Meet Karleigh Abbott – Promotional Product Coordinator – Campus Store

Position: Promotional Product Coordinator at Crested@McMaster – Campus Store

How long have you been in this position and how long have you worked at McMaster overall? I have been in my current position for 6 months but have worked at the Campus Store in McMaster for 7 years.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I went to school for Advertising and Marketing Communications Management. I’ve been married for 5 years and have two rag doll cats. I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, listening to music and crafting.

In 3 sentences or less, describe your job and the best part of your job. I work with faculty, staff and students to provide promotional products and clothing that represent their vision/McMaster brand. The best part of my job is working with people from all different areas of campus and seeing their ideas come to life.

What is your favourite quote and why? “A dead end is just a good place to turn around” – I think its inspiring and important to know that just because one thing or place doesn’t work out the way you thought it would, you can turn around and try something new and that could lead you to exactly where you want to be.

What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not at work? My favourite thing to do when I’m not at work is to hangout with my family and friends.

The Division of Operations and Finance has identified the core values that run through all of our work: curiosity, accountability, quality, empathy, teamwork, inclusiveness, and integrity. Please tell us which value means the most to you and why, and any work you are doing that embodies or speaks to the value. All of these core values are very important! Teamwork means a lot to me, and it is something I really value about working at the Campus Store. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, so when you work together to achieve a goal, you become a force. I also think curiosity is very important as it pushes you to ask questions and see things from a different perspective – it just may lead you to somewhere you didn’t think you could go!

What is a piece of advice you would give to someone embarking on their career at McMaster University? My advice would be to build relationships and continue your education! There are so many support/learning avenues through McMaster where you can continue to grow. McMaster truly is a wonderful place to work.