Greetings…let me start with an introduction. I am the president and founder of MRC, an executive search firm specializing in mining. I have been providing search services to the industry for over 40 years. I am an investor and on the board of a private mining company.
So, I am rather familiar with the mining industry. I have gotten to know and been privileged to work with a great many of mining’s proven professionals – evidenced by their track record of successes and inevitably some failures. After all, it’s mining– a high-risk enterprise.
I’m addressing this article primarily to “New Miners’ e.g., young mining professionals that are presently in school or on a mining site, to those with 10 or so years’ experience, post formal or practical/experiential education. This information is, however, not exclusive to this group. All mining professionals at all levels in the industry can profit from this fundamental and consequential communications initiative.
I’m choosing not to bury the lead on this brief editorial. Simply stated, people need to talk to one another in order to build relevant and quality relationships – and that requires a concerted networking effort.
Experts agree that the most connected people are often the most successful. When you invest in your relationships — professional and personal — it can pay you back in dividends throughout the course of your career. Networking will help you develop and improve your skillset, stay on top of the latest trends in your industry, keep a pulse on the job market, meet prospective mentors, partners, and clients, and gain access to the necessary resources that will foster your career development.
Anecdotally, my daughter and I have visited with and presented to, an array of individuals, mining organizations and schools over many years and commonly discover that this advice goes largely unheeded. Emails and LinkedIn and other internet vehicles are a good supplement to in-person meetings and phone calls but should not be the primary initiative. We have found, and I’m sure this is true with other mining colleagues in leadership positions, that those individuals that take the time to engage personally are those that we give priority attention to. That can and will often be the difference between your career ambition being noticed and responded to versus going unnoticed and passed over.
I could go on about how important the development of this relationship-building skill is, and it is a skill – but to spare you redundancy please see the following articles. They should be helpful to you in your endeavor to enhance your career throughout your lifetime.
The Importance of Networking (and How to do it Well)
It’s never too early – or too late – to invest in your network.
We at MRC sincerely wish you success!!! Call us anytime…
If you’re looking to make a career change, MRC can help connect with us or submit your resume.