Where Are They Now? Jing’s Story

Welcome to another edition of our ongoing segment Where are they now? Stories of TLG Alumni. We are introducing Jing Mak, who began as a volunteer with TLG in 2015 and is now an Engineer and Financial and Data Analyst for TLG partner, Gold Fields Australia (renewables).

In 2022, some of the TLG team had the opportunity to host a stall at The Women in Mining Conference (WIMWA), a summit that brings together the minority gender of Western Australia’s mining industry.

TLG has been fortunate to partner with a number of mining organisations who operate within the area of many of our remote partner schools, and now, in our twelfth year of operation, we are seeing some of our previous volunteers move up in their careers to some impressive roles in many fields including the mining industry. 

During the summit, we were approached by a few sprightly women who were excited to see the TLG booth. “I used to volunteer for TLG!” they exclaimed. So, we reached out to see if they could tell us what they’ve been up to since their TLG program volunteer days of tutoring kids and sleeping on library floors in remote communities of WA (and having the time of their lives in the process).

Jing Mak, was one such volunteer alumni who is now an employee for one of TLG’s cornerstone partners, Gold Fields Australia. Jing’s first TLG program was in 2015 at Boulder Primary School (in the Goldfields region of WA), where her friends' great feedback on the program convinced her to sign up. 

“Needless to say, I had one fantastic experience,” Says Jing, “ and continued volunteering for another four programs before I graduated from university! It’s hard to pick a favourite memory, I don’t think I’ll ever forget bonding with other tutors over Mafia [a social deduction party game] and the night before the last day of the program hustle of putting together certificates for the students. It was stickers galore!”

TLG volunteers during a Kalgoorlie Rural Program in 2015.

Jing has come a long way since her university days and now boasts an impressive resume, when we asked her what she’s up to now in her career.
“After working as a Process Engineer in the oil and gas industry for three years, I decided to pivot into renewables. I work at Gold Fields Australia in their Energy department in a hybrid role as an engineer and financial and data analyst. Our team essentially ensures there is enough power on-site but also looks after awesome renewable expansion opportunities across our four mine sites.”

“I grew up in the metro area and had never lived in rural Australia before.” Said Jing when we asked her what she’d learned whilst participating in the TLG Rural Programs. “TLG provided insights into the disparity between metro and rural education, especially from a socio-economic point of view. It was quite jarring to sometimes see students who were from unfortunate circumstances and heartbreaking to hear about some of their family troubles which can contribute to their education.”
Which is the unfortunate truth for some of the school students TLG tutors, all of whom live in low socio-economic areas, and one of the factors our organisation aims to help improve.
“However, the program highlights how important your role as a mentor is in being that person who had just made a student’s day a little bit better, lending an ear and just being a positive role model.”

“Gold Fields is involved with AREEA’s Bright Future STEM program where I have presented about my education journey and career and facilitate fun, hands-on STEM activities.”

Jing Mak presenting at a Bright Future STEM Program

The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA) Program works with year 5-6 students (particularly girls) to showcase Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and the diversity of career opportunities within the resources and energy industry in these exciting fields. The Program is delivered by STEM industry role models who highlight what they love most about their rewarding  STEM careers in the resources and energy industry and focuses on hands-on, interactive activities and experiences all relatable to the real world. (Source from https://www.brightfuturestem.com.au) 

“I definitely miss the TLG programs since graduating from university! I definitely grew a lot from learning about educational disparity and how I can contribute to the community. I’m still extremely passionate about education and get involved where I can.”

The TLG community is always proud to hear about our alumni’s stories and learn “where they are now.”

Written by Hannah Beard 8-05-2023