Melis Candir

About

Melis Candir, 07, graduated from the full-time MA-HRIR program, and currently works at Medtronic as a global compensation operations manager; prior to that, she worked at Best Buy and Procter & Gamble. “Even though I worked for a global company before the program, I was based in Turkey and needed an opportunity to catapult my career and expand my horizon,” she says. “I chose the MA-HRIR program at the University of Minnesota because it was not only one of the best graduate programs, but it was also right in the middle of a robust business community in the Twin Cities.”  She says she found the program prepared her well for her future career. “The program helped me build on my HR and business management knowledge. I was able to complete all the missing pieces,” she notes. “Furthermore, as an international student, the program prepared me to be effective anywhere across the globe.”  Joining the Alumni Board gives her a chance to “give back,” she says. “I would like to support current students, alumni and promote the program to other HR professionals.” She has this advice to share with current students: “Push yourself as much outside of your comfort zone as possible. This is a great opportunity, not only to learn the theories, but also establish lifelong relationships. Focus on getting the most out of your valuable years at the Carlson School.”