In leading TWU's Centre for Calling and Career Development, Melanie Olfert helps students to thrive

At Trinity Western University, we are focused on equipping students for lives of meaningful impact. One of the ways that we do this is through the newly re-launched Centre for Calling and Career Development.

Led by a passionate and experienced team, the Centre for Calling and Career Development looks forward to expanding their resources and support for students in the year ahead. Director Melanie Olfert, a TWU alumna, shares her journey into leading this team, and unveils several new priorities.

In September, 2022, alumna Melanie Olfert (‘11) returned to Trinity Western, this time as Director of the Centre for Calling and Career Development. When asked what prompted her to apply for this position, she said she was inspired by a conversation with Senior Vice President Brian Kerr.

“Brian explained the University’s vision to infuse calling and career throughout a student’s journey, as well as provide practical resources and strategic vocational approaches to career development,” says Melanie, who completed her MA in Leadership at TWU. “It really appealed to me for so many reasons.”

Helping students live out their values

Melanie describes that she has always had a fire in her belly for Christian Higher Education. She felt that fire burning stronger than ever as she listened to Brian talk about the opportunity to walk alongside students as they articulate the way their skills, attributes, values, characteristics have been developed through their time at TWU in their academic and co-curricular experiences.

The position sounded perfect for her, as someone who is passionate about the idea of helping students as they process how they will use their degree in the future and what to do with questions around whether their education was worth it.

“I am passionate about human flourishing. I believe that if we merge who we are with what we enjoy alongside addressing the world's greatest needs in our career path, we will flourish,” says Melanie, adding, “Frederick Buechner puts it best: ‘The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.’”

Melanie says that after several more conversations, she realized that this role was the perfect blend of many of the things she loves. It would allow her to utilize her strengths in a positive environment where she could have the opportunity to address a need in the world that she deeply cares about.

Expanding resources for students and alumni

Now that she is several months into the role, Melanie says she feels like she is right where she should be and is excited to take the department further than it’s ever gone before.

“I was able to hit the ground running and feel comfortable very quickly. Yet there is so much to learn!” explains Melanie. “I’ve had the opportunity to coach students, run some workshops, start building our strategic plan, and build the team. I’m thrilled about the two new managers recently onboarded for Career Coaching and Employer Connections & Work Integrated Learning.”

In 2023, Melanie looks forward to:

• Hosting some great networking and employer events
• Equipping students with work integrated learning opportunities
• Coaching student workers, staff and faculty in career development, as they walk alongside students
• Building out a strategic pathway for students to integrate calling and career throughout their TWU journey
• Supporting international students—both in Langley and Richmond—in addressing their unique needs and challenges for employment

“These are just a few of our key priorities for this year!” Melanie says.

When asked if she felt her MA in Leadership from TWU equipped her for success, she answered with a resounding, “Yes!”

“My MA Leadership degree equipped me for all of the leadership roles I have had over the years and will continue to serve me well into this role leading the CCCD,” Melanie says. “Skills developed such as strategic planning, budgeting, team building, critical thinking, complex problem solving, self-leadership, self-awareness, and more!”

Encouragement for fellow graduates

When asked if she had any message to leave for fellow alums, she says: “Continue to learn and grow. Stay curious and ask good questions as you meet people from various industries and worldviews. You never know what opportunities or interests may arise! Always remember that it’s never too late to make a change and build a life that you love!” says Melanie.

In conclusion, she adds that “Together with the TWU Alumni department, the CCCD is here to support recent alumni in their career development journey. You can book appointments with a career coach to talk through how you can utilize your degree for your future. We would also love for you to consider investing in current students through your networks and wisdom."

"Come join one of our events as a speaker, become a mentor to a student within your program of study, or provide a student with a work-integrated learning opportunity. There are many ways to get involved in and be supported by your alma mater. Contact us at career@twu.ca to explore!”