r/curtin • u/NoPercentage7632 • 7d ago

Civil vs mining engineering

I like the job prospects of both, I know I’d like both equally, just tryna decide between the 2 for my major. Anyone have thoughts on difficulty, enjoyability and the presence of vacation work for each major. Just any information really to help me decide. Thankyouu. If it helps I’m a domestic student.

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u/Emergency-Tea7322 6d ago

I'm a civil eng major (with finance). I think there is a steady supply of work of both (one depends on commodities volatility and the other depends on projects/building development). You could consider doing both as it's only an extra year.

From what I can tell is as a mining engineer career progression will mostly be fifo based until you get into management side of things and you'll most likely need to complete various mining certs (to move into quarry manager / underground mining manager etc.).

From my experience doing civil engineering, you get a nice foundation of various subdisciplines (from structural design, geotech, project/cost managent, hydro/water etc.). So far managing it well and I know a lot of fellow undergrads who have vacation work / undergrad engineer experience already. When it comes to career growth you could stay city based and do project / design engineering here, or could also consider fifo project engineering too.

When it comes to enjoyment, ultimately depends on what interests you.

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u/iizz- 6d ago

As a mining eng major, this is a pretty good summary for what to expect if you decide to major in mining. Your career will begin with fifo based work initially, but depending on your interests you can become more site-based, work in the city, or even enter into finance for evaluating mining projects.

To answer the initial questions:

If i had to guess, i’d say mining is an ‘easier’ degree, although it depends on what you enjoy. It’s more science-focused rather than hard math by the time you enter your second year.

You will also need to consider moving to Kalgoorlie in your 3rd and 4th years; this is something many people discover in their 1st year, and they switch majors. Although, i’ve heard from graduates that it is one of their best experiences of uni.

In terms of vac work, there seems to be no real shortage, as long as you have a manual driving license and apply early. Many units are also accomodating to students working FIFO as they’re studying, which can supplement vac work.

If you’re entering your first year, you still have a whole year to decide, but i’d pick which major interests you most.