Mila Szautner on Finding Her Path in Geological Engineering
Take a break, we’re on Smoko. In this episode, we sit down with Mila Szautner, a third-year geological engineering student at the University of Saskatchewan. Mila shares her thoughtful journey into engineering—one shaped by uncertainty, resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic, and ultimately, discovery of a field where she truly belongs.
“Geological engineering gave me the freedom to explore so many possibilities.” – Mila Szautner
Mila opens up about what it’s like being a woman in a predominantly male discipline, and the importance of mentorship and peer support. As an executive in the Geological Engineering Student Society (GESS), she’s helping foster a stronger sense of community and inclusion for current and future engineering students.
We also get a behind-the-scenes look into Mila’s summer work experience in potash mining—where she’s been underground, navigating complex engineering challenges and contributing to real-world innovation. Her firsthand stories make engineering tangible and exciting, especially for those curious about what’s possible in geoscience careers.
Mila discusses the need for greater representation in engineering, the power of scholarships and outreach programs, and how building a network of support has helped her thrive. She shares candid advice for aspiring engineers and students navigating their own paths in STEM.
This episode is a powerful reminder that success in engineering isn’t linear—it’s built on curiosity, community, and the courage to explore something new.
Connect with Mila Szautner
Learn More About GESS at the University of Saskatchewan
@usaskgess on Instagram
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