Attracted by Michigan Tech’s strong reputation, this alumni advanced from a coal mine laborer to International VP of Operations, followed by consulting. MTU’s practical and theoretical mining education prepared him well. Randy Sandrik graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering in 1972. Read on to discover more about Randy’s insights on Tech and his advice for Huskies.
Q: Why did you choose MTU?
A: MTU’s reputation as an excellent university made it a no-brainer.
Q: What has your career path been like since you graduated?
A: I advanced from a UMWA laborer in a West Virginia coal mine to International VP of Operations. I then did some consulting after retirement.
Q: How did your time at MTU prepare you for your industry/career?
A: A great combination of practical and common-sense mining, with expert theory and demonstration, prepared me.
Q: What’s it like to return to the campus now? Have you noticed any changes?
A: The culture has remained the same since the 1970’s.
Q: What is the most impactful memory of your time here?
A: The staff: W. Been (department head), K. Spiroff (geology), Margeret Sullivan (mining dept secretary), Jean Kemp (museum)
Q: What is your favorite activity when you return to campus?
A: When I return to the campus, I love driving to Copper Harbor and visiting the tourist mines.
Q: What advice would you give someone starting at Tech as a Husky?
A: I would encourage every Husky to explore the Copper Country.
Q: What role did the community or extracurricular activities play in your overall experience?
A: The community and extracurricular activities were significant in my overall experience.
Q: Looking back, what opportunities do you wish you had taken advantage of here?
A: I wish I had spent more time at the mines before shutting down.
Q: What networking opportunities did you take advantage of as a student?
A: As a student, I took advantage of networking opportunities through parents of mining students who worked in the mining industry.
Q: What is your current position’s unexpected benefit/skill set? What did you not realize at first was a part of what you do?
A: Presenting ideas to others.
Q: Any comments?
A: The current approach to working with undergrads in mining at MTU is excellent.
Q: Did you have on-campus employment while a student? If yes, what did you do?
A: While enrolled at MTU, I assisted in the Geology and Mining Department as a student worker.
Learn from this legend: “One of the great aspects of the mineral business is the depth and breadth of opportunities.” – Randy Sandrik.