How many of us can share that they’ve spent more than two decades with the same company, let alone grown from a student on site to leading operations as a general manager?
One leading professional has done exactly that, in a career journey that’s been nothing short of extraordinary.
For Sara Young, what began as a vacation student placement at one of the world’s largest gold mining companies, Gold Fields, has turned into a 20-year career and seen her progress through nearly every facet of underground mining:
“What I love most about being part of the business, since first starting, to my current role as GM, is the people. I thoroughly enjoy spending time in the workplace, connecting with the team, and working together to achieve our goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to see what we can accomplish when everyone is pulling in the same direction.”
We caught up with Sara on her career development and growth, the value of mentors who recognise your potential, learning and development programs, travel opportunities, and so much more.
How do you start a career in mining?
Sara began her journey at Gold Fields during the second year of her Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree at the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM).
After her initial stint as a vacation student, she has progressed through almost every phase of the mining engineering discipline, with a few valuable detours on the way.
“I first joined and have chosen to stay with the business for many reasons. First, the business invested in my development and growth from day one. Second, the company’s values are closely aligned with my personal values. And last but not least, it’s full of incredible, inspiring people who make every workday enjoyable. We’re a truly diverse company, with operations spanning multiple countries. Meeting and interacting with people from different backgrounds and cultures enables you to grow so much.”
The roles she’s explored have been incredibly varied and included:
- Graduate Engineer
- Underground Operator
- Production Engineer
- Planning Engineer
- Underground Shift Supervisor
- Senior Engineer
- Underground Manager
- Technical Services Manager
- Mining Manager.
A standout memory for Sara was her time as an Underground Shift Supervisor, which she shares was one of the most rewarding times in her career:
“I gained insight into how to practically apply the technical skills I’d been developing while also learning how to manage a workforce that was vastly diverse (that is, in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, education status, religion, sexual orientation) in a challenging environment – underground.”
How to develop your career into a leadership role
Progressing into leadership was a natural next step for Sara, given her wealth of experience across the business. Gold Fields has stepped up to provide Sara with invaluable support throughout every stage of her career journey:
“Every new role I achieved created an added level of complexity and leadership, which, at the time, I felt unprepared for. But, with strong support from leaders who believed in my potential, I managed to navigate each one successfully.”
There are lots of variables that contribute to growing into leadership, especially in an industry like mining. Sara shares that her passion and experience have been vital, but so have the opportunities Gold Fields has helped her access. Working with the right employer is another crucial variable: Sara shares she’s received impressive internal and external learning and development programs at Gold Fields:
“Gold Fields has a robust talent development program, tailored to the needs of each individual. I’ve had opportunities to participate in women-specific and leader-focused development programs. Plus, I’ve had the privilege of travelling Western Australia and globally for these development opportunities!”
How can a company with training and education opportunities support your leadership success?
How a mining career provides international opportunities
Many of us are motivated by the chance to explore new places, gain new experiences, and achieve growth through learning and development. For Sara, this motivation turned into career-shaping opportunities.
Every new location, community, and program helped her gain new knowledge and perspectives.:
“Throughout my tenure, I’ve worked at three of our key sites in Western Australia: St. Ives, Granny Smith, and Agnew. I’ve also received the opportunity to travel internationally, like to South Africa in 2010. I was part of the Gold Fields cohort that visited to watch the Soccer World Cup, which we were sponsoring. It was an unforgettable experience.”
A few years ago, the company also launched a leadership program called INSPIRE. The purpose of this program was to invite senior leaders from around the world to come together for leadership training and learn about the intricacies of working in each of their countries of operation.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to Ghana and Chile, and will be heading off to South Africa again this year. This has been instrumental in helping me build lasting connections with my peers throughout the business and around the world. It’s been invaluable in setting me up in my new role as GM.”
How to unearth your potential with a career in mining
For those interested in exploring or progressing a career in mining, having a willingness to learn and seize opportunities, with support from the right company, can lead you to a long, fulfilling career.
If Sara’s incredible personal and professional growth story has inspired you, there’s never been a better time to start or keep climbing:
“Consider a role with Gold Fields! You’re looking in the right place. Since joining as a vacation student engineer, I’ve had so many opportunities to learn and grow, which has shaped my development so much. This is a company that invests in people and supports long-term careers. My advice? Be curious, open to learning, and ready to take on new challenges. You’ll find the support and opportunities here to thrive.”
