Name: John Sammut

Age: 53

Job title: General Manager, UK and Canada

Company: Komatsu Mining Germany (KMG)

Job description:KMG manufactures a range of German built heavy mining hydraulic excavators ranging from 15 cu m machines weighing about 200t upto 42 cu m machines weighing over 700t. I am responsible for the total operation in the UK, sales, parts, service backup etc. In Canada I am responsible for representing the factory to our distributors, visiting customers with them and making presentations, helping with the marketing and communication with the factory in Dusseldorf.

What career path did you take? Unusually I chose to study for an OND in Engineering instead of A levels, gained a distinction then came to CSM in 1997 to study mining. Graduated with first class honours in 1980.

Did you enjoy studying at CSM? I loved every minute of my time at CSM. I loved the intimacy of what was a small college and for me the “taught degree” style was better. Cornwall was a great place to study in but also to have a great time in…especially in the summer!

How easy did you find it to get a job after graduating? When I graduated jobs were easy to come by and I chose to work in the Opencast Coal mining Industry, specialising in heavy mining equipment. I also had spells in quarrying and quarry equipment before ending up working for a manufacturer.

Do you have any advice for those considering a career in the extractive industry? Be bold, look at the current trends, try to forecast where they will go and specialise in them. Take a masters after your first degree in a specialism. Its an opportunity to have more fun and it will make you more desirable to an employer. For example, in Canada industry in the Athabasca oil sands is booming. There are huge opportunities for well qualified people there. Network madly! Its vital to keeping abreast of whats going on. Keep in touch with people and keep their business cards.