FROM COLOMBIA TO MORANBAH. A LIFE CHANGING CAREER IN MINING

During this podcast, Stellar Recruitment's Managing Director, Shaun McCambridge, sits down with BHP's acting Engineering Manager, Diana Sanchez, to discuss her incredible career in mining and what has lead her from Colombia to Queensland's Moranbah.  Diana shares insightful career advice for those looking to get into mining and her career story (and how it has changed her life).

Diana's Highlights:

1:20 - Inspiration Behind Choosing a Career in Mining 

2:30 - The Career Journey - by Design or Guided by a Vision?

6:55 - The Difference Between Working in Colombia as An Engineer Compared to Australia and the Inspiration Behind Moving to Australia

10:30 - Advice for Those Seeking to Take Their Careers from Engineering to a Managerial Position

13:15 -  The Leadership and Career Philosophies Admired by Diana

15:27 - The Best Career Advice Received, and the Best Career Move Made in Retrospect

10:25  - A Message to Year 10-12 Students Who Might Be Considering a Career In Mining

22:11 - How a Career in Mining Changed Diana’s Life for the Better

Inspiration Behind Choosing a Career in Mining

From growing up in a small town in North Colombia with one of the largest mine sites, Cerrejon, Diana was inspired by the impact of the community to not only study mining engineering but also complete a graduate program for that company.

The Career Journey - by Design or Guided by a Vision?

Diana looked at every career or lifestyle change she wanted to make and had the tenacity and perseverance to go after them. After applying for a particular role over 15 times, there was a clear vision for the direction she wanted to take and took the necessary steps to achieve this.

The Difference Between Working in Colombia as An Engineer Compared to Australia and the Inspiration Behind Moving to Australia

Working within Colombia’s mining environment was evidently different 20 years ago. There is a significant difference in both the market and culture of the Australian and Colombian mining sector. In Colombia, there is no celebration of success whereby you will get replaced if you do not do your job well enough. The different employment environment and landscape coupled with the better quality of living were just some of the inspirations behind Diana’s decision to come to Australia.

Advice for Those Seeking to Take Their Careers from Engineering to a Managerial Position

Diana’s best advice for those seeking to progress their career from engineering to a managerial position is having a good mentor. It is critical to have people in your team who can back you up. Additionally, surround yourself with people who hold different opinions and viewpoints and provide you with the opportunity to continuously learn and have a growth mindset.

The Leadership and Career Philosophies Admired by Diana

Receiving feedback from subordinates and understanding what can be improved has been Diana’s favourite career philosophy. Diana admires the ability to embrace openness and inclusivity alongside promoting diversity. Leadership is a social influence, and it should move more towards that.

The Best Career Advice Received, and the Best Career Move Made in Retrospect

The best career advice Diana received was “If you value what you have and what you have done, you will start seeing all the good things in life.” It is important to talk about the challenges you encounter both mentally and physically and break that stigma. The best career move for Diana was moving to Australia. The opportunities presented through this career move created immense gratitude.

A Message to Year 10-12 Students Who Might Be Considering a Career In Mining

It is immensely rewarding when you see something you have worked on come to life. Those coming into the mining industry are entering something like never before. These students will have the capability to innovate, design and explore. Mining companies like BHP are heavily involved with the community, supporting diversity, inclusivity and recognising the first nations. The mining industry wouldn’t exist unless society needed it.

How a Career in Mining Changed Diana’s Life for the Better

A career in mining has given Diana the chance to change other people life. Now that she is in a leader, she has been given the opportunity to develop both her team and herself.



Let’s go on an inspiring journey by listening, learning and taking key actions from our own recruitment experts as well as industry leaders and inspirational individuals.

Together, each month, we unpack key actions on how we can all learn from others’ experiences and industry knowledge; unlocking our own transformative change, so that we can all become the best version of ourselves.