Name: John Shipp

Age: 58

Job title:President of the Australia/Africa Business Unit for Barrick Gold.

Salary:A lot more than I deserve but the industry does pay well!

Job description:Looking after five mines in Australia plus two in Tanzania. Also growing the business is a big part and we are always on the lookout for exploration success, mergers or acquisitions.

What career path did you take?'A' levels in pure maths, applied maths and physics. Straight to CSM from school to do a degree in Mining Engineering.

Did you enjoy studying at CSM?Fabulous experience. Great location and very good for developing a sense of maturity.

What did you enjoy most about studying your degree?Social life and friendships developed, many of which survive until today.

How easy did you find it to get a job after graduating?I was lucky as I graduated in a time of a minerals boom. I applied for three jobs initially and received offers for all of them.

What is the best aspect of your job?The sense of achievement in that I can make a difference by my own efforts. This has been the case right through my career as in mining you have to make decisions and stand by them at all stages and in all aspects of your job. Also I have been fascinated all my life by different cultures and have been fortunate to work in many countries and see many different things.

How do you see your future in the industry?Semi-retirement at some stage but still relishing the fun at this time.

Do you have any advice for those considering a career in the extractive industry?If you want a challenge and an industry that backs people who achieve things, then go for it. There will be times that you face issues that stretch you and that you would never see in a secure environment like the UK, but that adds to the fun of it all and gives you a sense of achievement when you come through.