3 minute read
Catching up with Malinda Kellett
CATCHING UP WITH MALINDA KELLETT, BA '03
VICE PRESIDENT LEGAL, ARTEMIS GOLD INC
How has your liberal arts education, particularly your background in English, contributed to your career, especially in your role as Vice President Legal at Artemis Gold Inc.?
My liberal arts education at King’s greatly assisted me in pursuing a legal career. A degree in English isn’t just about reading books (although, admittedly, that was the best part). Rather, in literary studies, we were taught how to research and understand various literary theories, being the underlying principles or the tools by which we attempt to understand literature (a story) – ranging from feminist, postmodernist, post-structuralist theories, and more. We were taught to apply these literary theories to works of art to come to a greater understanding of that work. In that way, my English Literature degree is very similar to and prepared me for my career in law. In law, we research and understand various legal theories or principles, tools of interpretation, or contractual terms and apply them to a set of facts to come to a fulsome understanding of the ‘story’ (or, more often, dispute) at hand.
In literature, just like in law, the application of differing theories or principles can, of course, yield different understandings – thus, in literature and in law, we are taught how to write persuasively: how to analyze conflicting or differing theories from both sides, to build and communicate the strongest interpretation.
Most importantly, however, I think a liberal arts degree teaches students how to think creatively and critically, and how to clearly and persuasively communicate complex concepts both verbally and in writing. This skill has been most critical to my success as VP Legal, and is quite rare in the workplace.
What advice would you give to students who are pursuing a liberal arts degree and are unsure about their career paths?
When I was deciding to go to King’s, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life (I’m still unsure, for the record). As I was choosing my degree, my parents had two key messages that have proved true to me:
Education is never wasted –what you learn you will take with you for life, and you will inevitably use it (my edit: except maybe the Pythagorean theorem – but, arguably, I didn’t really learn that anyway); and
Pursue what you are genuinely interested in - you will inevitably do well, which will open more doors and lead you down a path you can’t yet see.
What has been one of the most rewarding moments or achievements in your career so far?
I’ve learned that who you work with really matters. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to work with a team of bright, talented, motivated people who are invested in my success.
Favourite King's Memory
Generally, I think morning runs around the campus in the fall. It’s truly a beautiful place to pursue your studies.
