjoy will give you a strong foundation and help you discover which areas spark your interest. Look for work experience programs, university open days or STEM camps to get a taste of the field.
Talk to people already working in the industry — geoscientists, engineers and other professionals are often keen to share their stories and advice. Don’t be afraid to try new things and step outside your comfort zone. Mining and geoscience are team-driven fields that value problem-solving, resilience and collaboration. By staying open to learning and embracing opportunities as they come, you’ll be amazed at how far your journey can take you.
Let’s end with something fun — what’s your favourite rock or mineral?
Definitely olivine — its green sparkle and sugar-like texture remind me of sweets. I also love copper-bearing rocks not just for their colours but for the chemistry behind them: azurite’s blues, malachite’s greens, cuprite’s reds and the metallic hues of chalcopyrite and bornite.
Final Thoughts
Renzo’s story is a reminder that building a career in geoscience is about more than just rocks and fieldwork — it’s about people, opportunities and resilience. From moving to Australia as an international student to finding his place in the industry, he’s shown how passion and persistence can open doors.
Through his work with the AusIMM Geoscience Society and others, Renzo is paying it forward by supporting others starting their own journeys. His message is clear: say yes to any opportunities, give back when you can and keep an open mind — you never know where your career might take you.
