Category Archives: Geology

Samuel, Mining, Engineering and Natural Resources

Samuel, Applied Geology student, was interested in pursuing a career in the energy industry, and so applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to learn more about entering the job market in the industry. Through the scheme Samuel was matched with the Vice President of Exploration and Growth for BG Group, where she has worked for 26 years. This mentor has a BSc in Geology and a MSc in Petroleum Geology.

“Be proactive!”

Samuel achieved all of her objectives including gaining advice with regards to applying for a masters, receiving help with his CV and partaking in work experience.

Samuel shared his experience:

What were your highlights of the scheme?

  • Help applying for masters course
  • Introduction to other industry professionals
  • Experienced advice that is not available at university due to lack of oil/energy industry professionals

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

  • Networking
  • CV advice

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

Be proactive!

Callum, Science

Callum, a Natural Sciences student, was interested in a career that provided skills and training and supports developing areas of science, such as the Civil Service. He was also looking to increase industry knowledge and work on personal development. Through the Career Mentor Scheme, Callum was matched with the Vice President, Primary Business Planning at GSK which involved the development and implementation of strategic plans. This mentor’s previous employment includes Planning Executive, Respiratory Product Stream Director and Senior Research Fellow.

Create an action plan so that you achieve your aims and make the most of your six months on the scheme”

Callum achieved all of his objectives including receiving feedback to improve applications and CV’s, increased knowledge of sector entry requirements and increased knowledge of good and bad aspects of the profession.

Callum gave some insight into his experience:

What were the highlights of the scheme?

  • Recognising weaknesses, e.g. overlooking some of my previous experiences in applications
  • Looking at career progression and choices, what is fundamental to progressing in a career once you have started one

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Having somebody to give impartial career advice has been really helpful.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

Start with knowing what exactly you want to get out of the scheme, then create an action plan so that you achieve your aims and make the most of your six months on the scheme.

Huw, Mining, Environment and Natural Resources

Huw, a Mining Geology Postgraduate student, wanted to learn more about networking, professional development, the recruitment process and corporate workings after previous work experience placements he had completed. Through the Career Mentor Scheme, Huw was matched with the Chief Financial Officer for IGas Energy Plc. This mentor’s role includes responsibility for the finance function, investor relations, IT and corporate development.

“There is always a plethora of things you can learn from someone who has been working their whole life”

Huw achieved all of his objectives including learning how to network, improving knowledge of further education and professional courses related to this sector and increased knowledge of effective application forms in this sector.

Here is what Huw said about the scheme:

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

Even if you’ve been in the industry before, already have a good CV, or know a lot about interviews and application systems, there is always a plethora of things you can learn from someone who has been working their whole life.

Considering the importance of developing your professional network, whether it’s to find an internship, secure your first job, or even something 10 or so years along your career, any addition is potentially of great benefit and therefore an opportunity well-worth taking advantage of.

Hugh, Mining, Environment and Natural Resources

Hugh, a Mining Geology Postgraduate student, wanted to create professional links with the Mining and Energy industry, improve knowledge and employability in the sector, and learn about the human resource and finance department within the industry. Through the Career Mentor Scheme, Hugh was matched with a Senior HR Manager for De Beers. This mentor’s main responsibilities include leading the HR team in the downstream sector of the business to support three businesses in 14 countries.

“Offered an internship for the summer from mentor passing on my details”

Hugh achieved all of his objectives including establishing links in the mining industry and receiving assistance in networking, getting help with job applications and hints for job interviews and gaining insight into working abroad or jobs involving travel.

Hugh shared her mentoring experience;

What were the highlights of the scheme?

Offered an internship for the summer from mentor passing on my details to colleagues and organizing details

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Mentor provided a useful link to the industry and was always quick to get back to me in regard to questions and support over career applications/interviews.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

Set out plans early and be active in contacting mentor. Make good impression early and be keen to talk and don’t shy away from contact. The mentor is there to help and has applied to the scheme to do just that.

Andrew, Mining, Environment and Natural Resources

Postgraduate student Andrew, doing Mining Geology was mentored by Head of Geology UK/Europe at Aggregate Industries Ltd.

Thus mentor graduated from Exeter with a Geology degree. He has a variety of experiences in the industry, having previously worked as an Assistant Geologist at English China Clays Quarries, as Company Geologist at Tarmac and then as a Head of Geology UK and International at Tarmac Group.

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Andrew had an outstanding experience being mentored. He achieved all of the objectives, which they set up at the beginning of their partnership, including gaining work experience, developing interview techniques, and gathering information about the sector’s entry requirements.

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

My mentor was a fantastic mentor, I feel we built a strong relationship and plan to meet in the future. He became more of a friend than anything else!

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Self-reflection and defining the good and bad things about my personality.