ANNABELLE VANCEA (She/Her)

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

After high school, I decided to take a gap year to enter the workforce. Working hard during that time really motivated me to invest in my future and return to school. Around that time, a family friend introduced me to the legal field. Her name is Alisha Lum she actually completed the Legal Administrative Studies program at KPU a couple of years ago and is now doing incredibly well at McQuarrie Law. Seeing her success really inspired me and showed me what was possible. KPU was the perfect choice for me because of its strong reputation, its convenient location close to home, and the proven success of its graduates. I chose this program because I wanted to follow a similar path and build a solid, meaningful career in law. Thanks to my parents and her, for their motivational words I succeeded and love where I am today.

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

I am currently working as a Legal Administrative Assistant at KSW Lawyers in the Surrey/Newton area, specializing in Corporate Records and Annual Maintenance. On a day-to-day basis, my main responsibilities involve managing and updating corporate records, preparing and filing annual reports, and ensuring our clients' companies remain in good legal standing. I also handle drafting legal documents, corresponding with clients, and organizing corporate filings to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently.

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

The hands-on training I received at KPU has been incredibly valuable in my role today. My coursework in corporate law gave me the foundational knowledge I use every day in corporate records, while classes in wills and estates, family law, and legal office procedures gave me a well-rounded understanding of the legal field. Additionally, mastering word processing was essential for handling real-world legal documents efficiently. Ultimately, the most impactful experience was my three-week practicum, which allowed me to apply what I learned in the classroom directly to a professional environment and gave me the confidence to transition smoothly into my career

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

My biggest piece of advice is to fully embrace every hands-on learning opportunity KPU offers, because the transition from the classroom to the workforce happens faster than you think.

First, treat your foundational courses with the utmost seriousness. The specialized knowledge you gain in classes like corporate law, family law, or wills and estates isn't just theory it is the exact terminology and framework you will use daily in a law firm. Additionally, never underestimate the power of practical skills like word processing and legal office procedures; accuracy and efficiency in these areas are what will make you stand out to employers right away.

Second, if your program includes a practicum, I chose mine to be three-weeks, treat it like a three-week job interview. My practicum was the single most defining experience of my time at KPU. It allowed me to bridge the gap between textbook learning and the fast-paced reality of a real firm, which gave me the confidence I needed to step smoothly into my current role. Work hard, ask questions, and show your passion early on.

Finally, remember that everyone's timeline is different. Whether you came straight from high school or took a gap year to work and refocus like I did, use your unique background as motivation. Hard work and dedication during your time at KPU will absolutely pay off, paving the way for a solid, meaningful, and rewarding career.