Sometimes, the most fulfilling careers start without a detailed roadmap. By setting your sights on a goal but remaining open to new possibilities, you might just find the journey more rewarding than you ever imagined.
For Jennifer Dick, the destination was always leadership – though she wasn’t always entirely certain of how her path would get her there! Or that it would lead her to Mineral Resources, a diversified resources company in Western Australia!
“I initially worked in hospitality while growing my family, then moved into the tertiary sector as a workplace trainer and facilitator. I only moved into an administrative role in mining once my children became independent, and I was instantly excited by the opportunities and environment. While I always knew I’d be a leader, never in a million years would I have dreamed it would be in a male-dominated organization!”
Twelve years later, Jennifer is now the Manager—Haulage and hasn’t looked back.
So, how did she successfully transition into a new industry later in her career?
We caught up with Jennifer about her success, what it takes to achieve work-life balance in FIFO, and how, as a leader, she strives to create an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.
The value of continuous learning
Before knowing what sector would best suit her abilities, Jennifer continued independent studies in safety and human resources through TAFE. After completing her coursework, she was offered a Safety and Training advisor role in Mineral Resources:
“Within the company, I continued to build my knowledge and exposure to haulage in mining, as well as my awareness of operational needs and drivers. I was offered a Haulage Superintendent role, which I held for four years before eventually being promoted to Manager – Haulage this year.”
Jennifer shares that being a woman in a male-dominated industry can be challenging:
“In my very early days in mining, I was required to ‘prove’ my worth, more so than others. Even now, as a non-driving, non-trade qualified person, leading a team of haulage workers requires strategy, as well as building and earning people’s respect. It’s an ongoing pursuit.”
But Mineral Resources proved to be the right place for her to grow:
“I knew I’d made the right decision to join when I had a voice that was valued and heard, even during that early period in my journey. This set the path for me ahead. The company offers access to mental health training, which I’ve found particularly valuable, as well as constant support from our Internal Injury management teams.”
She admits that FIFO life has often required great discipline, dedication, and resilience from both herself and her family, but the rewards are worth it:
“I take this perspective with me as a leader and aim to understand what my team members are experiencing at any given time. I model my approach to work and management on being relatable, approachable, and fair. I also believe in owning both my strengths and weaknesses. Continuous learning is always something I’m also particularly passionate about.”
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Valuing others through mentorship and leadership
When you’re part of a team, it’s invaluable when leaders and those further along in their careers take the initiative to ‘pay it forward’ by offering mentorship, serving as positive role models, and leading with understanding.
It’s something Jennifer sees as a vital part of her role:
“My focus on people has always been my core value – supporting, encouraging, leading, and bringing them together to achieve shared goals. I do this by acting as a mentor, trusted colleague, and a conduit to further opportunities, particularly for women in my workgroup. I’ve helped several employees who have overcome great personal challenges, and I feel so proud for them. Safety is another key priority – everyone deserves to go home in as good a (if not better) condition than when they arrived at work, both mentally and physically.”
For her, being a great leader means connecting to her team – someone who can be called on to solve problems, mentor, and create opportunities for others.
“Of course, it’s important to be able to have hard conversations and make difficult decisions when needed, but also take the time to celebrate success. But my ultimate success is having both a challenging and rewarding career which also accommodates my work-life balance and health. Mineral Resources makes that possible.”
Inspired to achieve success
Having worked in the industry for over a decade, Jennifer has accumulated a few pearls of wisdom. Her best advice: if you want a pathway to development, be strategic, recognize opportunities, and put yourself forward.
“No one can drive your own success as well as you can. If you are or aspire to be a leader, you likely won’t get a textbook and may not even have a formal entry pathway to a position. All you can do is see what people can bring, encourage, and develop yourself and others around you. Never stop stretching to find new opportunities beyond what you may have thought possible.”
She’s proud that working in transport and haulage has given her the opportunity and responsibility of showing a male-dominated work group what women can offer the industry.
“I’d love to encourage more women workers to join the haulage field. A personal goal is to create a working environment where every individual, irrespective of gender, can flourish and contribute meaningfully to the success of the team and the broader business. My career journey at Mineral Resources reflects this. So, I hope to return the favor to others.”
Jennifer leaves us with the safe advice that personal setbacks and delays in life are inevitable – so be patient, watch, learn, choose great mentors, and push your own barriers to success:
“Whether you’re a leader or striving to succeed in your career, ensure you maintain respect, honesty, and approachability. Be a leader with whom people can be honest. That means owning your strengths and weaknesses and knowing when to ask for help. Leaders don’t need to know everything – they just need to know where the information is. Remember, you have what it takes – you just need to manage self-doubt.”
