Hi everyone!
My name is Maya and I recently interned for MineralsEd. During my internship, I did a variety of things such as touring mining and geological organizations and companies where I gained a lot of insight on the industry. On my first day, I went down to the Geological Survey of Canada, Vancouver office where I saw many cool fossils and learned about the important role that the government plays in mining and geological processes across the country which I didn't know about prior to the visit. I visited Taseko where I learned about their many copper mines and met with a mining engineer, geologist and an environmental permitter. I learned about the many stages of starting a mine and the varying career options across the mining sector. Secondly I visited Teck and learned about their streamlined workflow both in the office and in the field. I spoke to mining engineers and a geologist. This visit was a unique experience where I got to really see what the people in these roles work on, on a daily basis which allowed me to grasp the many roles and responsibilities that a person in these positions has. Lastly I visited Onyx Gold, where I learned about the importance of gold and how it's mined. There was a very different atmosphere to their office which was very unique from the others and it was a good way to finish off my sequence of touring companies as it allowed me to grasp the wide spectrum of mining. Besides touring companies, I was in the office breaking rocks and putting together teacher resource kits which grew my geological knowledge by a lot and now I know the difference between a rock and a mineral! This experience has been nothing short of wonderful. It wasn't only a blast because I got to break rocks and go on tours, all the knowledge I gained made my experience so much better. I learned so much about rocks, schooling, the industry as a whole and the importance of mentorship in this field which I will carry on with me through my schooling and career. This experience shifted my interest from becoming a mine engineer, to becoming a geologist. Everyone I spoke to emphasized that working and volunteer work are very important so I've formed many goals to get as much work experience as I can while I'm in school and volunteer any chance I get. To conclude my time with MineralsEd, I went on a geo tour of Stanley Park which was very educational, enriching, and engaging. I met so many great people through this internship and had the chance to work with some phenomenal people here in the office, which I cannot wait to see again at roundup!