Student Testimonials
“I consider myself very lucky to have fallen into the Mining & Minerals Engineering Department at Virginia Tech. As a freshman, I was interested in computer and electrical engineering, but once I saw what mining had to offer, I was sold. I have received far more than what I expected when joining this department. Not only have I entered a stable, well-paying industry that will always be in existence, I have also entered a tight-knit family which constantly strives to take care of its members. The faculty and staff at Tech’s Mining & Minerals Engineering department are no different, as they will go far beyond all expectations to meet the needs of individual students. My affiliation with Virginia Tech’s mining program has afforded me multiple summer jobs and a co-op in Colorado. Being a part of this program has opened countless doors for me during my tenure, and I have no doubt that my choice will continue to benefit me throughout my career. The classes and jobs that I have experienced in this program are invaluable to me, but the professors, staff, and friends that I have met are what constantly remind me that I made the right decision my freshman year.”
—Jordan Taylor, 2006 Graduate
"I first visited the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering during my senior year of high school, and I immediately knew this was where I belonged. Now that I have nearly completed my degree, I know I made the right decision. In addition to studying in an interesting, hands-on field of engineering, my experience has been as part of an outstanding group of faculty, staff and students. With relatively small classes, our professors are able and always willing to answer questions and advise regarding academic, financial, and career oriented issues. Their open-door policy is supportive and welcoming. Amongst my peers, I have met some of my best friends and future coworkers. Furthermore, I have gained from numerous benefits available to students in mining: we receive excellent support in the form of scholarships and loans. There are opportunities to take part in an active student society with an emphasis on community, social, and industry-related activities. Numerous trips to conferences and competitions allow networking with industry members and fellow students. Finally, it is possible to join a year-long, international mining course in Europe as part of one’s undergraduate studies. The Mining and Minerals Engineering Department has definitely been an exciting and rewarding experience."
—Emily Sarver, MinE Bachelor’s and Master’s program graduate
”When I came to Virginia Tech as an Engineering Freshman, I had never even heard of Mining Engineering. Once I learned that Virginia Tech was one of the most respected schools for Mining Engineering in the country, it made sense that this was the profession for me. What boy growing up didn’t love playing in the dirt with his Tonka trucks? And to be able to do this for a living, working with the most down-to-earth people you will ever meet, is absolutely a dream come true. The professors in the department all knew me by name after the first few classes, and I have made friendships with my professors that I know I will keep for the rest of my career. On top of it all, it is reassuring to know that I am practically guaranteed a job with one of the highest paying salaries in engineering once I graduate. Studying Mining Engineering at Virginia Tech has been an exciting and rewarding experience, and it is even more exciting to know that the fun has only just begun.”
—Stephen Statham, 2006 Graduate, former ISEE Chapter President
"I’m now double majoring with geology and … you guessed it, mining engineering, and I couldn’t be happier. Mining is a small, friendly department where professors were remembering my name days later after only a brief introduction. I feel confident that I can go to anyone there with problems or questions. I’ve loved to collect rocks since I was little, but I never thought I would end up with a career in them. I suppose it shouldn’t be that surprising, but no one at home believes it. My mom still laughs and asks me if I’m sure I don’t want to switch back to electrical or computer engineering. Not only have I found a major that I love, but I also joined the Cave Club and have generally become obsessed with any and all rocks."
—Kara Smith, Graduate Student
“Mining engineering is definitely not your normal or classic form of engineering. It wasn’t the first thing that came to my mind when I was a freshman and thought of “engineering;” however, the type of work done and the opportunities for mining engineers are what attracted me to the department. Mining engineers have the opportunity to work in a wide variety of jobs all over the world. Since I have been here, I have had the chance to work in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Colorado as well as do a lot of traveling around the U.S. My jobs have included a range of tasks from management, to engineering, to research, to working with explosives and massive earth moving equipment. One of the most appealing things about this line of work to me is that I won’t be stuck behind a computer day in and day out. The day-to-day tasks vary widely and are much more hands on—yet still challenging.”
—Eric Gavin, MinE graduate and former Burkhart Society President
