Meredith Mentors Alumna Profile: Kate Breen, ‘01

Meredith Mentors is an online platform that connects current students, alumnae/alumni, faculty, and staff, enabling them to support each other professionally and personally. Get to know Meredith Mentors participant Kate Breen, ’01, as an example of the kinds of connections your student could make using this platform.

Kate Breen earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Meredith in 2001. Following graduation, she spent time living and working abroad in London, England. Upon returning to the United States, she began her professional career as a senior solutions consultant at Thomson Reuters, a global organization focused on intelligence, technology, and human expertise. In 2011, Breen graduated from Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an MBA. Since then, she spent seven years with ScottMadden, Inc., as a senior consultant and manager. Breen currently works with Deloitte, a management consulting firm, as manager. Her role allows her to travel and support organizations implementing new business models through extensive change management efforts and training design and facilitation.

Why did you register to be a part of Meredith Mentors?
My experience at Meredith shaped me, and I remain grateful for the education, experiences, and friendships that my time at Meredith afforded me. Since graduating from Meredith, I have remained involved with the College as a volunteer, donor, and member of the Alumnae Association Board of Directors. Meredith Mentors is an extension of that service to my alma mater.

As an MBA graduate along with my work within the consulting world, I recognize the importance of a strong network, sponsors who will not only support you but open doors for you, and the necessity of networking and interpersonal skills. Being able to share this expertise as well as support current students and alumnae only helps to further strengthen the Meredith network.

Can you share challenges you have faced since your graduation, either in graduate school or within your career?
I graduated from Meredith in 2001 but did not return to graduate school at UNC until 2009. While I do think my time living abroad as well as my work experience prepared me to return to school, I had some hesitation about returning to the classroom. It had been eight years since my last test or paper! However, my strong foundation from Meredith as well as words of encouragement from my network of friends and faculty allowed by to overlook those hesitations. Because of my strong foundation in the liberal arts and undergraduate experience at Meredith, I was equally as prepared and often times more prepared than my peers within my UNC cohort. I firmly believe that the education both in and outside of the classroom at Meredith prepares us to take on the world.

What is one piece of advice that you would offer to a current student preparing for internships or life after graduation?
Obviously, I would encourage students to use Meredith Mentors. Whether they want to job shadow an alumna, move to a new city or state, ask questions about graduate school, or have their resume reviewed, there is a network of alumnae ready and willing to help. Alumnae on Meredith Mentors have already indicated that they want to help and be of a service to current students. If there’s anything we can do to make a Meredith alumna’s path forward more clear or provide her additional support, we’re here to help. Just ask!

Finally, what is your favorite Meredith tradition?
As a past class co-chair and MRA co-chair, I will always have a special place in my heart for Cornhuskin’. Though I’m also a competitor on the unbeaten c/o 2001 Tug-o-War team, so here’s to Stunt as well!

Has your student signed up for Meredith Mentors? If not, she is missing out on the opportunity to connect with Kate Breen as well as other alumnae, alumni, faculty, and staff. Our alumnae network is STRONG, and Meredith Mentors allows us to harness the strength of this network to support the personal and professional growth of our current students. Encourage your student to sign up and connect by visiting mentors.meredith.edu.