Graduate Student Spotlight: Melina Gable '23, '24 MF

Melina Gable is a master of finance student set to graduate in summer 2024. The Methuen, Massachusetts, native is currently pursuing the real estate track. Gable, a first-generation college student and member of the UMass Minuteman Marching Band, graduated from Isenberg with a bachelor of science in hospitality and tourism management in 2023.

As a transfer student, what made you decide to come to Isenberg and UMass in lieu of another business school?

I transferred to Isenberg so that I could get more out of my college education. Isenberg is more competitive and offers better experiences than other colleges and universities I considered. I also came to UMass because I wanted to be a part of UMass marching and, which has been something I have wanted to do since I was a child.

How did you choose your undergraduate major in hospitality and tourism management? Why did you decide to pick this over other programs?

Events and the travel industry have always interested me. With a creative mind and organized personality, I knew I could put my skills to good use with a career in HTM. Additionally, the hands-on experiences that were offered in the HTM program such as Marriott Meals made Isenberg stand out to me.

What inspired you to pursue Isenberg's 4+1 program in finance?

I decided to pursue an Isenberg 4+1 for an academic challenge and to open the doors to new opportunities, especially as a first-generation student.

What have been your favorite classes and experiences at Isenberg so far?

My favorite courses have been special events management and meeting, convention, and exposition management, both of which were taught by Professor Erin Tierney.

What clubs and extracurriculars do you participate in?

I have been a member of the UMass marching band for the past 4 years playing mellophone. For the past two years, I have been on the student administrative staff as a member of the library staff and, this past year, as the library manager. I have also been a three-year member of the UMass pep band playing trombone and a member of the concert band.

Have you had any jobs or internships during college?

While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I worked as a bridal attendant and banquet server at the Bedford Village Inn for three years. Currently, I hold an administrative position for a commercial real estate company in western Massachusetts.

What are you planning to do after graduation?

Upon graduation, I hope to start my career in corporate real estate.