Melanie Allum
Current Role
Accounting Coordinator at Billups
Major
Accounting/Leadership & Management, 2018
What’s one thing that surprised you about Corban?
One thing that surprised me about Corban was how intentional and genuine everyone was. Not just day one or week one, but during all four years at Corban, people were immensely loving, supportive, and caring. You can’t leave Corban without being influenced greatly by at least one person.
What about Corban specifically prepared you for this next step in your journey?
Corban’s Business program, specifically CCP [Corban Consulting Partners], prepared me for where I am today post-graduation. CCP helped me understand how to work in a team setting where there may be different jobs but everyone is working toward the same goal—which is exactly what I do in my job today.
What’s one thing you would want to tell someone starting their journey at Corban?
One thing I would want to tell someone starting out at Corban is to experience everything that Corban has to offer. Take advantage of the fact that you are surrounded by people who share the same faith and love for God as you do. Also, make time to build relationships with other students and professors on campus; it is worth it.
Who is one professor who had a strong influence on your development? Can you give an example?
Bryce Bernard has definitely been someone who has influenced me greatly throughout my time at Corban and post-graduation. He pushed me to pick up another concentration in Business, helped me see a future for myself by guiding me through the actions I needed to take to qualify for the CPA Exam, and assisted me in looking for internships. He showed me the impact my work at Corban would have on my career and still cared about me post-graduation when I was looking for my first job in accounting. Bryce made me realize my full potential and had faith in me that drove and motivated me to work as hard as I did at Corban. He greatly invested in my life more than I could have expected from a professor, and I am really grateful for him.
How were faith, leadership, and ethics woven into your courses? How did those elements prepare you for life, regardless of where you work?
Every class had a focus or some sort of assignment that tied faith into what we were learning. This helped prepare me in life right now because that is exactly what I need to be thinking in every decision I make and everything I do, whether it is for work or for my life personally. This drove a thought process of ensuring that no matter what I do, I do it for the glory of God.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
One last thing I want to reiterate—enjoy all of the friendships you have in college! Yes, studying is important, but don’t forget to enjoy everything that going to Corban has to offer.