During this podcast we are lucky enough to have two inspirational mining engineering graduates who have gone on to build remarkable careers in mining. We hear how Douglas Thompson, an experienced mining executive and Darren Stralow from Northern Star Resources have built their careers in mining. They also shine a light on how rewarding the mining sector can be, provide valuable insights about the industry and how those interested can get their career start. 2:09 - Key Inspirations that led to their mining careers 7:23 - Career advice from Darren and Douglas 13:43 - Douglas’s Impressive and taking your career to the next level 21:10 - Northern Star Resources share price increase and what it meant for staff careers 26:05 - Diversity at Northern Star Resources 38:53 - WASM promoting the industry and success stories from within 45:45 - What Thiess looks for in people when recruiting 49:53 - Darren’s passion in creating career pathways into the mining industry 56:05 - A message to year 10-12 students considering a mining career 1 hr: A final note from Darren and Douglas about what a career in mining has given them and their families Key Inspirations that led to their mining careers Douglas: The inspiration for Douglas was a primary need to get into the industry and to follow in his family’s footsteps. People were also a primary attraction; he has found very passionate and likeminded people whilst in underground mining. Being able to scale and be involved in multiple disciplines was intoxicating to Douglas, and he loved the opportunities. Darren: Mining is about the people, and the people are what make mining a great industry. Being able to work with different people and getting fast feedback was desirable to Darren, making it a great career choice for him. He also loves the practical, dynamic and interactive environment mining brings. Career advice from Darren and Douglas Darren: You don’t work for companies; you work for people. Once you get into the day-to-day life of the job, the people that have the biggest influence on yourself are the people around you. Find people who you can have a great two-way relationship with. You have to deliver for them, and they give back to you by giving you opportunities which is a huge driver for your own development. Douglas: Leadership is a privilege, and it comes with accountability. You must serve others and give context and understanding why the common goal is the right goal which is fulfilling the purpose of being a leader. The best move Douglas has made is through Genesis joining the mining industry, it has offered so much. Being able to work internationally in his career has also been pivotal to his career, where learning from different cultures, seeing how different challenges are solved and learning how others think has been achieved. Douglas’s Impressive growth and taking your career to the next level The three key steps which contributed to Douglas’s career growth – 1. A willingness to follow- understand you work with multiple stakeholders and meet the needs with clear intention and strategies whilst serving the different stakeholders. 2. Have a clear state of mind where your purpose sits with that, think about “what do I bring to the table.” It is also important to be honest with yourself, work hard and find solutions to any problems. 3. There is a little touch of magic, luck and having a great support system behind you to push you into the opportunities you are striving for. Douglas knew what he wanted to achieve both personally and professionally and he made it happen with support around him. You need to sacrifice but also balance your family and personal life whilst doing so. You need to be honest with yourself and look at the return on the investment on your career. Northern Star Resources share price increase and what it meant for staff careers It has been an interesting journey and sometimes you have to pinch yourself. The recapitalisation over 10 years ago was a huge factor, it was a risk, but we received a return. Reflecting on the business, it is important to look at the opportunity – NSR went from a couple of people in an office with an ambition to own mine sites to what it is today. The success is reliant on the people and NSR has a fundamental philosophy to give career opportunities to those performing well in the business as well. What is really pleasing has been to see the people grow alongside the business over the years. Diversity at Northern Star Resources When you have a firm development culture, it provides the opportunity to help others move up and attain higher roles. You have an obligation to those below you to backfill where you have come from and being supported by good people is important in a growth organisation. This is huge at Northern Star Resources and something they focus on heavily. WASM promoting the industry and success st...