Name: Edward Buscombe

Age: 25

Job title:Graduate Mining Engineer

Company: Imerys Minerals

Salary: £20,500

Job description:I have been employed by Imerys Minerals as part of their 2 year graduate training scheme. I am involved with various projects ranging from china clay extraction through to the refining and drying stages.

What career path did you take? I took A-levels in maths, physics, chemistry and geology.

What was your degree and why did you study it? I studied Mining Engineering for my degree after 3 years of working. The main reason for this choice was the knowledge that their would be plenty of job opportunities all over the world all paying good salaries for graduates compared to other industries. Further to this I was lucky enough to have the world renowned Camborne School of Mines right on my doorstep with the obvious cost benefits of studying close to home!

Did you enjoy studying at CSM? Absolutely!

What did you enjoy most about studying your degree? Mainly I enjoyed the unparalleled chances we had for hands on experience of the industry through a work placement after the 2nd year (a chance to earn some money and learn skills) and field trips both in the UK and abroad. I felt it was important to be able to have experiences of the industry before applying for jobs.

How easy did you find it to get a job after graduating?For me it wasn't too difficult. There was a posting on the notice board for a job at Imerys close to where I live, with the very attractive graduate training scheme on offer. I basically got the job a week after graduating although the interview process was quite unnerving (2 days with a presentation and various interviews).

What is the best aspect of your job?The best part of the job for me is being able to see projects which I have been involved with discussed and praised (sometimes) by people higher up the organisation chart and seeing decisions made based on information and ideas which I have collected or calculated.

How do you see your future in the industry? Definitely. There are no shortages of opportunities within the mining industry, particularly for mining engineers around the world. There is great potential for career progression, especially with graduate training programs offered by most large scale companies.

Do you have any advice for those considering a career in the extractive industry?It may not be the most glamorous industry in the world but it is an industry in permanent need of good technical people. My advice would be to have a good look at an atlas, decide where you want to work or travel, and be sure that the extractive industry will be operating close by in need of people from the mining discipline!