Reviewed by: Lacey Muenstermann
Why 4 young professionals in Birmingham love their work at EBSCO
Reading time: 5 minutes
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For people early in their careers, finding a company with great people and opportunities to grow can help set an entire career trajectory.
Four local professionals say they’ve found those qualities and more in their work at Birmingham-based EBSCO Industries, a family-owned company founded in 1944 that now employs more than 4,500 people worldwide.
Read on for more shared and unique insights from these four pros working across the company.
Diverse opportunities + career growth
Carla Burnham’s experience as a project management specialist in the corporate communications department at EBSCO exemplifies the career growth many young professionals seek.
This is Carla’s second professional role after graduating from Auburn University at Montgomery in 2014, where she earned a degree in business administration. She joined EBSCO in April of 2019 and has since been promoted to her current role, managing timelines and deliverables while collaborating with teams from IT, real estate, finance, insurance and more.
“I am always looking to grow in my knowledge and skills whether that be through hands-on experience with a new project, being present in a meeting with other leaders where I get to listen in on high-level thinking or simply talking with my manager and having mentorship. I am glad EBSCO offers opportunities for me to excel.”
Carla Burnham
As a wife and mom of two young children, Carrigan and Jace, she says the company’s flexible hybrid work arrangements and “dress for your day” policy have been beneficial. Meanwhile, she appreciates how regular team events like coffee-and-donut days help keep everyone connected.
Networking + professional development
McLean Allen, an associate producer with EBSCO-owned risk consulting and insurance firm Valent Group, began his first professional role right after college in the fall of 2019. With a marketing and sales degree from The University of Alabama, McLean was drawn to Valent Group for its collaborative culture.
“Outside of our overall fantastic, employee-driven culture, I believe what separates Valent Group from other insurance agencies is the hands-on team approach. … While I like to think that I am just scratching the surface in my development as an insurance professional, I would say that the knowledge and support I have received from veteran team members has helped me the most.”
McLean Allen
Even when he’s not working, McLean loves socializing and building relationships, whether on the golf course or enjoying restaurants around town with his wife, Bethany. It’s a natural connection to his personality and the passion he puts to work for Valent Group.
Learn more about EBSCO’s many businesses, brands and career opportunities.
Supportive team + community culture
Tucker Martin, an associate counsel for EBSCO’s legal services team, joined two years ago and quickly embraced the company’s culture and environment.
After graduating from The University of Alabama in 2017 and earning a joint degree in law and business from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and Brock School of Business in 2020, Tucker joined a local law firm as an associate. It was then he met some folks from EBSCO’s legal services team and says he was immediately impressed by their warmth and friendliness.
“I knew I wanted to work for EBSCO after that first meeting. The opportunity to work for a big company with such deep roots in the Birmingham community and a small team of dedicated, like-minded professionals is one I simply couldn’t pass up. I consider myself very lucky to work for such a great company.”
Tucker Martin
Tucker’s role involves reviewing major contracts and assisting with acquisitions, all within a balanced, positive workplace that values work-life balance. When he’s not at work, he’s spending time with his wife, Alexa, and playing sports like tennis, golf, soccer and pickleball.
Long-term career growth + personal support
Caroline Norman, a senior tax accountant, joined EBSCO in October 2022. A big priority for her was to preserve the exposure she valued in public accounting experience she’d gained working for a large regional firm after earning her master’s degree from Samford Univerity in 2021.
“I enjoyed being able to work on clients in an array of industries while working in public accounting (architecture, real estate, manufacturing, insurance, etc.). I did not want to lose that kind of exposure when switching to a tax role in industry early on in my career. [Yet] EBSCOs business is incredibly diverse, and the opportunities to learn felt limitless.”
Caroline Martin
Caroline learned she and her husband were expecting when a recruiter contacted her about joining EBSCO. As a wife and mother of a young daughter, Frances, she says the support for reaching her personal and professional goals has been invaluable. In June of 2024, she passed her final CPA exam—a milestone made possible by encouragement from both her boss and director.
Wondering what types of positions the company offers? EBSCO encompasses many businesses and more than a dozen brands under one umbrella, such as:
- Information resources
- Solar power systems
- Real estate
- Property and casualty insurance
- Hunting and fishing products
- And more
Find your career opportunity at EBSCO:
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