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Can living in Kalgoorlie really change your career trajectory? Vada thinks so.
Vada always knew she wanted a career in mining, but not as a metallurgist like her dad. Instead, she found her place in geology, a field that lets her explore her love for the outdoors. From a high school mining camp to studying in Kalgoorlie, she’s embraced every opportunity, building a strong network and thriving in the tight-knit WASM community. Now in her final bachelor’s year, she’s gearing up for what comes next, proving that confidence and saying yes can open doors in the mining industry.
Vada always knew she wanted to work in mining but was set in not following in her father’s footsteps as a metallurgist. Instead, she found her calling in geology, a career that combines her love for the outdoors with her passion for the environment.
Her journey into geology started with a Focus on Women in Mining camp in Year 11, a program run through Curtin. Through this, she travelled to Kalgoorlie for a week, toured mines and spoke to people about their roles within a mine site. This brought forth a newfound realisation and understanding of geology as a career choice. This experience helped to solidify her decision to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Applied Geology.
Despite the clarity in her decision for the degree, there was still uncertainty in moving from home for uni. Growing up in Albany after a childhood of moving around, Vada had already learned how to adapt to new places, but the move from regional WA to Perth was still a big change.
“Moving from a regional area straight after high school was one of the most challenging parts. I’m the eldest, so it was tough leaving my younger siblings behind, but living at St Cat’s College in my first year really helped.”
The next big move from Perth to Kalgoorlie was easier. With a strong determination already for the mining stream of education, she and a few friends applied for a 6-person flat and got the exciting opportunity to live together. Quickly, she found it more exciting than daunting and began to thrive in the tight-knit geology community. Now in her third year, at the WA School of Mines (WASM), Vada has grown an appreciation for the opportunities living and studying in Kalgoorlie has brought her.
“Take time, slowly build your network. The more you talk to industry people, the better you get at it. It definitely takes a lot of practice. Being here, surrounded by mining, it’s so easy to get jobs and experience.”
She’s involved in a bunch of extracurriculars, including the legendary Mining Games as part of the WASM Wombats team. After the success of her trip to Brisbane last September for the games, Vada to send a co-ed team to the UK, and would love to see an all-women’s team compete next.
She’s also vice president of Women of WASM, a club that supports the small but growing number of women in the field. Often, just her and few others are the only girls in the room, but she has stayed determined and used this position to practice her confidence.
She’s learned that events are not as daunting as they seem and reminds students to hold their own, and that confidence is key.
“Take time, slowly build your network, but the more you talk to industry people the better you get at it. It definitely takes a lot of practice.”
For Vada, the highlight of university has been the experience of living on campus, from St Cats in Perth to student housing in Kalgoorlie. In Kalgoorlie, she has noticed that everyone is close; it truly feels like a little family.
“I’ve made friends for life. I feel like everyone here really has a network for life. We’ll all bump into each other in the workplace one day so my advice would just be to just try and say yes to everything. Get involved.”
With graduation coming up at the end of the year, she’s already planning her next steps, with an honour’s year in Perth on the horizon. Wherever her journey takes her, one thing is clear: geology isn’t just a degree for Vada. It’s her passion, her community and her future.
