CSM Professionalism Year 2 - 2019 entry

This module follows on from the Year 1 Professionalism module and is designed to build upon the Professionalism concepts and ideas that were covered in year 1, with the aim of continuing the students’ preparation for their future careers. It will draw on the experience of staff, UoE support services and external visitors.

It will provide ideas on the range of opportunities that can be undertaken that would aid professional development both during studies and in the workplace. 

The lectures, talks and workshop sessions will develop an understanding of the typical potential professional routes that our students and graduates can take, the realities of research field activities, international and site-based careers. It will explore the importance of professional attitudes and ethical behaviours in terms of both companies and these careers. It will also look at the role of mentoring, and engagement with Professional bodies. The concepts covered will also be part of individual tutorials and an opportunity for students to reflect, discuss and track their individual journey with their tutors.

This will be delivered through approximately one and a half days of talks, lectures, workshops and personal activities. Group work will be used as well as interaction with those in Year two and outside organisations.

Ethics in geoscience & mining

Graduates will have many ethical considerations to make throughout their careers, starting with their academic life.

For the academic environment; scientific integrity, plagiarism, crediting others ideas, correct referencing, are some of the aspects that are part of the ethical consideration. In addition to this academics, researchers and those working the mining and the field of geoscience, may also carefully consider the impact of their studies and the use of their findings. Ethics are not just a moral issue, some ethical issues are also linked to laws and what the professional community would consider as acceptable or not.

Corporate Responsibility and Professional Integrity

As with many industries, academia, geoscience and mining all operate under socially and environmentally acceptable parameters, which can vary depending on local and national laws and regulations.  When considering mining (including exploration and geoscience research),  the Social Licence to Operate and Corporate Social responsibility, environmental responsibility, community consultation; costs v performance; How an individual’s statements or actions towards a local community or local environment reflects on the company. As many mining companies are global and answer to shareholders in countries outside of those that they operate in, they often perform to standards higher than those set by local governments.

Network Development

Engaging with CPD, Professional Associations,  alumni, and voluntary organisations both related to mining & geoscience activities as well as other voluntary and good citizenship initiatives – this will help you leverage opportunities and potential referees, as well as learning from more experienced industry professionals.

Professional Associations

CSM graduates are recruited because they are considered to be specialists, this applies to both geoscientists and mining engineers. It is important for students to start thinking about joining relevant professional bodies, develop a professional diary and document your professional activities as this will help towards Chartership status. It may take several years to achieve Chartership and it is important to appreciate the requirements and start documenting relevant activities as you progress through your career.

Mentors and Role Model

It’s useful to identify professionals (in academia and in the work place) who are willing to act as mentors. They can advise on challenges, ethical dilemmas, career development advice, training and much else.

 Unconventional working routines and living conditions

While away on field work or at a mine site, unconventional work patterns can impact our personal life and wellbeing.  Some geoscience and mining careers are extremely well paid, but the work is often challenging and requires personal sacrifices.

Geoscience research, Exploration, and  Mining; careers related to these fields often takes us to remote parts of the world, whether we are exploring for new minerals or collecting data for a PhD project, the working environment in remote areas can be harsh with very basic comforts. Most mine sites around the world are well resourced with good facilities offering comfortable conditions, but life away from home and working long shifts can be demanding mentally and physically. Learning to take care of your health and wellbeing is important.

The mining industry, old perceptions and modern day realities

Historically mining was a male dominated industry, like many other industries, and some may argue that due to the life style and working environment it still is in some parts of the world. The reality is that women are well represented and the industry has a very different face to the one portrayed by stereotypes. Mining and geosciences offer rewarding but challenging careers and this requires people with the best skills regardless of gender.  There are also important employment trends and skills requirements that have changed over time.

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Note: This module is assessed with simple pass/fail based on participation and completion of summative assessments.

Reading list for this module: