Melanie Dow
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2023)
Melanie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2023 while working full time and raising two awesome boys. She now serves as the Senior Quality Advisor in the Office of Quality Initiatives at Carleton University.
“Take the time to really understand people—whether through your studies, your work, or your experiences. That skill is incredibly valuable in any field. Also, don’t feel like you have to have everything figured out right away. Careers evolve, and every experience you gain helps build toward the bigger picture. And don’t worry if your path isn’t linear—some of the best opportunities come from unexpected directions.”
Brief description of what I do!
I spend my days helping Carleton teams make good work even better. As a Senior Quality Advisor, I blend process improvement, collaboration, and a human touch to create lasting, meaningful change.
What inspired your career path after graduation?
My career actually inspired my education. After finishing my HR Designation, I wanted to continue learning about people and Psychology was a natural path to follow.
How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?
As a single mom to two amazing boys, my experience with the psychology program spanned over 13 years, one course at a time. Psychology gave me a deep appreciation for how people think, feel, and respond to change. That’s been invaluable in my career, where much of my work involves helping teams improve processes and navigate change. It’s not just about fixing workflows—it’s about understanding people, building trust, and creating solutions that make sense for the humans behind the work.
What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?
Building on an already established career, my studies in psychology added a valuable new dimension to the skills I was already using. I had experience working with people and processes, but psychology deepened my ability to understand behaviour, motivation, and group dynamics. It strengthened my communication, sharpened my critical thinking, and gave me tools to approach challenges with more curiosity and empathy.
Are there specific Psychology courses, professors, or experiences that stood out during your time at Carleton?
I got an A in Stats…still talk about it today!
What has been a highlight or proud moment in your career so far?
A proud moment for me has been working with teams to navigate change and seeing that shift from uncertainty to confidence. Watching people feel heard, supported, and ultimately empowered by a solution we built together is something I find really meaningful.