Hiring Recent College Graduates Versus Hiring Experienced Mining Engineers

HARRY HINDS: Our first speaker today is Dr. John Wilson. Dr. Wilson is chair and Union Pacific/Rocky Mountain Energy Professor in mining engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla. He has previously held senior management positions with Trans- African Mining Ltd., Anglo American Corporation, Consolidation Coal Company, Smith International Inc., Adams Resources Inc., and Golder Associates. John started his mining career as a coal miner in the coal fields of northern England. Dr. Wilson received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Durham, his master's degree from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, and his doctorate from the University of Witwatersrand, all in mining engineering. Today, Dr. Wilson is going to address the subject "Hiring Recent College Graduates Versus Hiring Experienced Mining Engineers." Please welcome Dr. Wilson. DR. JOHN WILSON: The advantages and disadvantages of hiring engineers directly out of school or those with some experience are often discussed among mining company managers. The choice is essentially dependent on the culture of each company, the company's maturity and strategic direction, and the growth or phaseout plans in vogue at the time of the decision. Generally, major, established mining companies employ entry-level college graduates and train them, introduce them to company culture, include them in a succession plan to replace retirees, fill vacancies, and provide management to direct future growth of the company. However, some large companies take a different approach. During restructuring, down-sizing, etc., some companies do not hire college graduates directly from school. Rather, they tend to recruit from other companies or absorb valuable personnel available following acquisitions or mergers. While this is a logical approach, it seldom provides for the future management and leadership needs of the company. A clear example of this failure is found when reviewing the hiring practices, or lack thereof, in the coal industry of the 1950s.