Chairman Comments by Nellie Frisbee

Throughout my education and career, I have been fortunate to have mentors. In college, I reached a point in my education that I did not know what to do next. There was a downturn in the petroleum market and there were none of the usual jobs available for geologists so, I sought out a mentor. Texas A&M had an organized mentoring program that went beyond just an academic advisor.

The mentor I chose was a professor from an elective class I had taken. He listened to my concerns and interests, made suggestions, and helped schedule an interview which opened the door to the next stage of my education and eventually lead to my career. As a mentor, he provided guidance in a direction that I never knew was an option (What? There are coal mines in Texas?). He facilitated contacts and interviews for graduate school in a field that was related to my geology degree. 

In my career in mining, I have had an informal mentor. I regularly touch-base with a person that is well respected, has technical expertise and is knowledgeable about the industry as a whole. My informal mentor has been a true role model and has suggested as well as facilitated training to help me improve my career options. 

As a student or a new employee, it is likely there are career options and training of which you are unaware. Seek out someone with experience, expertise and an overall view of your industry, whether it is a formal mentoring program or an informal role-model. Find a person that is interested in helping you develop your skills or, if you have experience, find a person that is willing to benefit from your experience. Participation in TMRA provides an opportunity to find a mentor or become a mentor. The professional interaction will benefit you, your career, your company and your industry.

The experienced members of our TMRA industries have a tremendous amount of knowledge to share. Knowledge about: the behavior of disturbed areas, drilling, coring and well completion in a wide variety of geologic conditions, the chemistry of ground and surface water in disturbed areas, erosion control in unique situations, the evolution and reconstruction of soils, the creation of ecological habitats, the documentation and monitoring of environmental conditions, records retention and recall; just to name a few. Even if you have moved up in your company from a technical to a supervisory position, I would encourage you to continue to participate in the Industry Committees and Functional Committees. Give the newer committee members a chance to benefit from your knowledge and experience, and possibly find their mentor.

Best,
Nellie Frisbee, Chair, North American Coal