The current boom being experienced by mining, coupled with a shortage of professionals, will mean those in the industry will have many choices. It may be easy to become carried away and run with the highest bid or the biggest promise. Without planning, however, the right' opportunity may be missed and there may be some long-term consequences._x000D_
There are many choices of paths in the industry to suit work preferences, life cycles and to achieve a balanced life. People in mining have changed jobs and companies frequently - which means new leaders need to take greater responsibility in charting their own direction. Career options need to be carefully assessed and aligned to personal values and preferences. Emphasis is given on gaining site experience early on._x000D_
This paper examines strategies for career planning, which incorporate life cycles, education and what is meant by a balanced lifestyle. Two tools are identified as being helpful in ensuring strategies can be successfully executed. They are visioning' and influence'._x000D_
To make the mining industry more attractive, we need more creative solutions around advances in technology and organisation of work. It also needs the input and leadership of new entrants in to the industry to assist in its survival. New leaders are encouraged to voice a vision and effectively influence their companies. New leaders have little authority and need to learn how to effectively influence. We as a mining industry need to listen, be open-minded and give it a go._x000D_
FORMAL CITATION:Sommerville, K, 2004. Your career - are you an overnight dot.com or a long-term growth option? in Proceedings New Leaders' 2005, pp 41-46 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).