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Celebrating our staff: Melissa Furtney

SPOTLIGHT

April 26 marks National Administrative Staff Day- an opportunity for organizations across the globe to celebrate the contributions of staff who work behind the scenes to ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently.

In honour of that day, we spoke with The Booth School’s Assistant Manager- Melissa Furtney to learn more about her career journey, her family and aspirations.

Why do you think it’s important to celebrate our administrative staff?

I think it’s absolutely important to celebrate Administrative staff! Admin Staff are the procedural and policy experts who know the what, where, when, why and how of any and all situations. We make the magic happen behind the scenes and we do so efficiently without breaking a (visible) sweat! It’s important to celebrate the dedication and hard work of those who I consider the building blocks of any organization.

Describe your journey to your current position as Assistant Manager

My journey to this point has taken me down many roads. I started my career as a fresh graduate of Mac’s Labour Studies program and joined the Faculty of Health Sciences as an HR assistant, which allowed me to learn many of McMaster’s policies and procedures. I was then lucky enough to join the Faculty of Engineering in a Grad Admin role, where I learned the ins and outs of two of the largest grad programs at the University, while being mentored by some wonderful and hard working Dept. Managers. My journey led me to apply to the newly created Tenure, Permanence and Promotion position that was created by Michele, in SEPT. She really took at chance on me, as I didn’t have much TPP experience and I had been out of the HR game for a few years, but she and I worked together to develop this new role and I’ve learned so many valuable hard and soft skills by taking on the challenge of this new role and being mentored every step of the way by Michele. The TPP Admin role was a fantastic stepping stone to the role I find myself in today and I couldn’t be more thrilled to bring all that I’ve learned to this new Assistant Manager role.

Melissa Furtney: Photography by Richard Allen

What would you say is the best part of your job?

I enjoy so many aspects of my job, but thing that really excites me is the problem solving piece. Whether I’m working alongside a colleague or working solo, I very much enjoy putting the pieces together to either create a new work flow or work towards finding creative solutions to the many challenges that come with working within a complex Academic unit.

What do you love about working for SEPT?

The best part of working within SEPT is the true Team environment. This is the most collaborative and fun team I’ve ever been a part of. It’s a great feeling walking into the office and being greeted by my Teammates and Faculty alike.

Melissa, you have 2 lovely daughters, how do you balance your career and motherhood?

Yes, my two amazing girls (Maddie and Ella)! I honestly never really know if I’m getting the “balance” thing right at all! I do my best to dedicated myself fully to my family at home and give my all to my career while I’m on the clock, and I know my Leadership Team fully supports me in both worlds, providing me with opportunities for learning and growth and reminding me of the importance of family and selfcare. I’m also so lucky to have an amazing husband who supports my career ambitions and is a true teammate at home.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

This is a hard question. My most honest answer would be that I see myself in a role where I am working to develop and encourage those around me to strive to meet their full potential, while making a real difference to the client group I’m serving, rising to each new challenge I may face . I want to pay forward the mentorship, leadership, kindness and opportunity I’ve been so graciously afforded here in the Booth School.