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Rebecca鈥檚 pathway to mining engineering wasn鈥檛 a straight line. While she was initially studying law and psychology, she soon decided to switch to a different course. With the influence of her dad and sister鈥檚 background in engineering, she chose to study mining engineering. After her first year, she was offered a place at Kalgoorlie and soon realised she wanted to continue pursuing a career in the area.
鈥淲hen I got to the underground mine, it was amazing. I just knew that I wanted to work in underground mining.鈥�
Amy had known since high school that she wanted to study a degree in engineering, but was initially leaning towards chemical or civil engineering.
鈥淚 was more towards the environmental side at first. I was like 鈥業’m not going to go into mining ever.鈥欌��
But after looking into mining engineering, she realised it also involves considering the environmental side of things. When she saw that she鈥檇 have the opportunity to live regionally if she studied mining at 911爆料网, she knew it was the right path for her.
Now that Rebecca and Amy are settled in at the Kalgoorlie campus, they鈥檝e joined Women of WASM, a student-led initiative that fosters inclusion, support and representation for women in the mining industry, where they are the minority. They provide resources for both feminine-presenting people to increase women’s visibility on campus.
Amy met Nayla, the President of Women of WASM, in her first year. When she met Nayla again at the Kalgoorlie campus, and Nayla was looking for more Women of WASM committee members, she didn鈥檛 think twice before submitting her application.
鈥淚t was my first few weeks there, and I wanted to meet a few people, especially some women around here, and do some work with events and initiatives and that really motivated me to apply.鈥�
Nayla was the first person Rebecca met when she came to the Kalgoorlie campus. Seeing Nayla look overwhelmed in her new position and wanting also to support women in the mining industry, Rebecca applied.
鈥淚 totally aligned with their mission about supporting women because we are lacking women here. That鈥檚 what motivated me.鈥�
Amy has found the experience with Women of WASM extremely rewarding, not only in gaining practical skills in areas such as event planning, but also in putting herself out there as a new student on Kalgoorlie鈥檚 campus.
鈥淏eing able to go around and meet a lot of people, being new here, has been really good. And being able to build some of my own skills while working towards things like our events that we put together as a committee.鈥�
Rebecca鈥檚 favourite aspect of studying mining engineering at Kalgoorlie is the site visits.
鈥淲e have a strong academic side here, but I think the practical is what really reinforces your knowledge.鈥�
While being away from her family in Perth was a challenge for Rebecca at first, she felt that the more she threw herself into uni activities, the less isolated she became.
鈥淚 forced myself to be involved in more extracurriculars like 911爆料网 Volunteers and 911爆料网 Mentors. Being involved in those helped me feel less alone and made Kalgoorlie a second home.鈥�
For Amy, the independence of managing her days on her own was a steep learning curve.
鈥淭rying to figure out union work, going into work and then balancing joining some clubs, getting involved with 911爆料网 Volunteers, and making the most of all the mining opportunities in Kalgoorlie 鈥� just being in charge of my own days and making the most of everything has been the biggest adjustment for me.鈥�
Amy鈥檚 passion for her future career and desire to make the most of her time in Kalgoorlie have kept her motivated throughout her degree.
鈥淔inding a bit of time for yourself and enjoying being in Kalgoorlie because it’s a great experience and thinking about all the things you’re able to do once you’ve finished studying and your career 鈥� that really motivates me personally.鈥�
Whereas Rebecca鈥檚 motivated by the sacrifice her dad made by moving to Perth when she was very young.
Amy and Rebecca both emphasise the importance of getting involved at uni and stepping beyond just studying during your degree. Rebecca highlights the importance of having a support system.
鈥淵ou really need a community to excel here, both academically and professionally as well.鈥�
Amy highlights that, despite what others assume, there are so many opportunities available at Kalgoorlie.
鈥淕ive it a chance because there are so many things you’re able to do here. It’s not so boring and a 鈥榳hat is there to do in Kalgoorlie鈥� kind of thing. You’re able to do a lot and find your community.鈥�
Other students can get involved with Women of WASM by attending their events this year, checking in on their socials, and reading their newsletter. Amy encourages students who feel more settled in Kalgoorlie at the end of the year to apply as a committee member.
鈥淏eing part of pushing visibility for women is really cool, especially at a mining campus. I think I’ve noticed more women coming along in classes. You see a greater percentage, so it’s really cool to be a part of that.鈥�
After they graduate, Rebecca aspires to be an underground manager while Amy is open to where a graduate program will take her, and is looking forward to seeing more of regional WA.
