Careers Day

I love Careers Day - I get to renew my pen stash for the year. There were some very cool things today - Vale had a 1GB memory stick, PB had lego pens and stress blocks, but my favourite was this Peabody stress ball in the form of a lump of coal. But seriously, it's a great way to talk to HR, and engineers in the companies you want to work for. Even better if you don't know who you want to work for yet. The best thing is that they are never limited to QUT uni students, although they are held in school hours. I think over half of the exhibitors were searching for engineers, it was great, although there were still many others. I think that it is probably the best way to meet numerous potential employers at once. And the best part is that they are purely there to meet potential employees, so don't feel weird about asking for vac work or part-time work.

Anti Mining Campaigns

I've noticed more Anti Mining signs lately, which really annoys me. I think if people want to make a public statement against anything, especially in the case of a major industry which makes up so much of the Queensland economy, they should at least do a little research first!!!! Here are a few of my own personal points:
-mining provides so many jobs in Qld - jobs we cannot be without, especially in the economic situation at the moment
-everything you use originally comes from the earth - ipods, laptops, electricity, cars, phones......the list is endless. These don't just appear - all of the elements are resources which are mined - resources which DO replenish themselves. The problem happens when we mine faster than the resources can be replenished. This is a balance needed for sustainability.
-mining creates as well as sustains pre-existing towns and communities.
-the current urban push is often criticised on the basis of sustainability, whereas mining encourages many people into remote areas
-in regards to the mining vs farming debate, i believe both can exist. My dad is a farmer, and I obviously support farming, as without it there would be no food on your plate, but I don't buy into the argument that mining destroys farming.

I just wish people would stop and think, and do some research before starting a movement against something that they actually need to survive.

International Women's Day

I know it's a bit late, but happy International Women's Day for 8th March

On the Friday before, I attended a breakfast at the Sofitel where successful women within the industry were awarded for their hard work. It was good to see so many men supportive of the event as well.

In the afternoon I went on a tour of the port with some lucky QMEA students who were sponsored to come down to Brisbane especially for the breakfast (and I'm sure managed to squeeze some shopping in as well). I think I was more interested, especially as I have never seen the Port of Brisbane before. It is quite different to the Port of Townsville.

start of uni

This is the best time of the year - when there are no exams, a lot of parties and new people to meet. I'm enjoying it while it lasts - I know it won't be for long.