[vane505]

I'm almost done with my first year in geology, and I'm feeling certain that I want to work with prospecting.

I now have the option to either continue with my current education and take a master in bedrock geology with some courses specialised towards prospecting or I can switch to a geoengineering with specialty in geoscience/ore geology/prospecting that's just next to Boliden in Sweden and that also offers 10 weeks guaranteed internship. I can take the courses from my geology education with me to the geoengineering education so either would require four more years of study, and I'm curious about what the job opportunities are with either.

Do geologist and geoengineers have about the same chances to get hired in the prospecting industry, or is one generally more attractive than the other? Do geoengineers and geologist compete for the same type of jobs, or do they have different roles? Would really appreciate your help, I have about 14 days to decide and it's a pretty big decision :)

[Bass]

For mineral exploration (or prospecting/economic geology) you need a thorough grasp of minerals, alteration, geochemistry, geophysics and rock systems (i.e. you need to understand what you are looking at).  You'll get these studying geology.
Geoengineering will cover resource (reserve) calculations, mine design, geostatistics and rock properties.  A combination will certainly increase your hire-ability.
In the mining industry, engineers and geologists alike make fun of each others professions, so take whatever advice you get with a grain of salt.  Feel free to message me if you have more specific questions.

[JimBob]

For mineral exploration (or prospecting/economic geology) you need a thorough grasp of minerals, alteration, geochemistry, geophysics and rock systems (i.e. you need to understand what you are looking at).  You'll get these studying geology.
Geoengineering will cover resource (reserve) calculations, mine design, geostatistics and rock properties.  A combination will certainly increase your hire-ability.
In the mining industry, engineers and geologists alike make fun of each others professions, so take whatever advice you get with a grain of salt.  Feel free to message me if you have more specific questions.

But I totally agree, Bass.