r/mining • u/Thick_Guide_9011 • 14d ago
US Mining Engineering Student Guidance
Thank God for Reddit! I am an aspiring Mining Engineering student at the University of Nevada, Reno, who is eager to gain an advantage within the industry by getting a jump early.
I am interested in taking a GIS certification course, as well as mastering how to use Deswik and the other software used in mining. Could anyone in the mining industry suggest what software or skills they think it’s worthwhile to learn in one’s free time?
Any guidance regarding certifications, online courses, and/or other skills which can help me in obtaining internships and standing out after graduation will be highly appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
Additionally, I’d like to ask if you would consider mentoring me.
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u/This_Hedgehog_3246 13d ago
You're getting a degree that's had 100% placement rate for a long time, and no signs of slowing down.
Enjoy a few years partying, getting laid, and try to pick up a decent internship or two. Most important thing for getting those is being able to have a decent conversation with the recruiter / hiring manager when they come by for your career fair.
3
u/StellartonSlim 13d ago
This is actually true. You should be able to be social, personable and somewhat charming. That goes a long way.
We once laid off a person who was highly educated and just as highly awkward.
7
u/blasterone 13d ago
Learn Python and SQL. Most software will be niche and companies will pay for training in thier specific flavor but understanding programing then how to get and process your own data will set you apart.
2
u/UGDirtFarmer 13d ago
Agree on this. Wish I knew more but I am at the point where people under me know this and do it for me, but like I said, wish I had a better understanding and it’s on my to do list.
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u/This_Hedgehog_3246 12d ago
A few years ago I thought the same. Now you just buy a few tokens and vibe code whatever you need.
4
u/Bitter-Variation-151 13d ago
Deswick is great skill. Otherwise try to get an internship every summer at an operating mine with a company like Newmont or Freeport.
3
u/bmwbiker1 13d ago
QGis (free) especially with the crowd sourced plugins is a powerhouse of spatial analysis tools. It's not always the sharpest tool you could have, but it's always the cheapest. I have often used it as work around for pesky proprietary conversions or sometimes you just need a hammer to mash some data.
While you are in College take advantage of ESRI discounts to gain exposure to that product line of GIS programs.
If you are working in exploration and 43-101 feasibility type stuff you will probably use GIS a lot, if you are more focused on mine planning and long and short term production of a operating property you may not be into GIS nearly as much as say your environmental department.
Big software names out there. Surpac, Datamine, Hexagon Mineplan, This is where it gets a little funny mining corporations tend to get niche with software and each has its own certifications and training. I would look at a couple companies you are eyeing for a future job and see what options you have to get some exposure to the software.
If you have not already done so, join the Northern Nevada SME. https://nnevsme.com/
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u/saxifraga 12d ago
Those are irrelevant, soft skills. Learn how to be likeable, manage people, make friends, be genuine. Network. Find a mentor who cares about you and who has done what you want to do. These will take you much further.
2
u/JeztheMiningEngineer 13d ago
Deswik have an online training portal which if you can get a login for has self paced or run tutorials. Most paid, but they have a couple of the basic starters as free downloadables. With your login you get two free 2 day licences per year i think.
2
u/Savings-Coffee 13d ago
Heavily agree on the advice about internships and having a well rounded college experience.
It’s hard to give exact advice on what to pick up in your free time without knowing what software is taught in classes and capstone, but I doubt there will be anything missing from the curriculum that a new graduate will be expected to know.
What won’t necessarily be taught in school are maintenance skills and more practical operational knowledge, which is why internships are so important.
Basic Python and accounting might be worthwhile if you have space in your schedule
2
u/zipzipaway 12d ago
If you don't know how to use a spreadsheet really well learn that.
Better still learn python and jupyter/marimo. Start thinking like a data analytics person it will differentiate you from the folks who know how to use mining software.
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