Mechanical Engineering
Amy
Role: Graduate mechanical engineer
Company: BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA)
Courtesy of QRC
Describe your typical day.
I start work at 6:00am and usually finish work around 3:30pm - 4:00pm. It's an early start, but an early finish too. A typical day can include project planning, inspections on the dragline and drill, meetings, contacting suppliers to get equipment ordered, going over safety standards and making sure all equipment complies.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of the job is that you never know what is going to happen in the day which means you have to be flexible.
What do you like most about your job?
The most rewarding part of the job is to see things moving ahead, and see projects go from the initial planning stage through to completion. The resource sector is a demanding field that encompasses getting out of the office and into the field. There is opportunity to travel and work internationally.
Why did you choose this career?
I wanted to be a mechanical engineer because at school my favourite subjects were maths, physics and chemistry. I also like to get my hands dirty and do practical work. I chose to work in the resource sector as there is opportunity for growth and development, there is always training and courses to do.
What is the lifestyle like, outside of work?
Being in a small mining town means everything is close to your house and you meet people and make new friends easily. Weekends are spent going to the tavern or the pub with people from work, going to the dam or having a BBQ, and on Tuesday nights the girls from work get together and play a social game of soccer.
