Many young mining engineers do not consider consulting as a possible job, believing that many years of working on-site is required to achieve practical experience, develop expertise and acquire industry contacts._x000D_
However, mining consultancies employ engineers with varying levels of experience, including part-time university students, graduates and engineers who are relatively new to the industry._x000D_
This paper outlines the role of a young engineer in a large mining consultancy and the benefits to both the consultancy and the client of having a mix of consultants with a diverse range of experience. From the author's perspective, the work experience, lifestyle and rewards of mine consulting are compared to site based work, including a discussion on whether consulting is able to offer the professional development that a young engineer needs._x000D_
FORMAL CITATION:Buchanan, L J, 2009. Aren't you too young to be a consultant? in Proceedings New Leaders' 2009, pp 37-40 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).