Staff Spotlight | Melissa Medlin
Each month, the Division of Student Affairs spotlights an outstanding staff member who is “making history” at UNA. This month, the light shines on Melissa T. Medlin, the Director of Career Planning and Development.
Since starting her position in July 2008, Medlin has moved her office—twice; reorganized and refocused the department’s vision; held an all day open house; coordinated two very successful career fairs; met with student groups, academic classes, local employers, and community leaders; and wound her way through UNA’s policies and procedures. Melissa says this is her dream job—she loves being at UNA, working with the students and faculty and having the opportunity to develop a very important resource area for students—Career Planning and Development. One of her favorite things about UNA is the true sense of community and collaboration across all areas. She has enjoyed getting to know many of the UNA students, staff and faculty and says they have all been extremely welcoming! Medlin also said that her children think that Leo and Una are their favorite things about UNA, remarking that, “We didn't have an elephant at the University of Alabama.”
One of Medlin’s goals for her area this year is to increase awareness. With the name change from Career Services to Career Planning and Development, it is important for students to find out not only the new location of the office; but more importantly, all of the resources available to them. Career Planning and Development wants to provide assistance in regard to determining a major and career field; as well as preparing for the job search with résumés, interviewing, etc. One word of advice Medlin has for students in their career planning process is to “START EARLY!” She says that “the process should not start during your senior year—it starts the minute you arrive on campus and begin work towards your degree.” Career Planning and Development has the staff and resources to help students all along the way.
When it comes to personal goals for the year, Medlin would like to achieve better balance/time management with regard to family and work. She enjoys spending time with her husband, James, and two children, Tucker (age 7) and Heather (age 4), and she is excited about becoming an AUNT in March. Medlin also likes to scrapbook. She wants to be able to give them both 150% and there are many things she wants to accomplish in both areas.
Career Planning and Development just complete their biggest event of the semester, the Career Fair. The next event scheduled will be the Etiquette Dinner on November 11, 2008 at 4pm. Watch for more details coming soon!
The Division of Student Affairs would like to thank Melissa Medlin for all of her hard work and dedication to serving the UNA community. We look forward to seeing many great things from Career Planning and Development in the years to come.
