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Quick Fire Five - Katie Melia, Strategy Transition Manager
As a member of the People and Culture Team, Katie Melia presently works as Strategy Transition Manager at UCC Academy. Katie discovered a passion for HR during Covid-19 when she began to follow a career in this area. She's very musical and plays piano and guitar. With many strings to her bow, read on to learn more about Katie.
Please tell us about your early interests and how they influenced your career path?
" I've always been passionate about acting, music, and theatre. Growing up in a musical household, I played piano from a young age and started learning guitar with my dad when I was ten. Initially, I wanted to study Drama and Theatre, but I ended up choosing English and Music at UCC; I'm proud to be a UCC alum.
"While studying, I worked in a retail store where I gradually developed my organisational and management skills. Once I completed my studies, I transitioned into working as a full-time store manager, overseeing a team of 18 staff across two locations. Over time, to further improve my management abilities, I enrolled in a night-time Human Resources course. Little did I know, this decision would pave the way for my current career in HR."
How did you transition from your studies to a career in People and Culture?
"Unfortunately, during the Covid-19 pandemic, my workplace shut down completely. That initial night-time HR course really sparked my interest, and I knew I wanted to dive deeper into this field. For this reason, I decided to pursue a Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management at UCC while working as an essential worker for Cork City Council. It was a busy time, juggling work during the day and studying in the evenings, but I genuinely enjoyed it.
"One of my lecturers encouraged me to apply for a graduate programme position at UCC Academy, and that's how I ended up where I am today."
What do you enjoy most about your current role in People and Culture?
"What I love most about my job in People and Culture is the variety and the chance to support others. Every day is different, and that keeps things interesting. I get to interact with so many different people, each with their own unique stories and backgrounds.
"Over the years, I've developed a real passion for People and Culture. This role offers a perfect blend of strategic planning and interpersonal connection. I enjoy working on big-picture goals while also supporting individuals in their careers and personal growth. Whether it's implementing onboarding programs (one of my favourite tasks), managing employee engagement, or other P&C initiatives, I love knowing that my work helps both the employees, and the organisation thrive.
"It's this combination of variety, support, and the ability to make a meaningful impact that makes this work so rewarding for me."
What are some of your personal interests outside of work, are you still developing your interest in music and literature?
" I still play guitar on occasions, but I've been wanting to get back into a musical activity for a while now. As part of my New Year's resolutions, I decided to join a local choir. I found one that performs pop and contemporary music, and I've been attending their sessions every week since. I joined with a friend who shares my love for music, and we're having a great time. Right now, we're covering a Michael Jackson song and preparing for a performance at Marina Market.
" During my studies, I had to do a lot of required reading, so now I'm making time to read for pleasure and have set myself a goal to read a certain number of books each year. My friends are part of a book club where we meet every 3 to 4 weeks to discuss the novel we've chosen. It’s a great way to motivate ourselves to read and sparks some interesting conversations.
" I love listening to audiobooks on my walks with my dog, Beatrice. Most of the time, I'll listen to a non-fiction book and read a fiction one. There's nothing better than unwinding with a long walk or curling up with a good book in the evening. It's my favourite way to recharge.
"Apart from reading and music, I also love to cook. I find food and cooking incredibly relaxing and enjoyable."
Tell us more about your love for cooking, your favourite dish and if you could have dinner with any five people, who would they be and why?
"Cooking has always been another creative outlet for me. I love experimenting with different flavours and cuisines, especially Asian dishes. My husband always compliments my curry, but my ultimate comfort food is pasta. I make a fantastic pasta arrabbiata with chicken and chorizo, which would definitely be my go-to dish for hosting a dinner.
"As for my ideal dinner party guests, I'd love to have Helena Bonham Carter, Paul Rudd, Lisa Rinna, David Attenborough, and Dara Ó Briain.
"Helena is such a fabulous actress and would be wonderfully wacky for dinner, Paul Rudd is always good fun, Lisa Rinna is hilarious, David Attenborough is incredibly interesting, and Dara Ó Briain would add a bit of a laugh to the mix. It would definitely be an evening filled with great food and interesting conversations."