Jessica Dvorak

Graduate geologist, Rio Tinto Coal Australia

BSc Science (Geology) and Bsc Commerce (Finance), Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia

I've been on Rio Tinto's graduate programme for the past two years, firstly as a graduate geologist and then as a graduate mining engineer at Rio Tinto Coal Australia's Hail Creek mine in Queensland. I recently completed a two year programme and have now started a permanent position as a production engineer at Hail Creek Mine.

On completion of a four year degree at university I knew in theory that I wanted to pursue my geology discipline, but where exactly I wanted to work and who I wanted to work for was the next question. An intern role with Pilbara Iron in the Resource Development Group provided me with the answers. I knew when it came time to apply for a job after university that the Rio Tinto graduate programme was my first choice. This was due to the opportunities it presented to graduates, including stimulating work and a support network to assist in personal and career development.

My graduate programme provided me with all of this and so much more!

I started as a pit geologist getting to know the deposit, the geology and geotechnical complexities, as well as the operations of the mine. After a few months in this role I moved into the short term mine planning team as a coal quality geologist. Here I provided support to the production engineer in scheduling coal, recognising coal quality issues and working out solutions to these complexities, as well as aiding in coal reconciliation.

Well into my first year I was provided with the opportunity to try something different - drill and blast engineering. I never would have guessed after studying geology that I would get into engineering, but when the opportunity arose I jumped at the chance and spent a year in the drill and blast engineer role. The best thing about my graduate programme was the flexibility I was given to experience all facets of the mining operation.

In the immediate future I am really looking forward to commencing my permanent position at Hail Creek. I anticipate that the production engineering role will further develop my short term scheduling, design and engineering skills. Looking into the future, I would like to work in another country and/or another commodity to continue my career development.

To anyone who is looking to kick start their career, the Rio Tinto graduate programme is a great starting point. There was not a day on my programme where I felt like I didn't contribute to the operation. The work you do on the graduate programme is meaningful to operations, adds value to the company and most importantly develops you with skills you can take into future roles.