Name: Bryony Andrew

Age: 30

Job title:Rock Mechanics Superintendent (Australia)

Company: Xstrata Copper

Salary: $A 120,000 (approx 50,400 pounds)

Job description: I look after the Copper Rock Mechanics group within the Mt Isa Copper Operations. The work is very varied from involvement with mass mining projects and the associated rock mechanics challenges with these, to day-to-day operational support and assistance with ground control issues to short and long term planning for optimal stope extraction. No two days are ever the same.

What degree did you study and why did you study it? I studied Beng (Hons) Mining Engineering at Camborne School of Mines and a MSc in Geotechnical Engineering at Heriot Watt. I chose to do Mining Engineering as it was always something that intrigued me and I felt that it would give me more opportunities to do practical work than a standard engineering degree. It has given me the opportunity to work in Australia and experience a very different lifestyle

What career path did you take? My first job upon graduation was with Midland Quarry Products (joint venture between Anglo American and Hanson) as a graduate trainee quarry manager. I progressed to Works Manager at a batch plant (making asphalt and roadbase) in Wolverhampton whilst I applied for Australian residency. I then secured a position with Mount Isa Mines as a Rock Mechanics Engineer and I have been with the company since.

What did you enjoy most about studying for your degree? After completing vacation work at the end of my second year, I really felt I understood what it was all about and it gave me great enthusiasm for my study. I could see what the end goal was and knew where I was heading. The size of the classes and the facilities available at CSM were excellent - especially when compared with other engineering subjects at other universities and the opportunities to complete practical work as well as theory were excellent.

What is the best aspect of your job/career? I have so many opportunities available to me working for a company such as Xstrata. My role has allowed me to learn about many areas that I would not have anticipated such as power reticulation, backfill, blast vibration and mine planning. There is a great deal of variety in my job and it never becomes boring. I find it easy to find new challenges in areas of interest to myself and people are very willing to assist if you are keen and enthusiast.

How do you see your future in the industry?My current career goal is to gain my Queensland First Class Mine Managers ticket which I hope to do within the next 12 months and I would like to move into an operational role with the company. I would like to stay to stay based on a minesite and preferably residential.

Do you have any advice for females considering a career in the extractive industry?Consider your future plans and goals carefully. It is likely that you may have to move overseas if you intend to pursue a career in underground operations - this should not be underestimated - it is likely that you will need to be motivated enough to pursue your own visa. Consider whether you are happy to work on roster/shift (rosters and shifts vary a great deal)and whether you wish to have a fly in fly out (FIFO) position or whether you are prepared to be residential in a remote area. Do not underestimate the level of responsibility that you will be required to assume at an early stage in your career. Carefully consider any plans you may have to have a family at a later stage, how you will deal with child care and being located in a remote location. Be prepared to deal with confrontation. Do not underestimate the significance of subjects which appear to not be very relevant at Uni - they are always the ones you wished you had paid more attention in!!