A CAREER IN GEOSCIENCE: GETTING DISCOVERED

When students and graduates seeking employment are establishing their career paths, it is a very daunting and challenging task. It often rivals the mineral exploration process itself!

The exploration process uses many tools and techniques to discover indicators of deposit value. Interestingly, employers are also searching for indicators of value from their employees: passion, work ethic, persistence and the continual striving for improvement. Companies are looking for the right people who are “difference makers” and will add value to their organization.

So how do you do this? The key is to stand out and be remarkable. Taking steps that highlight those sought after indicators of value can enhance employability. The initial step is to take inventory of your strengths and skills. This is followed by putting together your “Get Discovered” kit. The kit is comprised of a business card, a unique “marketing tool” and a strategy for networking. The “marketing tool” is a unique resume that captures your reader’s attention and focuses them on your special attributes, skills and strengths. The main concept is to “make it easy” to find those difference-making qualities. The last step is through effective networking as eighty percent of jobs are secured through this method. The networking step includes attending geoscience-related conferences, volunteering within the geoscience community and using business-oriented social platforms.

Success in using these tools and techniques is validated by quotes received from geoscience students, graduates and faculty across Canada and the United States:

“The [marketing tool] format really is outstanding and I know it was a huge contributor to getting me to where I am now, so thank you for all your help and support”! – Tess Zyla, former University of Victoria student now with Imperial Oil Limited

“Your talk was excellent and by far the most intelligent and practical career orientated talk”. – Mathew Beshears, Graduate student, University of Las Vegas Nevada.

"Your effort to close the gap and bring your 40 years of experience in exploration and mining industry directly to students is invaluable and very much appreciated. Your presentation was not only informative and inspiring for the students, but also very instructive for me". - Reza Taffi, professor, BCIT