Some of Metro Vancouver’s top business leaders held court in downtown Surrey today to teach Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) students lessons from outside the classroom.
The Industry Insider Series event, held at KPU’s Civic Plaza campus on Jan. 19, invited KPU Melville School of Business students to learn from business professionals to make informed career decisions and to prepare effectively for future professional growth.
“While a business career coach can support students with crafting their professional path or envisioning a plan and future steps, they need to hear more often directly from those who will eventually hire them,” says Magdalena Mot, work-integrated learning coordinator at the Melville School of Business. “This event really supports our students in their future professional growth.”
Among the panelists was Ryan Keigher, senior manager of business banking at Coast Capital Savings, who reminded students that starting from the bottom is a way to reach the top.
“There is no shame in entry-level positions because with education and the right attitude, advancement doesn’t take long. Learning more about the ground level of a company adds value to you as an employee, and helps you relate to more employees as your advance,” says Keigher.
Also on the panel was Mike LePrieur, vice-president of operational excellence at Great Little Box Company, who encouraged students to develop their interpersonal skills, in addition to their academic credentials.
“These days a degree gets your resume in front of someone, but it’s your personality, energy, and sincerity that you will need to land that position. And after the first few years of your career, it’s the experience you’ve gained and the results you’ve accomplished that will dictate your success. Make an impact with your performance, and make an impact with your contributions to the culture.”
Other business leaders who took part were Stephen Wu, manager of economic development for City of Surrey, Oliver Henkel, senior manager, quality and compliance at Arc'teryx Equipment, and Conor McElveen, sales director, aftermarket, for Kadant Carmanah Design.
The event also awarded five Melville students an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a panelist at a later date.
KPU’s Melville School of Business is one of Western Canada’s largest undergraduate business schools, offering 22 programs, including four post-baccalaureate diplomas. Melville is one of only a few schools in B.C. accredited globally by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.