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What happens when your first degree choice doesn鈥檛 stick? For Arnav, it led to a love of geology.
Unsure of his path after high school, Arnav switched from law to geology and has never looked back. Now in his final year of a Bachelor of Science (geology, mining stream), he鈥檚 discovered a passion for fieldwork, exploration and connecting students with industry in Kalgoorlie.
When Arnav finished high school, he wasn鈥檛 sure what he wanted to study. His first step was law, but it didn鈥檛 feel like the right fit.
鈥淓ven though I enjoyed studying it, I didn鈥檛 see myself practicing.鈥�
One of his friends was studying geology at the time and told him about what they were doing. It spiked his interest and the mix of sciences and outdoor field work led him to geology. Now in his final year of a Bachelor of Science (geology, mining stream) in Kalgoorlie, what lead him to the degree has proven to be the most exciting aspect of learning: fieldwork.
Arnav has been on a field trip every tuition free week, every semester since second year onwards.
鈥淚t鈥檚 just mapping, going into the bush, observing the environment. Seeing how the classroom translates outdoors is amazing how things are so much more complex. Everything looks the same, but it鈥檚 up to you to interpret what鈥檚 what.鈥�
For Arnav, geology鈥檚 appeal lies in its diversity. He has learnt that it鈥檚 not all about rocks, despite believing differently before beginning the degree. There鈥檚 environmental work, lab work and fieldwork, a welcomed diversity in study. Learning that there is so much more to geology has been a key factor in Arnav鈥檚 growing love for study.
Among the many areas he鈥檚 explored, structural geology stands out as his favourite. The subject has been one that Arnav quickly grew an understanding for and has found passion in the subjects that 鈥榡ust click鈥� for him.
Outside the classroom, Arnav has found another passion through , the Geology Society. As Kalgoorlie鈥檚 representative, he helps bridge the gap between students and industry. is the student body for geology, where members organise networking events, sundowners with industry companies and social events for students. As the middleman between students and industry, Arnav has felt a confidence boost and skills interest in giving students exposure. Being a representative in the club has allowed him to experience leadership, and the ability to organise events and help students has helped in develop interpersonal skills and grow his confidence.
The move to Kalgoorlie for his final year was another turning point.
鈥淜algoorlie is very different, much smaller than Perth. Everything鈥檚 five minutes away, which is great.鈥�
His other advice? Get involved. 鈥淛oin as many clubs as you can. Say yes to everything. Get involved with the social club, go to networking nights on Fridays, just get involved.鈥�
As graduation approaches, Arnav is keeping his options open. He is considering the possibility of further study if the right opportunity comes up and is interested in honours. Otherwise, exploration is a great option as he really enjoyed that aspect during field trips.
鈥淓xploration is essentially going into the field, trying to find minerals and resources. Production and mine geology are always options too. I鈥檓 open to everything at the moment.鈥�
This openness and keen interest to learn and explore new passions is exciting for Arnav and opens up the potential for many different futures.
