From working on mine sites whilst juggling the challenge of external study, Patrick Doig has paved the way towards his future.
The CQUniversity alumnus has built a career as a mining executive, and now with over a decade of experience, has returned to his alma mater to impart his knowledge to the future generation of mining engineers.
Mr Doig recently presented a series of guest lectures to CQUniversity Engineering students who are undertaking the mine planning and design elective, giving them an opportunity to learn from one who had walked in their shoes.
As Head of Partnerships at global mining technology company Deswik, Mr Doig said it was imperative to invest in the future leaders of the sector – which was why he jumped at the opportunity to return to where it all began.
“My study with CQUniversity was so important as it enabled me to continue on and obtain my full Bachelor of Engineering, which brought me into the mining industry. Engineering is a field that I absolutely love, and I’ve never looked back,” Mr Doig said.
“This is a future I never saw for myself and I’m so excited by it – it’s opened a lot of avenues that I was not even aware of, and so it’s been great to come back to CQU and share with the students what’s possible in this industry,” he said.
Mr Doig commenced his journey with CQUniversity in 2006 through a partnership with Anglo American, which enabled him to study an Associate Degree of Engineering while working in industry.
Mr Doig said that especially with the current skills shortage, it was imperative that businesses started thinking about the next generation of mining engineers and those who would go on to become leaders of mining organisations in the future.
He encouraged students to implement self-care strategies to ensure longevity not only in their careers, but with their work-life balance.
“It’s really important that our workplaces support us in our education; if we don’t finish our studies, we’ll get disgruntled with our life, our jobs, our employer and we’re not going to have a sustainable career,” Mr Doig said.
By CQUniversity
Engineering students learn from Mr Doig who taught about software technology for integrated mine closures. Photos supplied: CQUniversity
