Women’s History Month - Melanie McGee
Women’s History Month is a time to highlight and celebrate the contributions of women to events in history. The University of Texas at Arlington College of Business would like to highlight our women in business, the impact they have made, and celebrate their journey to success. Today we celebrate Melanie McGee.
Melanie McGee, Director of Corporate Relations
What industries have you worked in prior to higher education?
Melanie: In addition to higher education, I previously worked in public accounting, and also the airline/aerospace industry.
What drew you to a career in business?
Melanie: Throughout high school, I worked in a popular clothing store, thinking that I wanted to pursue a career in fashion merchandising. I came to realize that the administrative and strategic aspects of the business proved far more challenging for the female owner than the merchandising component, which I had easily mastered during my employment there. So that experience, as well as a high school guidance counselor who encouraged me to pursue a career in accounting…because I was so strong in math. (Yes, my fellow accounting and finance professionals are chuckling. Accounting is not about math, it’s more about language. And, in the course of my professional career, I came to realize that it is the language of business.)
What role have women played in your career and life?
Melanie: I’m a product of the 1960s, and grew up in that very traditional Leave It To Beaver world. As I came of age, I saw how many women found themselves at a huge disadvantage when unexpectedly impacted by divorce or the death of a spouse, as their profession had essentially always been that of a homemaker. I knew that I wanted to pursue higher education and a professional career to ensure that I had more control over my life circumstances. So, women homemakers of the 60s and 70s – most notably my own mother – played a significant role in influencing my education and career pursuits.
Who is your favorite female historical figure? Why?
Melanie: Although I’ve always been careful not to idolize individuals or personalities, there are many women in history that I have admired. Most notable would probably be Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, as she was the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. And, she did so with elegance and grace. As a professional woman, I’ve always believed that a woman can continue to embrace her womanhood, and be an outstanding leader. In my observation, Justice O’Connor did just that, and demonstrated to young women like me that they can have both a family and extraordinary career success.
What advice would you give to young female professionals?
Melanie: I would encourage young female professionals to be confident that they can pursue any life/career path they choose. There truly are no limitations. Exhibiting elegance and grace in that pursuit is a sign of real strength and confidence, as one need not sacrifice their womanhood to reach the heights they seek. I would also encourage young female professionals to maintain a positive and optimistic attitude. Negativity and pessimism are easy positions to assume in a world fraught with imperfections and shortcomings. It is, indeed, the optimist who is the stronger and more resilient individual/professional/leader.