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Ever thought a camp job could spark a whole new career? That’s exactly what happened to Yeeda Bibby. After years in environmental science, Yeeda discovered her passion for geology while working as a camp cook in 2021. Now thriving at Curtin Kalgoorlie, she’s studying a Graduate Certificate in Minerals Exploration Geoscience.
After graduating from Murdoch University in 2014 with a degree in Environmental Science, Yeeda wasn’t expecting her career to pivot towards geology nearly a decade later. In 2021, she chanced a role as a camp cook for an exploration company, which sparked a fascination with rocks and minerals.
Talking to the geologists about chemistry and rocks as a camp cook enabled Yeeda to realise that she could build on her science background and take her career further.
The Minerals Exploration Geoscience course, delivered online through Curtin’s Western Australian School of Mines (WASM), gave Yeeda the flexibility to study while continuing her job. However, after attending Orientation Week in Kalgoorlie, she decided to relocate to fully immerse herself in the program and take advantage of the networking opportunities.
“I was blown away by how supportive the industry was of WASM students.”
Living at Agricola, Curtin Kalgoorlie’s student accommodation, the transition from home life to life in Kalgoorlie was seamless and not nearly as hard as she expected. The proximity to campus and supportive environment fostered a strong sense of connection with her peers.
“It’s such a safe, secure, and affordable place. Being surrounded by other students makes it easy to stay in the loop with events and networking opportunities.”
To further enrich her experience, Yeeda joined WASM’s Buddy Program and was paired with Luigi, a mentor who played a pivotal role in her professional journey. Luigi encouraged her to apply for vacation work, introduced her to his colleagues, and taught her practical skills like core logging.
These experiences soon led to her securing vacation work, where she gained hands-on field experience and grew her confidence as a geologist. As Yeeda looks ahead to the completion of her studies, she’s grateful for the support and opportunities she’s found through Curtin and the WASM community.
“It’s been such an incredible journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.”
