Skip to content

Hannah Coster

from Barista to Data Analytics, Information Systems and Technology Graduate
I help people solve problems and make decisions using data.
Industry
Mining and Resources
Company
Rio Tinto
Job Level
Entry

Ask me about

  • Why I chose to study mathematics and how it applies after school
  • How I am exploring different career paths to find the right fit
  • What it is like rotating through different roles in a graduate program
  • Transitioning from university to working

About me

I still remember my Year 6 class, where we would kick off each day solving fun math problems. That early exposure sparked a growing enthusiasm, especially during high school where I excelled in Math B and Math C and found enjoyment in the challenge. With no other field standing out, I leaned into my interest in how maths applies to the real world and my curiosity about why things are the way they are.

After attending university open days and career expos – and with encouragement from teachers and family – I chose to study a Bachelor of Mathematics at UQ. During my degree, an internship with QLD Health showed me the real-world impact of analytics and how we data can be used to solve problems and support decision making in a corporate setting. This experience solidified my decision to pursue this pathway. After graduating, I was eager to apply my skills in industry, leading me to the Rio Tinto graduate program, where I now work in a Data Analytics role.

About my role

  • Analytical
  • Curious
  • Innovative
  • Practical
  • Resourceful

As a Data Analytics Graduate, I rotate through different teams to explore a variety of roles and better understand which areas of work I enjoy. My background in mathematics equips me with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which I apply to challenges across different operational settings. These roles involve interpreting complex datasets to deliver insights that support decision making and drive improvements. This analytical work often involves using tools such as coding, data visualisation and statistical modelling to uncover trends and communicate findings.

In my current role, I am working on simulation modelling for an underground copper and gold mining operations in Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia. This involves developing a digital version of how the mine operates, using data and the logic behind operational decisions on site. The model helps assess the feasibility of the mine plan for the next 5 years and identify opportunities to increase production capacity and optimise strategic planning. The insights we find help engineers and planners make smarter decisions about how the mine runs.

Education

  • Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
  • Bachelor of Mathematics, Major in Applied Mathematics & Minor in Computer Science

Subjects

  • Chemistry
  • English
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Physical Education
  • Specialist Mathematics (Maths C)

Awards

  • 2019 College Caltex All Rounder award
  • 2019 Pierre de Coubertin Award
  • Australian Olympic Change-Maker Winner

Hobbies

  • Beach adventures
  • Cooking
  • Running
  • Seeing family and friends
  • Travel

Pets

  • 1 Dog

15 year old me!!

“Believe in yourself and stay curious - say yes to new opportunities, embrace discomfort and ask the hard questions to keep learning and growing.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Graduated from High School
  2. Started studying at UQ
  3. Internship at Queensland Department of Health
  4. Graduated with a Bachelor of Mathematics
  5. Started at Rio Tinto in the Graduate Program

My typical day

My employer

Rio Tinto operates in 35 countries where its 60,000 employees are working to find better ways to provide the materials the world needs. Rio’s portfolio includes iron ore, copper, aluminium and a range of other minerals and materials needed for people, communities and nations to grow and prosper, and for the world to cut carbon emissions to net zero. Continuously searching for new projects that can support the energy transition, Rio Tinto is currently exploring for 8 commodities in 17 countries. The organisation has more than 150 years of mining and processing experience guiding its work and, today, the business relies on technology such as automation and artificial intelligence to help it run more safely, more efficiently and leave a lighter footprint.