Name: Holly Moulding

Age: 21

A levels taken: Physics, Maths, French

Degree programme: Mining Engineering (BEng)

Why did you choose to study for this degree? I always wanted to do something with engineering but wanted a hands on degree with great job prospects at the end. When I looked at Mining Engineering it offered a huge range of practical aspects alongside a good teaching program. I loved the fact that CSM has it’s own test mine and the activities looked more fun than your average run of the mill engineering degree. Since university is quite expensive I needed a course that would guarantee a job at the end, but also allow the fun times to roll while at university.

What do you enjoy most about studying for your degree? I love studying Mining Engineering; it has opened up so many possibilities for me. From the practical side it has fantastic opportunities to get your hands dirty. We undertake a Mine induction week in our first year where we get to drill and blast and use the muckers. In our second year we have an underground survey where we use our brand new surveying equipment to produce a massive underground map, which is great experience for the industry. We also have an 8-week work experience over the summer of our second year, this year I have got a job at a mine in Alaska for 11 weeks which is awesome! I have recently been to Santiago, Chile after gaining a travel grant from the CSM Trust to attend FRAGBLAST-8 and explosives and rock fragmentation conference. It was amazing. From the academic side the teaching is really relevant to the industry and I really enjoy the mechanics and project management modules. There are so many opportunities and the world really does become your oyster.

How have you found studying in a traditionally male dominated subject area so far? Studying Mining Engineering does place you in a male dominated area but that doesn't really bother me, times are changing and women have a much larger presence than previously! Sometimes you may feel a bit out of it because your not one of the lads but its something I don't let get to me because we all make an effort to get on. There are two other girls in my year and in fact it's us three that secured work placements with the 2 biggest mining companies. The girl/boy divide doesn't really exist at our university, this year I am President of Camborne School of Mines and have received a lot of support from our mining boys. When I was in Chile I did find it a bit overwhelming being the only female delegate but I just thought "don't let it bother you, get out there and enjoy yourself", confidence is something you build.

How do you see your future in the industry? After graduating next year I have two possible options, a) Take the European Masters in Mining Engineering which has 4 campuses around Europe, or b) Take on a graduate scheme for a company and get as much experience as possible. I would like to work with blasting and explosives in the future but really am keeping my options open as there is so much out there. Just got to go with the flow.

Do you have any advice for females considering a mining related degree? DO IT! It is awesome. But do think about what you want in the future, family etc., as you may need to go abroad to get the experience and work. There is such a massive worldwide demand for graduate mining engineers; it really is the talk of the industry. So get in there as there are so many jobs and opportunities for you and its really well paid too. Women are really starting to make their mark in the industry so the time has never been better for us girls!