Let me set out for you a few ideas that may help in coming to a decision. Presumably from reading the blog you have some idea of my background and perspective, so please consider what I say in the light of the fact that I blog, something few in the industry do.
My first response on reading your e-mail was this: we need more people like him in the industry; I hope he decides to become a mining engineer.
In mining as in any other industry there are ups and downs. The skilled survive; the incompetent suffer. I do not think that cyclicity of employment should be a criterion. Even those working for government these days are likely to be fired or downsized. And that use to be the one sure way to have secure employment. My son is an officer in the Navy—his job is secure—but only until he turns 45 when they could kick him out too. Point is there is no security of employment anywhere these days, so rather elect to do what you will enjoy doing it; for if you enjoy doing it, you will have work.
Certainly the world of mining, once you have a degree is vast and open. From running the underground workings to planning new pits, to working for NGOs that keep a wary eye on mining folk doing bad things. But then so too is civil engineering. Keep in mind that I am a civil engineer, and both my daughters have chosen to become civil engineers. Funny thing though, in my opinion, mines need civil engineers almost as much as they need mining engineers.
You indicate a liking of theater, you write very well, and are obviously fascinated by many things. You cannot do it all. Some things you will have to specialize in, and others will have to remain a side interest for fun, pleasure, and enlightenment. Opera is one of mine. Not sure I would like to work with an opera company though. Maybe if I did it again, I would become a carpenter doing fine woodwork, or a professor of Indo-European languages, or an archaeologist specializing in Australopithecus. Keep in mind I got a law degree after my civil engineering masters degree. I changed my mind a number of time. I predict you will too.
Point is commit to a course of action that provides you with the greatest number of choices. My boss always says: have five things going at any one time; you can be sure three will fail; two will succeed; and you will have to decide how to turn one of the two into five more opportunities.
As for universities. I would go to Colorado. A nice place; a reasonable reputation; and good contacts. Although NM Tech is in a part of the world that I love. I lived six years in Albuquerque. Trouble is it is remote and may be a bit lonely for the average student. Better weather than Colorado though.
Regarding damage done by mines. Mines have caused much damage. But that is not a good reason to avoid the industry. For if good men do not step forward to improve things, who will? I have spent most of my professional life on tailings and am still having a wonderful time improving things.
Take a look at EduMine, which is part of InfoMine, to get a better idea of the range of topics that mining and civil engineers in mining deal with. I have a few courses up.
Good luck with your deliberations and decision making. Go with your gut feel, but exercise your judgment only after doing all you can to get the facts.
PS. Ti sposting has attracted many comments. Thanks to those who add to the topic. At this link is an update on the topic — see Should I Become a Mining Engineer II
Good reply to the student asking about a mining engineering career. Reminds me of me! I got a mining engineering degree at what was then called Missouri School of Mines and took several geology courses in the process. I found that I liked geology, and went on to get an MS and PhD in geology, then worked in mineral exploration for major mining companies and as a consultant. The engineering degree gave me entry and common ground when I spoke to miners and mining executives. At my advanced age (80! and counting) I still have many interests in mining and geology, and look back fondly on those days when I was an active part of the industry. One other point for the student. Don’t stop learning after you get the degree. branch out into economics, finance, law and whatever interests you. Even opera!
Hey guys i have a doubt can you please help me in this i am a graduate i mechanical engineering and wanna pursue my masters in mining engineering from Australia. so, i wanted to know that is there a lot of difference in the subjects or is it very difficult for me to cope up with the subjects at a later stage..?? please need help..
Is there anyway you can post this on the NWCC’s School of Exploration Facebook group?
I think this it is great practical advice to students who wish to pursue their studies.
Pamelaw
Well done for your article, it is brilliant!
i’m brasilian and i have many trouble to decide if i should be a Mining Engineer. i have fear about the disciplines but her article help me a lot.
i still have fear but i’m more secure about the career
sorry by the english
id love to become a mining engineer but sadly they dont do any courses in ireland to become a mining engineer.
Steve: In reply let me note that while true you cannot study mining engineering in Ireland, there are good schools in Wales an England. ALternatively study civil, mechanical, chemical, or geological engineering in Ireland. Then of ocurse you will have to a country where there are mines to get a job. They will welcome you to the mines wiht any of these degrees.
Jack
I am a south african and did not know wether i chose the right career that best suits me, but thanks to jack for the wanderful article, it really touched me n i am now ready n more secure to do mining engineering. THANKS A LOT!
ey Aobakwe!im also south african residin in jhb..i also want 2 persue a career in mining engineerin but stil having doubts,wud u recommend me 2 go for it.If u dnt mind can we exchange details so as we can share ideas or motivate each other where possible..MY E-MAIL ADDRESS IS:fiona.b@webmail.co.za
[...] blog posting that has been most rewarding this year is Should I Become a Mining Engineer. It has been looked at by over 1,900 readers. I have also received a large number of private [...]
I AM PAVAN KUMAR FROM INDIA ….THIS ARTICLE IS VERY GOOD,MINING ENGINEERING IS VERY INTERESTING SUBJECT..ANYONE CAN CHOOSE IT,IT CAN BE PAID GOOD SALARIES
Great post, Jack. I feel that a career in mines is a great career path, one which can take you all over the world. For example, in Australia it’s predicted that there will be a need for over 1700 Mining Engineers by 2015. Global skills competition is fierce within this field, so I think that employment is close to 100% for many Mining Engineering graduates who attend Universities that are recognised by the Washington Accord. As mentioned, career paths these days are non-liniar, but a professional mining qualification is a handy one to have.
I am intrested in mining nd i intend to study please help to hve access in mining hard books
interrested in mine engineering
Im currently employed at mine im having mining experience and i have blasting ticket itz good idea for me to go study mining engeenr
I am currently enrolled in university about to go into the mining program. Though I am worried that the math would be too difficult because math has never been my strength. But the more I look into it the more I want to work hard to get a career in this engineering discipline. Although I am female I believe that anyone has a shot. Thank you for the wonderful article, it has helped make up my mind during this hard time in my life.
Go for it girl!
Im a highschool junior and math is also one on my weaker strengths, and i was really interested in mining engineering, and i was wondering… how is it going for you? is the math not too bad? bcz i have the same worries you did
Good morning, I’m 29 years old, I am Brazilian and I speak English inttermeiario. I have professional experience in CATERPILLAR machines subterrania mine and open sky, but have the ability to learn fast and great interest in experiencing new experiêcias in another country, working and improving my professional knowledge. therefore would not have any problem to adapt myself to other cultures. I would love to participate in this program and receive all information regarding the selection process.
Thanks in advance.
(cerqueira Francisco.)
Francisco Souza cerqueira son
Personal Data
Brazilian, married, born in Salvador-BA 01/09/82
Resident: Street No. 07 Medici President Salvador, Bahia
Tel (71) 9123-5228 / 8348-5195
Enabled: Category “B”
E-mail. Franciscocerqueira_@hotmail.com
Willingness to Travel
goal
Providing services in the available position, contributing to the good level of interpersonal development, ability to undertake activities with versatility, practicality and ease of learning.
I have creativity as well as general knowledge for the growth of this prestigious company.
qualifications
Intelligent, Dynamic Facility in Interpersonal Relationships. Quality at Work Motivation.
Academic
Two complete degree
Professional Experience
Company: Massacom Trade Mortar
Function: Mechanic. Period: from 2005 to 2007
Company: Mining Minercon
Function: Welder (stick electrode, MIG) Period: 2008-2010
Company: CATERPILLAR Marcosa
Function: 01 Mechanic with experience in the engine block, cylinder head Cylinder liners Pistons Crankshaft Connecting Rod Assembly Flywheel
Vibration damper shaft camshaft valve train. (etc.) Period: 2010-2012
I have experience with Caterpillar machines Complementary Courses
Intermediate English.
Computing.
Francisco Souza cerqueira filho
Great article especially since I am also struck with the same question. I am from Canada and I’m entering into university next year for an engineering degree (first year’s general). I am considering going into mining engineering with a mechanical/mine specialization option that my university provides. I originally was interested in mechanical/mechatronics or electrical and so I’m wondering if mining engineering is a good idea. I know mining engineering provides a good salary and job opportunities, and I know I will obviously be involved with mines but I don’t really know what I would be really doing as a mining engineer.
so what do you suggest we do in order to teckle dis problem that keeps us awake at now?plz um up 4 any suggestions
hi my name is sthembiso and i am studying minign engineering at wits.when i went there i had a pretty good idea in terms of why i choose mining,but from where i am standing now i am not so sure.so i want to know what certain extra qualities does a person has to have in order to be a happy mining engineer?
Amazing. This is the best article I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Informative and concise. Thanks very much. Hoping you write many more articles that can help us future mining engineers out.Cheers!
SINCE I GOT IN TOUCH WITH THIS WEBSITE A LOT HAS BECOME MORE CLEARER AND I CAN’T BELIEVE UM SAYING THIS BUT I WANT TO GIVE MINING A CHANCE.I KNOW IT WON’T BE SMOOTH SAILING BUT I KNOW THAT IF I WORK HARD I WILL MAKE AND TRUST ME GUYS I AM WILLING TO WORK HARD.THE WORLD NEEDS ME AND I CAN’T TURN MY BACK ON IT AS A FUTURE MINING ENGINEER.MY GOAL IS TO WIN A NOBLE PEACE PRIZE FOR ESTSABLISHING WAYS TO MINE MINERALS IN A ENVIRONMENAL FRIENDLY WAY SO IF I GIVE UP WHOSE GONNA SAVE POOR PLANET EARTH???NO ONE AND WE ARE ALL GONA DIE AND SUFFER DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!CHAT 2 U SOON AND REMEMBER NOTHING IS HARD AND IMPOSSIBLE IN LIFE SO 4RM ME 2 U PEACE MINERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m a Ghanaian n was thinking about mining eng. Actually this has help me alot.Thanks jack
I am impressed @ how you replied, i am a grade 12 student and i’m considering doing mining next year. i thought i was sure until i told my friedns and they started critisising because they attended open days and all. One of them even launghed at me and said “you’re too small for mining”… I was told i know nothing about it and that i don’t know what i’m getting myself into.
Hi I’m and Industrial Engineer;what is the best way to get in to mining job and any companies provide assistance
I am a retired mining engineer from New Zealand. What a wonderful career I had and I would highly recommend the course as a way to start a fruitful and satisfying career. With a mining engineering degree you can do anything. I ended up in the Corporate Finance division for a major South African mining company before becoming a mining analyst then an Institutional Stock Broker specialising in mining stocks. Very lucrative. I have worked in Australia and South Africa – it’s also a great way to see the world.
Hi, Tony
I wanted to know how got about your career. I am currently in yr 12 and seriously considering mining engineer, but I also want a degree that gives me the flexibility to do anything. As for the recent mining boom, economists are saying that it will end in another 2-3 years. Is it still a viable option to go into the mining business?
Any advice would be most appreciated
Hello sir am a mining engineer with masters in disaster management and safety in mines.I have also cleared cfa level 1 and currently looking for internships in the finance industry.I would be grateful for any guidance that you can provide.
[...] post “Should I Become a Mining Engineer” was great! The stats back that up too, seeing as how its one of your more popular [...]
Hi.
I am Ece from turkey, will be a minig enginneer in january. my future plan is to work in abroad.
For that purpose i am planning to go to SA-johannesburg for an internship.
in minig consultancy area.
But still i have doubts about it, to work in a mining companies sales marketing dep. or work in a mining consultancy.
What can you recommend me about these.
Thank you.
I was thinking of studying mining engineer. I’m wondering if it is a difficult course. I need an idea of how the works are set up
Well, I’d say if you’re already an asshole or want to be an asshole, engineering is the way to go. If you’re a nice guy and still like rocks then become a Geologist.
Geologists drink beer and are generally pretty good people. The engineers I have worked with are usually assholes.
spontaneous article i am a student who was interested in medical physics but after i got some few learnings i changed and thought of mining engineering which is quit new to me…but this article has boosted my changes
Sir,, i am from India.. i want to study mining engineering. i am very very weak in chemistry and want to avoid any sort od relation with chemistry during my engineering course. sir., can you please help me , whether i will suffer taking up mining engineering as my subject?
This is one of the best articles i have read on mining engineering. After reading this i won’t regret having taken up mining engineering in one of the best institutes in India i.e. IIT Kharagpur.
Dear Sir,
I love your answers and ideas as explained above.
I would like to tell you am a geologist but currently interested in Civil Engr. And project management. The reason for the diversion of interest is that the only industry working in Nigeria is the oil and gas. The mining industry, water and any geo resources industry are dead. So the reason for looking for exit in this career.
Geologist in Nigeria just wander about while engineers are making their daily bread appreciably.
Would this be nice if I take a PGD in civil and probably a masters in civil. Would the civil engineering would not count me as half bake since I do not have a degree in civil but geology in the future?
I was happy when I found that you and your two daughters are civil engineer. To ask you, would you want to entrust competency into the hand of someone who has a degree in geology but a PGD and masters in civil engineering?
Please advice.
Regards.
Lanre
Great article and opinion. Must-read for all mining engineers and would-be mining engineers. One, for lifting the spirits of those being exploited; and for the latter, for boosting the enrollees to fill the vacancies.
I am a mining engineer with 21 years experience in the metal mining industry . My experience in this profession is that it is a practical work and require you to be imaginative and innovative at the work place and watch for everyday clues from the face as the activity progresses. You will have many strong friends as in remote locations you become united as a community .
The other side of the story is separation from main stream of life and civilisation and soon you will realise that it is a part of this profession . Public being more and more environment conscious , the mining community has to look for minerals further away , where you can do your job peacefully.
Hi, I am considering to study for a mining engineering degree in Canada. Do you know where I can find statistics about the number of Canadian graduates in Mining Engineering ? This would be useful in evaluating the competition for mining engineer coops and jobs when I graduate. Thanks!
does age matters for doing my masters in mining , iam 32 year old.
Hi, I am a civil engineering graduate from New Zealand. I found this brilliant article, while researching the scope for mining engineers. I find this blog very helpfull and may one day persue this field of mining engineering. Thanks Jack
i am in lesotho,i like this world of mining engineering very much.but the problem is,i do not know which course shall i apply for in order to become a perfect mining engineer and earn good salary.please help me!
Sir Your articale is so good.
i am B.E. student in mining in first year.
job appliance? to after graduation to private courses good?
Hey guys i have a doubt can you please help me in this i am a graduate i mechanical engineering and wanna pursue my masters in mining engineering from New zealand. so, i wanted to know that is there a good scope for mining people in new zealand.
Which compulsury subject do i have to study?
Its quite informative and is very helpful when deciding on a career for the field of engineering, appreciating the problem that most of us come across the idea of many choices.
hello guys,
i just wanted to know that i am mining engineer working in a coal mine in india …………so can i look forward for an iron extraction mine in abroad……..but i feel since i have no exp in iron ore mining i wont be hired ……..even though if did my engineering from a very good college, with great marks .
i studied mining engineering in Zimbabwe and I’m loving it 6 months into my graduate trainee program at a shaft sinking company in zim. Having completed it intend to further my studies event i intend to venture into consultancy I’m considering mineral economics or rock mechanics. Mineral economics it’s for the passion of it while rock mechanics appears to offer more job opportunities. Anyone to assist on a decision
[...] ithinkmining.com Imágenes Vía: [...]
sir i am also the mining engineer complete my bechlors degree in 2012 now please sugession me how to apply the mining engineering jobs in foreign country.
i am a third year mining engineering student at the polytechnic of namibia..i loved mining since i was at higher school ,,having enjoyed geography and physics set me on the path of mining .i enjoyed the modules i did so far and i am glad i chose mining as i see the opportunity to travelling to areas that i never been and to be part of something big..and i want to become a mining consultant in the near future or mining safety engineer with any mining company
What do are i need to do to become a proffetional mine engineering?
hello cheers,
am a mining engineer , i work in one of mining company in drc, i studyed mining engineering at lubumbashi university.
becoming an engineer help you , to reach your aim.
regards,
industrial mining engineer ptk
hi sir,wana know if i can get a masters in mining engineering since my Bachelors degree is business administration(marketing option)?really need help
what about mineral engineering. im doing mineral engineering and im not sure which one is the best between mineral engineering and mining engineering. can someone help me out pliz..
Thank you for writing this article. I am 31 years old and live in the U.S. I served in the military for 5 years and then went for a Political Science degree. Big mistake, the recession has dragged on for years and I am now working in construction with no prospects for a career.
I am now taking pre-calculus and think about all the degrees that require Calculus I,II, III etc. But what choice do I have when I am an older worker with no career? I want to be employable and actually have a career. I’ll have to look into Mining Engineering as a distinct possibility. If I am accepted into a program, I’ll be 35 by the time I graduate.
Thanks again, I really appreciate it.
Hi, It’s very interesting articles…of course we’re an mining engineer but no sufficient time for sharing our mixing knowledges & implementations; engineering, costing, operations and Safety-Environmental matters.
I HAVE PASS7 IN MATHMETICS AND CREDIT1 IN GEOGRAPHY, PASS7 IN ENGLISH AND CREDIT3 IN PHYSICAL SCIENCES. DO I QUALIFY FOR MINING ENGENEERING?
Got a mining engineering degree from Virginia Tech…I have worked as a Mining Engineering for 3 years and a Geo-technical engineer over the past 5 years. I like to say…some people like rocket ships, some people like electronic gadget, some people like motors, some people like buildings, and some people like manufacturing. There are maybe 5% of people that go into engineering that hate what I’ve listed above. These people do well in the Geological engineering fields like petroleum and mining. With a mining engineering degree you get to literally move mountains. If you are willing to break your back doing some hard labor that involves a lot of thinking and application to what you studied go mining or petroleum. If you want job security go mining. If you want to sit in an office chair and get fat and play with auto-cad for the rest of your life be a civil, mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineer.
well. i just want to know if in australia do they credit btech mining engineering holders if they want to do honours in mining engineering?
hi. I just graduated from high school last march, I am kinda interested in engineering but i don’t know if i should take mining or geodetic. My exam’s coming up and i really am not sure what to write on my form. I did do background checks on both which made it more difficult, i am a girl and in here (Phil.) there are not much engineers of my gender. Of all our career orientations at school, it doesn’t help much.