Ruby B. Johnson
Nevada Gold Mines
Elko, NV USA
"In order to get your voice out there, you have to be persistent. You can’t let people take your voice away. Get skillful about how you’re putting yourself out there. Push yourself and create opportunities for yourself."
Career Roadmap
Ruby B.'s work combines: Engineering, Environment & Nature, and Accomplishing Goals
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Try a lot of things because every exposure will give you helpful skills and can lead you to your purpose. Learn new things constantly and challenge yourself. Your future self will thank you for that.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Mining and Mineral Engineering
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in West Africa and moved to the U.S. when I was 12 years old—I spent most of my school years in Maryland.
2.
A high school teacher recognized my skills in STEM and encouraged me to pursue engineering in college.
3.
I started in civil engineering but quickly realized I didn’t enjoy it much, so I switched to mining engineering, which was great because the program had a much better student–teacher ratio.
4.
While in school, I completed a couple of internships, including a mining engineering internship back in Sierra Leone!
5.
I received my bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from Virginia Tech with a minor in women’s studies leadership.
6.
My first job after college involved working with the federal government as a mining engineer on reclamation projects.
7.
When I got this opportunity to work as an environmental engineer for the Nevada Gold Mines, I took it on—despite my lack of experience in the field!—because I wanted to become more well-rounded.
8.
I also have a self-published magazine, STEMher, which features the education, experience, and skills of girls and women in the STEM disciplines.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
You lack direction and are doing too many things at the same time.
How I responded:
Try a lot of things because every exposure will give you helpful skills and can lead you to your purpose. Learn new things constantly and challenge yourself. Your future self will thank you for that.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I started on the civil engineering path but didn't enjoy it, so I switched to mining engineering. Because I transferred into mining late, I took on internships to gain more experience quickly.
My background is in mining engineering but I got this opportunity to work as an environmental engineer. I doubted my ability to do it but took on the opportunity anyway to grow into a more well-rounded professional.
I've learned to be fearless when no one looks like me. I know who I am and am proud of my skin. It's rewarding to persevere and be the first to accomplish your goals against the odds. Stick to your morals and values and always maintain integrity.
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I've learned to be persistent and not let anyone take away my voice. If an opportunity doesn't already exist for me, I'm determined to create it myself.