A cooperative education program, consisting of periods of academic study alternating with periods of planned work experience in industry, is available through the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta. This option is offered to students in all engineering specializations with the exception of computer engineering. The cooperative program gives suteds the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, earn some money and study, all at the same time. Students of the cooperative program normally require five years to complete the rquirements of the degree, instead of the usual four academic years. The Centre for Cooperative Education at the University of Alberta is responsible for locating appropriate engineering-related jobs for cooperative education students.
Mining engineers require excellent communcation and interpersonal skills.
They need to be decisive and need to be able to apply themselves to a variety of work situations. Employment and Advancement Mining engineers usually work where mineral deposits are located, often near small isolated communities. However, mining engineers engaged in research, management, consulting, or sales may work in metropolitan areas. Experienced mining engineers may set up their own consulting businesses. Teaching in a faculty of engineering or engaging in research programs is an option open to experienced mining engineers with advanced graduate degrees.