Hi everyone!

I'm a 23 year old looking to further my career away from the UK. I've searched up and down on the internet but I can't find any advice anywhere, I have a good degree (Bachelors with honours in Geology, with modules on both geotechnical engineering and mining) but I can't find any opportunities that are open to a young person without much industry experience but with a good degree. Is there anyone I can contact to help me? I'd rather a sponsored workplace but I can use a working holiday visa temporarily. I just don't fancy flying over without a job and having to live off savings.

Cheers for any advice in advance, it is really appreciated.

Best of luck to everyone else trying to start their journey!

Lea

Hi Lea. There is a visa that allows engineering graduates to work in Australia for up to 18 months, see further information including criteria here https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa-1/476-

Hi,

Thanks for the link, the info was really helpful! So, the idea is that I apply for that visa before I apply for any jobs? Would I still need to apply as an international if I have the visa?

Cheers,

Lea

Cheers for the info. I'm not looking to become a geotechnical engineer in Aus, I just stated that I've studied it as part of my degree, the module is usually enough in the UK, but thanks for letting me know the situation in Australia. Alot of the jobs I've looked at (Graduate/entry level) only require degrees in Earth Sciences/Geology and related disciplines, I don't think I'll have an issue finding a job as long as I put the time in.

Is there no other visa other than a working holiday one I can apply for? Surely my degree must count for something!

Cheers

I don't doubt you will get work, but probably not as a geologist.

A working holiday visa visa allows you to work for an employer for six months. Heck, some of the big companies inductions these days last a month!

Then, what can you actually do? A new grad actually can do very little in mining / mineral exploration - I have been the person undertaking hiring and mentoring of grads in Australia. The reality is, a geology degree in itself has very little relationship to working as a geologist. For example, the absolute most fundamental role of a junior geologist is to supervise drill rigs. So, if I plonked you in front of a RC rig (very common rig) and said their you go, you need to undertake a detailed inspection of the rig once a week and a minor inspection of the main safety issues daily and keep me up to date with production issues, you would me happy to do it? Then update the 3D models using Vulcan and log the chips (an RC produces tiny chips of rock) and make sure the correct QAQC sampling is done. You can do that?

My guess is not, so you would need lots of - expensive and time consuming - training. By the time an employer has spent all that time and money training, you would have to leave due to your visa.

At at the moment, no, there isn't really another option as you would need to pass a skills assessment, which requires the degree and 3 years experience.

During boom times 10 - 15 years ago, yes, you could rock up in Oz with a WHV and get work. Not so much these days where Oz is producing more geology grads than it has graduate jobs for.

So, no, your degree isn't actually worth a lot. It is experience that matters.

Forget West Coast mining for now. On the improve but not in boom times.

East Coast road / rail and other infrastructure is where it's at. Boom town right now.

Your degree counts for a foot in the door. That's it. Bore hole logging on site is where you are at. But its onwards and upwards from there.

Good grads aren't so easy to come by but you aren't experienced enough to be worth going through all the Visa headaches.

Best off coming out on the working holiday and making contacts.

Or join a global engineering firm and get a transfer down the track.

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the feedback, I've taken it on board and decided that for now its probably best to remain in the UK. I can get work as a geotechnical engineer here with my degree so I'm going to try and gain some work experience and extra qualifications before I head over.

Just to note, this is a great community and I can't be more grateful for the help you've given me. I wish you all the best!!!