Kristin Mele
Director of Operations and Marketing
C-BUS Magazine
M.S. in Marketing & Communication Student

Why did you choose Franklin University?
It had a good reputation, offered what I wanted to learn, and worked around my full-time job.

Why did you return to college?
To refine my leadership style and skills. Even though I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Leadership, I wanted to add to that with a master’s degree. I’m really glad I waited a while to attend Franklin because it gave me time to grow, both professionally and personally.

What kind of commitments do you have in addition to school?
In my free time – as if there’s such a thing! – I serve as Vice President of Operations for the Columbus Young Professionals Club. I also enjoy reading, hanging out with my boyfriend and our puppy, and spending time with family and friends.

How does what you’re learning relate to your profession?
I just got a great new position as Director of Operations and Marketing for C-BUS Magazine, a local publication dedicated to connecting Columbus’ young professional community with business, city and lifestyle opportunities. Pursuing my MCM was instrumental in earning the spot, I was told.

I can honestly say that everything in the MCM Program relates to my job, which involves a little bit of everything. I work on developing partnerships and sponsorships, increasing circulation and subscriptions – plus the whole operations side of planning, staffing and budgeting. I’ve got my hands full!

How do you feel about being an adult student?
Even beyond the knowledge I’m gaining (which is significant!), the discipline required to do well in the program, while juggling the rest of my life, is giving me a new belief in myself. More confidence. More courage. More comfort with where I’m going and what I’m doing.

Any thoughts about the MCM Program?
It’s helped me take the fear out of applying math to marketing. I never would’ve said that any kind of math was my favorite subject, but it’s great how much more capable I feel when doing projections and budgets since I’ve taken finance and accounting.

Plus, I’m getting the higher-level marketing and leadership knowledge I need to move up the corporate ladder. I’m learning about how to understand my personal management style so I can eventually become a strong leader.

What is your overall experience with Franklin?
The Masters Coaching program has been amazing; I wish I had something like that in my undergraduate experience. My coach has been a real inspiration to me. And the professors have been great! Some in particular have challenged me to extend myself. I’ve learned to rise to the occasion and am better for it.

Any advice for future Franklin students?
If you’re just thinking about it, I say take the plunge! The program goes faster than you think and is worth every minute. You can make it work — just plan ahead and study a little every night instead of saving it all for the weekend. You can do it!