Name: Ben Murray

Age: 28

Job title:Quarries manager

Job description:As Quarries Manager for Aram Resources Ltd., I have business responsibility for two hardstone quarries, an onsite asphalt plant and a shipping wharf. I hold a general management position encompassing development, drill & blast co-ordination, drystone production, asphalt production, quality and technical control, health, safety and environmental management.

What career path did you take?I studied for A Levels in Somerset taking Maths, Physics and Geology. This was followed by a BEng(Hons)Mine & Quarry Engineering degree at Camborne School of Mines. I graduated in 1999 and joined Hanson straight away on their graduate management trainee scheme. I moved around the southwest of the UK, firstly as a Graduate Trainee, next as Assistant Quarry Manager of a big unit, then Quarries Manager on Portland in Dorset, and then Unit Manager of three operations in Devon. I then left Hanson to take an extended worldwide cycling trip before returning to the UK to work for Aram Resources.

Did you enjoy studying at CSM?Yes, very much so.

What did you enjoy most about studying your degree?I enjoyed the applied nature of the course and the focus on preparing students for industry. The balance between practical work and lectures seemed appropriate and allowed for some experience to be gained outside of the classroom.

How easy did you find it to get a job after graduating?I found it to be quite straightforward getting a job when I left. I had several interviews lined up whilst still at CSM and ended up with two job offers to chose between. I chose to work for Hanson as I felt they had more to offer. After my career development break, I again found it reasonably straightforward to find a job and had secured employment within a couple of weeks of being back in the UK.

What is the best aspect of your job?Variety. No two days are ever the same! In a role as Quarry Manager you can expect to have involvement in numerous different disciplines. There are always many different projects to either lead or be involved with.

How do you see your future in the industry?I would like to progress my career either within the Quarrying or Mining Industry. In order to climb further up the career ladder in quarrying, more general business management skills are needed, as is a greater understanding of commercial and financial management skills. I would also like to work overseas for at least part of my career.

Do you have any advice for those considering a career in the extractive industry?I believe it is important to learn the majority of the tasks that you hope to manage. In this way, you will gain more respect from your workforce and will have a better understanding of the challenges your employees face. Don’t leave CSM with the belief that you know everything there is to know about the industry – you’ll soon annoy everybody!