Making the Most of FIFO: How to Use Remote Work to Boost Your Career in Australia

FIFO (Fly-in, Fly-out) work is a core part of Australia's resource sector, with thousands of workers across mining, oil and gas, and construction industries spending weeks or months at a time in remote areas. For many, the appeal of FIFO work lies in the financial rewards, but the lifestyle can come with its own set of challenges. Long shifts, extended time away from home, and the isolation of remote locations make it difficult for workers to fully leverage their roles for career growth.

However, FIFO work offers unique opportunities that can propel your career forward if you know how to make the most of the experience. With a bit of planning, networking, and a focus on professional development, you can turn your FIFO role into a launchpad for long-term career success. In this blog, we’ll explore practical strategies for maximising your career potential while working FIFO.

1. Build Your Professional Profile and Network Effectively

FIFO (Fly-in, Fly-out) work can feel isolating, especially when you're spending long stints away from home and working in remote camps with limited interaction with the broader industry. However, one of the biggest advantages of FIFO work is that it allows you to gain exposure to different teams, industries, and operations. These experiences are invaluable for building your professional profile and network.

Develop a Strong LinkedIn Presence

Your LinkedIn profile is an essential tool for building a professional brand, and FIFO workers should use it to their advantage. Make sure your profile is up-to-date with details about your current role, skills, and accomplishments. For FIFO workers, it’s important to highlight the unique challenges and skills you’ve developed while working remotely.

For example, if you're working as a mining supervisor on a remote site, make sure to detail not only your technical skills but also your leadership and problem-solving abilities. FIFO workers often develop resilience, adaptability, and strong teamwork skills, all of which are attractive qualities to employers.

Connect with Industry Professionals

Networking doesn’t have to be limited to the traditional office environment. Even if you’re in a remote FIFO camp, LinkedIn allows you to connect with industry professionals and recruiters. Take advantage of the quiet times during your rostered breaks to engage with others online. Follow relevant companies, join industry-specific groups, and comment on posts from others in your field. The more you engage, the more visible you become to recruiters and potential employers.

FIFO workers can also network on-site. Get to know your colleagues and managers, many of whom may have years of experience and valuable industry connections. Building strong relationships with supervisors and peers can be a significant step in gaining mentorship and recommendations for future roles.

Attend Industry Events (When Possible)

Although you may be based in a remote location, it’s important to stay involved in your industry. Look for conferences, expos, or training sessions that you can attend while on your time off. These events provide valuable opportunities for networking, learning about the latest trends, and staying connected with the broader industry.

If attending in person is difficult due to the nature of FIFO work, many events now offer virtual options. Engaging in webinars and online seminars can help you stay informed and visible within your professional community.

2. Focus on Skill Development and Certifications

One of the best ways to boost your career in FIFO work is to continuously develop your skill set. The time away from home gives you a unique opportunity to focus on professional development without the usual distractions. Additionally, employers in remote industries like mining and oil and gas are often looking for workers who are willing to upskill and take on new challenges.

Take Advantage of Online Learning

Many FIFO workers find themselves with long hours of downtime during their rostered shifts. Use this time to invest in your professional growth. There are a variety of online courses and certifications that can be beneficial for FIFO workers, depending on your field. For example, safety training, project management, or leadership development programs can help you gain the skills needed to move up in your career.

Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy offer courses that can be completed on your own schedule. Completing these courses will not only make you more qualified for higher roles but will also demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

Get Industry-Specific Certifications

In industries like mining, construction, and oil and gas, certification can be a key differentiator between you and other candidates when applying for promotions or new roles. Whether it’s a safety certificate, first aid training, or a specialised skill (like equipment operation or project management), taking the initiative to pursue these certifications shows your employers that you’re serious about growing in your role.

Employers often provide in-house training for their FIFO employees, so take advantage of any opportunities that come your way. If your company doesn’t offer additional training, consider pursuing independent certifications that align with your career goals.

Focus on Soft Skills

While technical skills are critical in FIFO roles, soft skills—such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership—are just as important for career advancement. FIFO work often involves working with diverse teams, and developing your interpersonal skills can help you stand out.

Focus on improving your communication skills, especially in leadership and conflict resolution, as these are highly valued in remote environments. Learning how to lead a team, even in small ways, can open up opportunities for supervisory or managerial roles.

3. Make the Most of Your Time Off

FIFO workers often enjoy generous time off between shifts, which can be a great opportunity to focus on personal development or simply recharge. Balancing work and life can be difficult when you’re spending long periods away from family and friends, but using your time off wisely can improve your well-being and productivity when you’re back on-site.

Use Your Time Off to Recharge and Reconnect

When you return home after a long stint, it’s tempting to rest and recover, which is absolutely essential. But consider using part of your time off to focus on personal projects or activities that align with your long-term career goals. If you’re interested in transitioning to a new role or industry, your time off is a good chance to explore those options and build the skills you need.

Additionally, make time for family, friends, and hobbies that will help you reconnect with the world outside of FIFO work. Having a balanced lifestyle will help you maintain motivation, reduce burnout, and improve your overall well-being.

Pursue Side Projects or Freelance Work

For FIFO workers with the right skills and interests, freelance or side project work can be a great way to diversify your career experience. Whether it’s offering consulting services, working on a personal project, or contributing to an industry blog, taking on freelance work can help you build a portfolio that showcases your expertise and demonstrates your ability to manage multiple projects.

Freelancing can also be a great way to test out new roles or industries, allowing you to gain exposure to different fields while still working FIFO. Side projects can give you the flexibility to develop new skills without fully committing to a new job or career path.

4. Seek Out Leadership and Mentorship Opportunities

FIFO roles often provide opportunities to step into leadership positions, even on a temporary basis. Whether it’s leading a small team on a project or stepping in for a supervisor, these opportunities are valuable for your career growth.

Take Initiative and Seek Responsibility

Proactively look for opportunities to demonstrate leadership on-site. Volunteer for roles that require oversight or decision-making, such as safety meetings or team coordination. By showing your ability to take charge, even in small ways, you position yourself for future promotions or higher-level roles.

Find a Mentor

Mentorship can be one of the most valuable resources for career growth. FIFO workers can find mentors either on-site or through online platforms like LinkedIn. A mentor can offer guidance, help you navigate your career path, and introduce you to new opportunities.

When seeking a mentor, choose someone who has experience in the FIFO industry and who aligns with your professional goals. Building a strong relationship with a mentor can significantly impact your career development and help you avoid common pitfalls.

5. Be Open to Career Transitions

While FIFO work offers ample career advancement opportunities, it’s important to recognise when it’s time to transition to something new. Many workers start out in FIFO roles and eventually move into other industries or office-based positions, taking the skills they’ve developed in remote work with them.

Transitioning Into Office Roles

If you’re looking to move away from FIFO work but still want to stay in the resource sector, consider transitioning to an office-based role. Your technical expertise, project management experience, and leadership skills are highly transferable to office positions in project coordination, operations management, or consulting.

Explore Different Industries

FIFO experience isn’t limited to mining or oil and gas. Many workers successfully transition into related industries, such as infrastructure, construction, or renewable energy. Your experience working in remote conditions can be valuable in any sector that requires project management, safety compliance, and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

FIFO work offers unique opportunities for career advancement, financial growth, and personal development. However, to truly maximise the benefits of this lifestyle, it’s essential to be proactive in developing your skills, building your network, and seeking out leadership opportunities. Whether you’re looking to stay in the FIFO industry long-term or eventually transition to something else, the key is to take full advantage of the resources available to you, both on and off-site. By staying committed to professional growth and using your time wisely, FIFO workers can make the most of this rewarding yet challenging career path and set themselves up for long-term success.

If you need assistance creating an impactful FIFO resume and cover letter, contact Adrienna, your Perth Resume Writing Specialist, at 0423 686 904 or email hello@adriennasresumes.com