Mining careers: not just moving (or mining) rocks
- EFN Staff | May 26, 2015
The mining industry offers dozens of different career paths and not every one of them requires moving rock or being at the mine site. An important part of the mining industry is community engagement and corporate responsibility. Joslin Sanger is a junior specialist, Corporate Responsibility, at Cameco's corporate office, and it is her job to work with the communities on behalf of Cameco. Raised in La Ronge, Joslin is a member of the Fond du Lac Denesuline Nation and a graduate of the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan. We caught up with her to find out what a career in mining is like for her.
What compelled you to apply for this job at Cameco?
During university, I worked as a summer student at two of Cameco's mine sites which I really enjoyed and thought that Cameco was a great company to work for. Being a northerner, I was interested in a job that allowed me to travel throughout the north and to work with northern communities. When I saw a job opening in corporate responsibility, I saw it as an opportunity for me to have a meaningful job that could allow me to be part of positive change.
What is the main role of your job?
I assist with Cameco’s community engagement programming and corporate responsibility reporting. A big part of my role is to support Cameco’s engagement initiatives. I work directly with our community partners and assist with the planning, coordination and facilitation of on-going engagement initiatives in northern Saskatchewan. I also work directly with our community partners where we provide updates and discuss the company’s northern Saskatchewan operations. I travel a lot in my role, but for the most part, I go north and visit northern communities. My role is more of a generalist so I support the corporate responsibility team whenever I can and do a variety of other tasks at the office, such as compiling and entering data for the corporate responsibility reporting.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work so far?
I enjoy meeting people from the north and being able to visit different communities as part of my job. I’ve been home to La Ronge a number of times for work meetings and have had the opportunity to visit Fond du Lac, as well as many other communities that I might not have otherwise been able to visit. I feel that the north has a lot to offer and in the future, I would like to be a part of the initiatives that Cameco's partnerships with these communities can bring. To me, there is nothing more rewarding than being able to help others.
Was there an adjustment period getting used to working in a corporate head office?
There definitely was an adjustment as I was used to being in an environment with more people my own age, where at this position I am working with people of all ages. Being one of the younger employees, it was a bit intimidating at times, but I have really been able to learn from others’ experiences. I think there is probably an adjustment period in any position, but I believe that learning to adapt to the different work environments will benefit me throughout my career.
Who would you say are your role models?
This is a hard question to answer since I cannot identify any one specific role model I’ve looked up to throughout my life. There were many people in my life, including friends, family and teachers that made me feel confident in pursuing my goals that included getting a post-secondary education. I look up to people who are positive, hardworking and are able to succeed while remaining true to themselves. Having these people in my life who I admire has helped me to overcome some of my fears and inspired me to grow as a person.
Any tips for grads about to enter the workforce?
I would tell new grads to be prepared to work hard and to be patient. You might not find your dream job right away but remember that all work experience is valuable and there is always something to be learned. It may not always be easy, but surrounding yourself with the right people who will motivate and support you along the way will make it much easier.
Check out for more stories as part of Saskatchewan Mining Week, such as:
- Opinion: How the mining lobby can influence Aboriginal affairs
- Room at Saskatoon's Ronald McDonald House named after late northern man
- Saskatchewan Mining Week: celebrating 50 years
- Opinion: Developing the road to Aboriginal prosperity
- Companies expect suppliers to have Aboriginal strategy
- Whitecap Industrial Services: a partnership of resource service providers
- Northern leaders and Cameco share success in Ottawa
- Event celebrated students in mining readiness program
Click here for more Business stories and here for more Interviews.