MGeol Geology, University of Leicester
Senior Geologist at Cora Gold
What degree did you do at university and where did you do it?
I studied Geology MGeol at the University of Leicester, graduating in 2016.
How did you decide to study that degree?
Despite living in East London, I had always found the physical side of geography interesting and was that person that was always interested in earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. When looking for A-levels to study, I found that my chosen college offered Geology as an option. My first ever field trip to Iceland in 2011 cemented my interest for the geosciences and so I decided to pursue it at university.
What did you enjoy most about studying geosciences/geography?
The fieldwork. I have been incredibly lucky that my degree has taken me across the UK and abroad. I also enjoyed the fact that geoscience is quite a varied discipline. It incorporates material from many different subjects including chemistry, physics, economics. That is one of the things that kept me engaged.
Even after graduation, I got an internship which involved working in Germany for a month where I worked on drill core samples from the Chicxulub crater in Mexico (the crater from the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs!).
What job/role do you have now and what does it involve?
I am currently a Senior Exploration Geologist. Right now, I am based in West Africa exploring for gold.
The job is fun but can be intense. Every day is different. My work is incredibly varied and involves mapping an area, collecting samples, analysing data, and putting it all together to try and pinpoint the location that has economical amounts of gold! You then drill to confirm.
What skills from your degree do you use in the role you have now?
I am quite lucky in the fact that my job is essentially the same as my degree so everything that I used whilst at uni, I use in my work. I have many deadlines so proper time management is imperative. I also work with scientists from different disciplines so good communication is also required.
Are there any challenges you faced along the way?
I had to pack up and move to a new country where I didn’t know anyone. I had to learn a new language, as English isn’t widely spoken in the areas where I am based. It has been tough, and it did take me a while to feel comfortable. But it was all worth it, as I truly enjoy what I do.
What do you most enjoy about the job you do now?
I love the fact that I work outdoors and get to travel to places that a lot of people have never heard of! I also enjoy working with people from all around the world who specialise in different disciplines.
Where would you like to see the geosciences going?
In the UK, the geosciences are not a very racially diverse, and it is the same after studying when entering the workspace. People don’t understand that if you come into a space like this, and no one looks like you or comes from a similar background, it is intimidating, and you can quickly feel like you don’t belong. This puts people off from joining and makes it harder to retain the people that you already have.
I would like to see more of an effort made to introduce the geosciences to young people from diverse areas at a young age. So many young people don’t consider the geosciences as a viable career option. There is so much you can do with the geosciences it does not limit your choices in any way.
What do you hope/anticipate for the future of the geosciences/geography?
I would like to see the geosciences/geography at the forefront of the conversations about climate change and sustainable energy, as it is a key discipline regarding this. Exploration and mining are especially important in the fight against climate change as a lot of the materials needed for sustainable energy solutions will have to be mined.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of studying geosciences or geography?
If you’re thinking about studying geosciences or geography go for it! Connect with professionals in your chosen field (LinkedIn is great for this) and ask for advice. There are many organisations online that offer mentorship programs and scholarships to help you with your studies and beyond.
The geosciences are changing. It is becoming more diverse and you will see yourself and your background represented and realise that there is a place for you here.