What is your background?
I grew up in the small town of Kingaroy, approximately 3hrs from Brisbane, where I was raised for the first 16 years of my life. Upon commencement of year 11, I moved to Brisbane to attend boarding school where I completed my final years of schooling. Following this I commenced my first year of University in 2021 at the University of Queensland studying a dual degree of a Bachelor of Mathematics majoring in Data Analytics and Operations Research, and a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting. I am currently in my third year of university with only 2 years left until graduation.
What was your Vacation Placement like with Anglo American?
Throughout the 2022 summer break (Nov 22-Feb 23) I was fortunate enough to be selected as part of the Anglo American vacation program as a Commercial vacation student. As part of the program, I joined the commercial team on-site at Capcoal Open Cut in Middlemount.
My main project throughout my vacation program included creating a commercial induction for the departments onsite, as well as helping with the changeover of accounts payable (AP) systems. I also had the opportunity to be involved in supply chain operations including contracts. As part of the commercial team, I was fortunate enough to interact with several people on-site across multiple departments. I was particularly grateful for the welcoming and inclusive environment Capcoal Open Cut provided, boasting a caring culture with a real sense of comfort and encouragement to succeed.
Although being far from home I was lucky enough to share my experience with 11 other vacation students across the two Anglo American Middlemount sites. We quickly became friends and banded together to embrace all the Anglo American vacation program had to offer. We spent our weekend adventuring and utilising any spare moment to explore the surroundings of Central Queensland. Some of our most memorable trips include Daydream Island, Yeppoon, Eungella, and Blackdown Tablelands.
Overall, my vacation experience with Anglo American is an opportunity that I am grateful for, because not only did it provide me with industry connections and invaluable knowledge and experiences, but it allowed for the opportunity to make lifelong friendships.
One or two highlights of your Vacation program placement with Anglo American
A main highlight of my vacation program experience with Anglo American was the opportunity to ride with Operators in trucks along the shovel circuit. This was an experience I had been looking forward to upon commencing this program and was grateful I was able to tick this off my wish list. It was an eye-opening experience to be able to see this large machinery up close and personal and experience their true size and the magnitude of the operations that occur on site. In addition to this, the opportunity to visit the CHPP or Coal Handling Processing Plant with some of my fellow vacationers was truly invaluable. Learning about all the different processes and equipment required and their unique and critical roles in washing coal was both interesting and informative.
1 or 2 pieces of advice to other university students
A key piece of advice I would give is to embrace any opportunities and jump in with both feet wherever possible. I think it is so important at this early stage of both life and our careers to try new things and be open to new experiences as we continue to grow and learn about ourselves and the path we want for our future.