E29: Helicopter Drilling and the Path to Geotechnical Growth with Hannah Thomas

The Ground Investigation Podcast

In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, Michael Taylor sits down with Hannah Thomas, a geotechnical engineer with a passion for exploration, both in the field and in professional growth. From her first helicopter drilling project in Oregon to her belief in the power of LinkedIn as the modern Rolodex, Hannah shares her unique experiences and actionable advice for geotechnical and geological professionals.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Memorable Projects: Hannah recounts her most challenging and rewarding project—a helicopter drilling expedition that pushed her out of her comfort zone and taught her invaluable field skills.
• The Role of Social Media: How platforms like LinkedIn can act as a digital Rolodex to grow your network, open career opportunities, and even attract clients.
• Career Advice: Insights for students and early-career engineers on trying new roles, building connections, and staying adaptable in a constantly evolving industry.
• Demystifying Geotechnical Engineering: Hannah explains the field in simple terms, from understanding the soil beneath a building to ensuring stability for dams and hillsides.
• Mentorship and Growth: The value of mentors in shaping your skills and how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to tremendous personal and professional growth.

Highlights:

• Helicopter drilling and safety lessons learned in Oregon.
• Why every engineer should start building their LinkedIn network early.
• Practical tips for explaining geotechnical engineering to non-professionals.
• How to find inspiration and knowledge by following industry leaders.

Who Should Listen:

This episode is perfect for:

• Geotechnical and geological engineers at all career stages.
• Students exploring engineering career paths.
• Professionals interested in networking and personal branding.
• Anyone curious about the adventures and challenges of fieldwork.

Resources and Mentions:

• Connect with Hannah Thomas on LinkedIn
• Woman in Mining
• Follow Shelby Yee of Rockmass for inspiration.

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://girec.co.uk/.