"The keynote speaker encouraged us too always back yourself and back each other!"
Year 10 girls from Peter Carnley Anglican Community School attended the Inspiring Girls Careers Forum, an engaging event that encouraged young women to discover the many opportunities available in the resources sector.
Hosted by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the forum brought together students and experienced professionals to showcase the wide range of rewarding careers within the industry. The event was designed to inspire confidence, encourage curiosity, and help students begin thinking about their future career pathways.
Throughout the day, students heard from successful women who had built careers in the resources sector. The day featured an inspiring keynote presentation from Jemima Reid, Graduate Engineer at Barminco and recipient of the 2026 CME Outstanding Young Woman in Resources Award. Jemima encouraged students to "always back yourself and back each other," a message that resonated strongly with the group.
Throughout the day, students spoke with women working across many areas of the industry, including geology, mining engineering, geophysics, metallurgy, finance, site administration, and project management. During the speed networking sessions and careers expo, students were able to ask questions, hear about different career journeys, and gain a better understanding of the many pathways into the resources sector.
One of the key message’s students took away was that careers in engineering and geology are not reserved only for students with perfect grades. Industry representatives emphasised that curiosity, problem-solving, a willingness to learn, and an interest in STEM are just as important.
Students reflected positively on the experience:
"The day was helpful, informative and a great experience."
"It was helpful to speak to people and learn about different pathways in mining."
"The keynote speaker encouraged us too always back yourself and back each other!"
Several students also wrote thank you letters following the event. One student described the speed networking sessions as the highlight of the day, saying they appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and learn directly from professionals about their roles in the industry. Others commented that the conversations inspired them to consider career pathways they had not previously thought about and gave them greater confidence about future opportunities.
The forum also introduced students to diverse career options including geology, engineering, environmental science, project management, and many other specialist fields. By exploring these pathways, students gained a broader understanding of the many roles that contribute to one of Western Australia's most important industries.
The Inspiring Girls Careers Forum proved to be an informative and empowering experience for Peter Carnley Anglican Community School Year 10 girls. The event encouraged them to explore their interests, build confidence, and consider exciting possibilities for their future.