Here's how you can showcase your worth and impact to your boss as a mining engineer.

Keeping a detailed record of your projects and their outcomes is a game-changer for showing your value. Document every step of your work; planning to execution to results. This could be as simple as maintaining a project log or as advanced as creating a digital portfolio. By showing tangible results like increased efficiency, cost savings, or improved safety records, you provide solid proof of your contributions. Regularly updae your boss on these achievements highlights how your engineering solutions have positively impacted mining operations. This demonstrates your dedication, skill and also positions you as an invaluable asset to the team. Keep your records thorough, your updates frequent, and watch your professional credibility soar.

The simplest form of record keeping is maintaining a diary. Get into the habit early in your career. It serves more than one purpose. Not only does it enable you to compile evidence of your value-adding projects and systems but it also is good to keep records of your interactions with colleagues for reference later down the track.

It's rare to find people who just love change. Change for the sake of change is never fun. Identify early who is going to be the one to approve or decline your innovation idea. Test the waters with them first to see if there's any appetite for improvement in an area. Remember, they've probably got a heap more on their plate than you realise so pick your timing. If need be, get someone else at your level on board first so you've got a bit more momentum going in. Pitch the idea in a concise way, highlighting all the benefits and costs, both tangible and intangible. Express that although you don't have all the answers now, this is an innovation you're passionate about and know you can make it work. Read the room. If it's a no-go, back down

Innovation is the lifeblood of mining engineering, driving breakthroughs in efficiency and safety. Embrace the opportunity to suggest novel approaches and improvements to existing processes. Even if not all your ideas are implemented, your willingness to think outside the box can set you apart. When your innovations succeed, highlight the benefits clearly. Whether it's reducing waste, optimizing resource allocation, or enhancing equipment performance, demonstrating the impact of your ideas showcases your proactive problem-solving skills. Your creative thinking and dedication to improvement can make a significant difference in the industry and establish you as a forward-thinking professional.

Safety is paramount in mining engineering, and taking the lead in safety initiatives is crucial. Conduct regular audits, update safety protocols, and introduce new technologies to minimize risks. By championing safety, you protect your colleagues and demonstrate a commitment to the core values of the mining industry. Ensure your boss is aware of incidents that have been prevented or that safety ratings have improved due to your efforts. This not only highlights your technical skills but also showcases your leadership in a vital area. Being at the forefront of safety initiatives underscores your dedication to creating a secure and efficient work environment, setting you apart as a responsible and proactive professional.

Continuously improving your skills and knowledge is essential in the ever-evolving field of mining engineering. Attend workshops, obtain certifications, and stay updated on industry trends. Your commitment to professional development signals to your boss that you're invested in your career and the company's success. Share how your newly acquired skills and knowledge can be leveraged for upcoming projects or to solve existing challenges. This not only demonstrates your initiative but also your foresight in preparing for future industry demands. By proactively enhancing your expertise, you position yourself as a forward-thinking professional ready to tackle the evolving challenges of the mining industry.

Always have a 3, 5 and 10 year goal laid out in front of you. I did not always know this. Even if you're in a position where you're a little lost and don't know what your want to do in your career, it is far better to have a goal and not reach it than to not have a goal at all. Having a career goal forces you to develop plans and milestones that contribute to that goal. It might lead to a few training courses, conferences and networking opportunities that you would not have otherwise attended. Think about all those people that go to university for 1 year before changing to another degree. That first year, on paper at least, may appear to be wasted but in actual fact, it led to opportunities in other fields that offered greater fulfillment.

Take it from me, your ability to unite and collaborate with a team and build relationships with departments outside of your own is by far the greatest determining factor of a mining engineer's career growth. Sure, you need to no what you're doing with mine design and scheduling software, but if you can influence and guide people in a positive and collaborative work culture, you're golden.

If you want to impress people you're communicating with, know your audience. 1. Giving the Ops Manager the rundown on the 2 week plan? stick to the highlights. Waste and Product numbers first, followed by a quick breakdown of costs followed by a SWOT. 2. Running through a complex drill pattern design with blast hole driller? Start with the easy stuff, bit size, number of metres and holes etc. Any crucial unique details, save for the end and highlight them on the drill plan. 3. Showing your boss that their idea for a dump ramp isn't going to work? Start with: "unfortunately your idea isn't going to work but I have some alternatives for you" Superiors don't want you to come to them with problems without first attempting to think of solutions.