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Engineering STEMforGIRLS Role Models

Jess Scanlan

Head of New Media - Mining

Prospector

Pronouns:She / Her

Hometown(s):

Laurel, MT

Social Media Connections
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessjscanlan/
  • https://www.instagram.com/minelife.mt/
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfhOa10RVnfSXBGvfjiY_tg
Education (Certificates, Programs, and School Names):
  • BS - Geological Engineering - Montana Tech, Mining option, Geophysics Minor
How do you think the school you went to influenced your career?

I attended Montana Tech in Butte, Mt. I originally went there to study the more geotechnical engineering side of things, but quickly fell in love with the mining history of the area. The campus is actually the only campus in the USA with an underground mine right on campus, and my first time underground I was instantly hooked! So I switched things up and started going for a more mining and exploration focused degree.

What was your first job? What skills from it that continue to help you in your current role?

My first job out of college was actually as a civil engineer, which was very different than what I had studied. I only spent about 6 months there, but was able to really hone in on engineering skills, but I also became really good at time management, organization and priorities, etc. These are skills that I still use every day!

What does your typical workday involve? Can you work remotely? (indoors/outdoors, office/plant, travel time, teamwork/solo work)

My current position as the Head of New Media is fully remote, which seems crazy in the mining industry! We have a team of 30 people from all over the world, which is amazing to get to work with such a diverse group. My day varies a lot, but generally involves scheduling all of our social media, planning our podcast guests, writing blogs, planning webinars, etc. I also get to travel a lot for conferences, which is really fun!

What do you do when you feel stuck?

Try and get a new perspective. If I am writing a blog or social media post, I often go to my coworkers or friends to see their perspective on it. It helps to see the different angles and talking points from other people's views!

LinkedIn. Most of my inspiration for podcast guests and social media comes from seeing what is happening in the mining industry on LinkedIn, and constantly coordinating and commenting with others on there!

What advice would you give students who might be considering a career like yours? What advice would you have given your younger self?

Don't put yourself in a box. I know people still look at me like I'm a bit strange, having an engineering degree and a mine geology background working in media and marketing. For me, it was a passion to bring mining and geology knowledge to people, and this job allows me to do that! Don't be afraid to follow your passions, even if they're outside the box!

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