Mining engineering with Leila
From working as an electrician to studying mining engineering, UNSW student Leila shares her unique career journey.
Published on the 20 August 2024
After completing her apprenticeship as an electrician, Leila de Young decided to pursue a double degree in mining engineering and earth sciences at UNSW. Leila shares with us her career journey and aspirations to pursue her studies in mining engineering.
What motivated you to transition from a career as an electrician to mining engineering?
In high school, I was naturally drawn to maths and sciences, but I hadn’t yet figured out how to translate that into a career. I always intended to go to uni, but I didn’t want to dive into a degree without being fully confident in my choice. So, I decided to pursue an electrical apprenticeship, allowing me to earn a qualification while getting paid and giving me time to explore my options. Over the four years of my apprenticeship, I realised I enjoyed hands-on work and recognised the construction sector as a booming industry with great potential. Combining this with my passion for maths and science, I decided to pursue a degree in mining engineering.
What type of impact do you hope to make in the mining engineering industry?
As a Gen Z member, I’m deeply aware of the environmental challenges associated with the mining industry. It’s something I wrestle with, as I do feel a sense of guilt and hypocrisy knowing that I’m entering a field often seen as environmentally destructive.
However, I recognise that the mining industry would continue with or without my contribution, and this drives me to make a positive impact. My goal is to contribute to the sustainability of the sector, to improve the industry’s relationship with the environment. By doing so, I hope to help take even a small step towards leaving a lasting legacy that balances resource needs with environmental responsibility.
What opportunities or areas in mining are you interested in?
After completing my degree, I’m eager to pursue a career in copper mining. Unlike coal, copper’s demand will remain strong, and it would be fun to help replace the copper I’ve used in the kilometres of cable I have installed during my apprenticeship! Once I’ve gained a few years of experience and established myself in the industry, I plan to transition into a managerial role. This would not only broaden my skill set but also provide the flexibility to shift into consultancy if I decide the FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) lifestyle no longer suits me.
What advice would you offer to someone who may be interested in studying mining engineering and are exploring different study options?
Mining engineering is often overlooked as a study option here at UNSW. Out of the approximately 1,300 first-year engineering students, only a small number choose mining as their major. I think this is partly due to the misconception that mining locks you into a narrow career path, but that’s simply not the case! A mining engineering degree opens doors to a range of industries, including finance, investment banking, consultancy, and other engineering fields. Plus, mining engineering is one of the highest-paying careers in Australia.
There’s also a significant shortage of mining engineers in the country, which sets it apart from fields like software engineering, where job competition can be tough. If you’re exploring study options, mining engineering offers both excellent career prospects and the potential for diverse opportunities.
For more information about studying mining engineering at UNSW Sydney visit the School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering
Leila de Young, 1st year mining engineering and earth sciences student