Graduate Opportunities

University attended: University of Western Australia.

Taki’s career plan got a little clearer after undertaking a three-month full-time vacation program with Rio Tinto Iron Ore working at Hope Downs Mine on a 9-days-on, 5-days-off ’fly-in/fly-out’ (FIFO) roster.

How has your undergraduate work experience contributed to what you are doing now?

I haven’t finished university yet, but the vacation work has definitely influenced where I want to work and what sort of companies I have applied to for graduate work. I liked working in the resource industry and I didn’t mind the FIFO roster either, so I am aiming for that sort of job in the short term.

What were your responsibilities at Rio Tinto during your vacation work?

I worked in the Engineering and Infrastructure Department at Hope Downs mine site, and was given a range of projects to work on. The larger projects involved designing maintenance platforms and stands, and I also worked on a lifting lug weld tester.

What appealed to you most about the program?

I found the prospect of working on a mine site very attractive. I was able to see things in person and get some hands-on experience. I was also interested in working on a remote site. It’s not for everyone, but I really enjoyed myself.

What was the most difficult thing to adapt to during your full-time work?

In all honesty I never really found anything too difficult. The work was certainly challenging, but not difficult and the long shifts weren’t as bad as they sound either. The early mornings were a bit of a struggle sometimes, until my morning coffee!

Have these experiences shaped your career plan?

Definitely! I now know that I enjoy the FIFO lifestyle and I am hoping to find work on a remote site when I graduate this year. After that I’m not really sure where I want my career to go. I think I need more experience before making a long-term career plan.

How do you feel this experience has benefited you?

I think it is difficult to quantify how much this experience has benefited me. The knowledge gained is the most obvious benefit, but I think the experience had a positive influence on my maturity and confidence too.