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Finding a future career path as an Arts student might seem difficult at times, especially when you have more than one interest you’d want to pursue. To learn more about how to navigate finding niche, meaningful careers as Arts alums, we spoke to Melissa Lee on her post-McGill journey.  

Since 2022, Melissa Karmen Lee has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Chinese Canadian Museum, located in Vancouver, BC. With a background in English Literature and History (Grad of 2003 at McGill), Melissa has had more than 15 years of experience in projects of public interest in the fields of education, art, cultural work, and community engagement. She has identified, curated, and researched new programs, whilst sustaining existing projects as well as spearheading the management, supervision, implementation and development of strategic plans. 

We delved into Melissa's experiences at McGill, with her insights on how Arts degree contributes to her leadership at Chinese Canadian Museum. 

What compelled you to pursue a double major in English Literature and History?  

I always knew that I would study literature, I am a reader throughout life, it’s my favorite pastime. I am in debt to the wonderful professors in both departments- Paul Yachnin, Michael D. Bristol, and Gil Troy who instilled a life-long love of critical writing that has propelled me forward in my writing career.  

How do your passions for each area of study (English Literature and History) play out in your current career pathway in leadership? 

So much of the exhibition and programs relate back to narrative studies, and the telling of a compelling tale that communities adopt as a part of their own collective identity and historical memories. The intersection of literature, poetry, art, music and history is a large part of how we share the stories of our culture and lives.   

Why is it important to you personally to actively work towards creating a space of inclusion and spread historical knowledge through your work at the CCM? 

In the early 20th century, white Canadians faced the prospect that Chinese and other Asians might become a significant portion of the population of Canada. In response, they passed a series of laws excluding Chinese people from immigration and citizenship, known as the Chinese immigration act of 1923. If we don’t understand the history of exclusion, we cannot understand the racism that continues to be directed against Chinese Canadians in the present. This responsibility is evident as anti-Asian racism has increased eight-fold during the pandemic.  

Often in professional settings, soft skills are overlooked and underappreciated. Were there certain skills you developed during your bachelor's in arts that helped you get to where you are today? If so, how?  

For me personally, reading quickly, synthesizing and analyzing knowledge and fluent writing fluently are undervalued skillsets integral in all careers. Intuition is also undervalued. My intuitive skills come from reading Dostoevsky, Shakespeare, Flaubert, Min Jin Lee, Jhumpa Lahiri, Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, Mordecai Richler, Maxine Hong Kingston and studying the human condition.   

What advice do you have for Arts students as they look for future careers or programs to apply to?  

I want tell Arts students that career paths are often nonlinear and unexpected. Your side-hustle or part-time hobby just may end up being your career path, much to your unexpected joy.  

What do you know now that you wish you knew during your time at McGill? 

That the bagels at St Viateur were unmatched. I wish I could go to Mile End more.  

What makes you proud to be an Arts graduate and What was your favorite part of studying Arts at McGill in particular? 

A belief in cultural institutions makes me proud to be an Arts graduate. Speaking of my favorite part at McGill in particular, I would say learning from the professors, and I spent a lot of time at the McGill Bookstore where I worked during my undergraduate years. I soaked up knowledge from the part-time philosophy students that worked there with me.  

An Arts degree can be used in so many ways, and Melissa’s experiences are a testament to how pursuing intersecting interests can lead to the best opportunities. If you want to learn more about the Chinese Canadian Museum, or perhaps book a visit if you ever find yourself in Vancouver, visit their for more information!