ALYSHA CHAND

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

After high school, I knew I wanted to study law, but didn't want to enter into a long term program and spend thousands of dollars if I didn't end up liking it. I saw KPU was offering a 8-month program for Legal Administrative Studies. I thought this was the perfect opportunity and length of a program to get my feet wet in the field.

Can you briefly describe your current position and your main day to day responsibilities?

Since post grad, I currently work as a Legal Assistant in a law firm. I also just recently completed the Paralegal program at Capilano University. Additionally, I run my own side business drafting contracts and agreements for business owners and entrepreneurs. The main responsibilities in my day to day at the law firm varies: I provide litigation support to 1 name partner, 1 senior partner, 1 senior counsel, and 1 associate, manage scheduling, draft and file pleadings, coordinate document production and ensure court deadlines and internal deadlines are met. My main duties with my side business is to ensure each contract that I draft aligns with my client's business and reduces risk management. Each day is different.

Which skills, knowledge, or experiences from KPU have been most valuable in your career so far?

I will never forget this story, but it was one of my first classes at KPU (I can't recall the class, but it was taught by Alia). She told the entire class that there will be a time in our legal career where we will be yelled at by a senior lawyer, and probably end up in tears. It wasn't a scare tactic, but it was a heads up about the realities of working in the legal field. Looking back, she wasn't teaching us how to avoid those moments, but instead teaching us how to get through them.,

I started my career at my first firm post graduation, and within my first month of working there, the exact story that Alia shared, it happened to me. I was expecting this moment to come, but didn't think it would happen so soon! It was the first and only time it happened to me, but it didn't bring me down, instead I used that moment as fuel to keep going.

What advice would you give current KPU students who want to build a successful career after graduation?

Utilize the skills you learn in school and through real life work experience and continue building on them until they become your greatest strengths.
It's okay to be a little delusional and believe you can be great at something. I believe this is how success starts. You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will.

Confidence, hard work, and consistency can take you further than you ever imagined!