The Saint Louis University Mining Engineering Society (SLU MinES) put together a two-day webinar titled “The MINAtatag: Trailblazing Career Opportunities for Mining Engineering Graduates” on 15 and 16 March 2024, where mining engineering students and graduates attended via Zoom Meeting. Different professionals from various sectors also participated giving informative talks on significant angles about mining careers from the academe, government, general services, and private sectors, as well as exploring overseas prospects.
The first day of the webinar featured four speakers, two representing the career
opportunities for mining engineers in academia and two from the government sector. The academic discussion was led by Louisian and Mapuan Mining Engineers, Engr. Joel Reyes and Engr. Lorel Castillo, respectively. Meanwhile, the Government Sector session was conducted by two Louisian Mining Engineers, Engr. Roel Collado and Engr. Felizardo Gacad Jr., who currently holds positions as the PSEM NLC President and Regional Director of MGB Region 4B, correspondingly.
On the other hand, the second day gave way to speakers from the general service, overseas, and private sectors. Engr. Ferdinand Ruelos, a Louisian, imparted his expertise in commercial blasting services, while Engr. Kiara Chattie Bulayo-Cariño, also an alumna, shared her journey from a local to an international career path. Lastly, the former Vice President for Operations of Eramen Minerals Inc., Engr. Alexandri Amadeo, discussed the vast career opportunities available for mining engineers in general.
Through discussions and engaging question-and-answer portions, the event undoubtedly helped not only Minero Luwisiyanos but also other attendees dig deeper and reflect further on their future profession. Moreover, the webinar stood out as a transformative initiative in alignment with the mission of the CICM and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Through its provision of comprehensive insights and strategic guidance to mining engineering students and graduates, this webinar actively advanced SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by enriching educational opportunities and empowering individuals to make well-informed career decisions. Furthermore, the event underscores CICM’s unwavering commitment to fostering justice by arming participants with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the minerals industry responsibly and sustainably. By addressing the multifaceted social, environmental, and economic aspects of mining careers, MINAtatag embodies the holistic approach championed by CICM, thereby contributing to the empowerment and flourishing of individuals and communities on a global scale. (SLU Mining Engineering Society)
