I am a Mining engineer and worked for one of the biggest mining companies in South Africa and worldwide recognition before coming to Ireland to pursue my studies. I undertook different roles within the company I worked for, which included being a junior manager in the production line of male dominated mining crews and working with explosive engineer to plan the design and execution of such blast designs. I am currently studying for my Masters in Business Management at Trinity College Dublin.

With the undergraduate degree that I have, there is no extensive exposure to the Business Management (business aspects) of the industry. Trinity College Dublin is the leading university in Business Management in Ireland and in the whole of western Europe; I therefore believe it is the right university to gain all the extensive, relevant and thorough knowledge. I found myself challenged whilst undertaking this course; I had an idea of what to expect from the course and those expectations were exceeded. Modules offered in the course are of such high relevance and I believe every manager or everyone aspiring to be a phenomenon manager should undertake.

There is 23.8% of women seated on the boards in the top 100 mining companies, with women directors making only 10.3%. I therefore believe the industry still needs women who are innovative, qualified and who hold the necessary skills to be in more senior and executive positions. This Masters in Management will build on the qualification I already have and thus be advantageous for me to be a multifaceted Engineer and aspiring business woman in transformational roles. I believe I add value in this area as I have been exposed and learned about the daily production of mining operations during the past three years. With South Africa’s mining industry on the decline and with the knowledge I gained from the duration of my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, I want to be part of generation to reposition the industry as the country’s leading economy.

My current plan is to do a thesis on the topic: “Business model for mining of the future - 4th Industrial revolution: The case of South African Platinum mining industry”. I believe exploring this topic will aid in building my career in the direction I want to go. Upon my return to South Africa I plan to continue working in the Mining industry for five years in companies that deal mainly with Management Consulting to gain relevant experience. My long term goal is to be part of the executive in a Mining company, hopefully a mining company that I would have started.

Though I have gained a lot of knowledge in the classroom, I have also learned invaluable skills and knowledge which have allowed me to grow by just being in a different country interacting with a diverse range of people. Working with people from all over the world is fun and has helped me grow as an individual; my perspective on a lot of things was challenged and changed for the better. The rich Irish culture aided in my personal development while living here and I am forever grateful for this opportunity.