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What happens when your first degree choice doesn’t stick? For Arnav, it led to a love of geology.
Unsure of his path after high school, Arnav switched from law to geology and has never looked back. Now in his final year of a Bachelor of Science (geology, mining stream), he’s discovered a passion for fieldwork, exploration and connecting students with industry in Kalgoorlie.
When Arnav finished high school, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to study. His first step was law, but it didn’t feel like the right fit.
“Even though I enjoyed studying it, I didn’t see myself practicing.”
One of his friends was studying geology at the time and told him about what they were doing. It spiked his interest and the mix of sciences and outdoor field work led him to geology. Now in his final year of a Bachelor of Science (geology, mining stream) in Kalgoorlie, what lead him to the degree has proven to be the most exciting aspect of learning: fieldwork.
Arnav has been on a field trip every tuition free week, every semester since second year onwards.
“It’s just mapping, going into the bush, observing the environment. Seeing how the classroom translates outdoors is amazing how things are so much more complex. Everything looks the same, but it’s up to you to interpret what’s what.”
For Arnav, geology’s appeal lies in its diversity. He has learnt that it’s not all about rocks, despite believing differently before beginning the degree. There’s environmental work, lab work and fieldwork, a welcomed diversity in study. Learning that there is so much more to geology has been a key factor in Arnav’s growing love for study.
Among the many areas he’s explored, structural geology stands out as his favourite. The subject has been one that Arnav quickly grew an understanding for and has found passion in the subjects that ‘just click’ for him.
Outside the classroom, Arnav has found another passion through GEOS, the Geology Society. As Kalgoorlie’s representative, he helps bridge the gap between students and industry. GEOS is the student body for geology, where members organise networking events, sundowners with industry companies and social events for students. As the middleman between students and industry, Arnav has felt a confidence boost and skills interest in giving students exposure. Being a representative in the club has allowed him to experience leadership, and the ability to organise events and help students has helped in develop interpersonal skills and grow his confidence.
The move to Kalgoorlie for his final year was another turning point.
“Kalgoorlie is very different, much smaller than Perth. Everything’s five minutes away, which is great.”
His other advice? Get involved. “Join as many clubs as you can. Say yes to everything. Get involved with the social club, go to networking nights on Fridays, just get involved.”
As graduation approaches, Arnav is keeping his options open. He is considering the possibility of further study if the right opportunity comes up and is interested in honours. Otherwise, exploration is a great option as he really enjoyed that aspect during field trips.
“Exploration is essentially going into the field, trying to find minerals and resources. Production and mine geology are always options too. I’m open to everything at the moment.”
This openness and keen interest to learn and explore new passions is exciting for Arnav and opens up the potential for many different futures.
