Discover how Kim, a Bachelor of Science (Mining Geology) student at WASM, navigates industry, balances hands-on experience, learns to network, and seeks the adventures of Kalgoorlie living.
Meet Kim, a Bachelor of Science (Mining Geology) student at Curtin Kalgoorlie, who is carving his own way to success. Growing up in the small town of Bridgetown in WA’s southwest, Kim initially resisted the idea of university and considered pursuing a trade as a heavy diesel mechanic, but a conversation with his aunt, a careers counsellor, led him to explore mining geology. “I thought uni meant a dead-end 9-5 job in a cubicle,” Kim says.
“Geology offered the perfect blend—time in the office and outdoors, using my brain and getting fresh air. It’s manual labour and mental work combined.”
Moving to Kalgoorlie from Bridgetown felt natural for Kim with his country roots, although admitting that Kalgoorlie still feels like a city compared to back home. Having fast food and stoplights felt less like a country town, but being so close to the outback, and within a fifteen-minute drive from amazing camping spots or clear views of sunsets created a perfect balance.
Kim has found a strong sense of camaraderie in Kalgoorlie’s close-knit student community. Living at Agricola College has been a highlight, offering regular events like volleyball tournaments, quiz nights, and paint-and-sip sessions. He notes how beneficial it is that everyone staying at the accommodation hub is in the same boat, all away from home and looking for close new relationships, which makes building bonds easy.
Since starting his degree, Kim has seen personal and professional growth. Noting a big improvement in people skills and networking, aided by the independence needed when moving out of home. Kim believes that the networking required at WASM social events has pushed him to quickly mature and connect with people.
Kim thrives on a busy schedule. Between studying, working as a geology technician at local mines, and his role as Kalgoorlie Geology Guild representative, he stays immersed in the industry. He believes that being in Kalgoorlie has provided an immense benefit to his experience and résumé. Gaining a year and a half of hands-on industry knowledge, has set himself up for a grad-job, and is something that he is proud of and ready for.
His involvement in the WASM Mining Games, a competition showcasing traditional mining techniques, has also boosted networking opportunities. He has noticed how industry professionals love talking about the mining games and the topic lends a hand as a great icebreaker that can help you stand out from the other recipients.
Kim encourages new students to embrace everything WASM has to offer. He recommends other students to “get amongst it” noting how the uni’s specialist knowledge in industry helps you build invaluable connections early. He also recommends stepping out of your comfort zone at networking events, and that by doing this often makes it much easier in the long run. Kim has learnt the benefit of talking to people without the goal of getting a job and has found that bonding over footy or learning about a professional’s work can be more important than seeking out opportunities directly.
As he approaches graduation, Kim is eager to dive straight into the mining industry, but also welcomes the idea of further study, depending on the industry conditions at the time of graduation. For Kim, mining geology offers the best of both worlds: intellectual challenges and outdoor adventures. His journey showcases the rewards of stepping out of one’s comfort zones and forging meaningful connections.
