Student Journal - Sydney Student Chapter - Mining Engineering Students Vacation Work

In 2024, I was fortunate to undertake several industry placements across multiple sites with the underground contractor Barminco. These opportunities were more than just a chance to develop technical skills - whether it was operating a long hole rig, throwing bolts on a jumbo, or driving trucks. For me, the real learning curve has been understanding and working with the people on site.  

Working across various sites with a roster that changes my crew each swing has pushed me to adapt quickly and engage with new teams. This experience has encouraged me to be more outgoing, fostering connections with coworkers and building strong working relationships. These interpersonal developments have been instrumental in shaping the kind of professional I aspire to be - someone capable of leading teams effectively in a future career in project management, a goal I have pursued since starting in mining back in 2020.  

One of the most valuable aspects of my placements has been observing different leadership and management styles. Witnessing how leadership approaches are received by the crew and how directives are acted upon has provided me with crucial insights. Like many of today’s engineering students, I often find myself reflecting on the question: "What kind of leader will I be?" I see these experiences as an essential foundation for answering that question.

By analysing both effective and ineffective leadership styles, I could build a toolbox of strategies, something I will say that you cannot learn at university. My goal is to be well-prepared if ever placed in a leadership position, drawing from what I’ve learned to inspire and guide others. I aim to take the best aspects of what I’ve observed and avoid the pitfalls, ensuring I grow into a leader who is both effective and empathetic.