Exploration Geologist, Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., Edmonton, AB

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Brandon, Mb.

Why are you interested in Geology?

I love rocks, sounds lame but, honestly someone can’t look at rocks for 12hrs a day unless they like them. I love the story rocks tell, from there formation to their destruction. I also love the outdoors and 50 to 70% of my job allows me to be outside in the untouched wilderness.

How did you become interested in Geology?

I started by taking Intro to Earth Science! Along with a few other sciences and it was the only class that I had any real interest in.

Personal journey-history?

Getting my degree wasn’t the easiest……I dropped out of university 3 times before I actually ended up on getting my degree. I was never a smart kid in high school, I always needed extra help with math and just barely passed most my classes. So going into Uni I never really had any expectations for myself, but I treated it like it was a 8-5 job Mon-Fri, and I put in a lot of effort and it paid off! I was able to attend several geology conferences and a couple geology field trips.

Geology career opportunities?

There are so many, you have to be willing to be away from home for anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks at a time, but there are so many jobs and they are all over the world. There are also jobs in many fields of geology, whether exploration, mining, environmental, etc.

Role of BU Geology?

Being a part of BU Geology gave me the opportunity to represent the school at countless conferences across Canada. I was even able to attend a 2-week world class field trip in Ontario and Quebec. The conferences an field trip and the reason why I have such a broad network of amazing geologist! And that network is the reason I have my current job!

Anything else?

If you are planning on attending BU for geology, make sure to go to conferences and to volunteer! You will meet so many long-time friends and experience so much!

Any sage advice for prospective high school students?

Do it and do it now! The industry is booming and it will be for the next several years, get in now while things are on the up!