Is it ever possible to futureproof your career in the mining and resources sector?
Is it ever possible to futureproof your career in the mining and resources sector?
Mining is a cyclical industry. Anyone who has been around for a decade or more can tell you all about the boom cycles and bust cycles they’ve experienced.
In recent years the industry has been picking up and although it’s far from booming, we’ve been experiencing shortages of certain skills. Then the coronavirus pandemic hit and, although many mines continued to operate, it dramatically altered the state of play for many people working in the industry.
The coronavirus showed us that, even in good times, there can be uncertainty — even if you’re in a permanent role.
While that goes for many industries, not just in mining, we do have a few tips to help anyone working in mining futureproof their career as much as possible and improve their job prospects even if times are tough.
Here are our top 10 tips for futureproofing your mining career.
Network
Don’t just rely on the online networks; join professional associations, go to events, or meet people at seminars. We are still a social species, even if we’re socially distanced, and the adage “people like to do business with people they like” can only be achieved if they have met you in person.
Learn
Continue not just your professional development but also your personal development. Identify if you have areas for improvement and focus on these. You could also choose an area of competency and improve on it.
Diversify
Think about your transferable skills and develop cross-industry skills that ensure you could transition to a different role or industry.
Read
Expand your thinking and read articles and websites on topics that are not related to the industry or your profession. Read management and leadership books, for example. You might not need that knowledge in your current job but you probably will for your next one, as you progress up the ladder.
Volunteer
If you are seeking an opportunity, volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, remain involved, meet new connections and stretch yourself.
Join a group or team
Meeting people outside of your industry is as important as having a network within it.
Join LinkedIn
Have a strong LinkedIn profile, use second- and third-degree connections for referrals and introductions, and join industry groups and groups of interest.
Technology
Stay abreast not only of technological developments used in your role but also of recruiting and hiring practices. If you are looking for a new job, expect to interact with computers or artificial intelligence via online assessments, screening tools or automated interviews.
Opportunities
Seek out opportunities within your organisation to develop your career or create a career path that gets you to where you want to be.
Develop your soft skills
IQ is great, but EQ (Emotional Intelligence) will be more important in the future as artificial intelligence and computers take on more of the routine tasks. Well-developed EQ skills are all transferable and cannot be made redundant by automation.
If you’re looking for your next challenge in the mining industry, get in touch with the team at Mining People International.