Dominic Hopkins
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Pantoro South Pty Ltd
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Since leaving Exeter I went straight into employment at my current job as a graduate geologist. Coinciding with this was my move from the UK to Australia where I am currently based.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I chose this career as it allowed me to build upon the skills I gained during my degree and turn them into a career with good longevity. The most enjoyable part of my job is the variety and unpredictability that comes from working in an everchanging, fast paced environment.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
I enjoyed getting to learn practically in a hands-on manner, both in the form of on-campus practical sessions and local and residential field trips, the latter of which was the biggest highlight of the programme. These field trips not only provided a great learning platform but also an opportunity to bond with both peers and lecturers in a better way than classroom-based learning would.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
The ability to partake in numerous local field trips to different locations around Cornwall, all of which presented new learning opportunities and helped build my practical skills in my degree.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
Exeter provided on of the best degrees available in the country for my chosen subject through their Camborne School of Mines division. Their industry links and long history successful alumni was a key factor in me choosing Exeter.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Many of the practical skills I learnt during my degree are now key aspects of my career, being used almost daily at work. Additionally the frequent ‘Pint and Pasty’ networking events and presentations from members of the industry aided in allowing me to choose the correct career path.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Attend as many networking events as you can. The more people you speak to the more opportunities you are likely to encounter. Also keep in touch with course mates in all years as they may advertise jobs for their company at some point in the future or vise-versa.
What are your plans for the future?
Progress through my current career line moving from a graduate up to a senior or managerial role in the future.
