ELIZABETH FREDERICKSON (She/her)

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

After having my first child, I realized I wanted a career that could offer more flexibility and long-term opportunities for my family. Making that shift wasn’t easy while balancing work and parenting, but KPU made it possible. The flexible scheduling allowed me to continue working full-time, raise my children, and pursue my education at the same time, which made a huge difference in helping me move forward.

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

My current position is Project Administrator in Economic Development. In this role, I support Tsawwassen First Nation Member businesses by facilitating access to education and training opportunities—such as KPU’s Indigenous Entrepreneurship Course—as well as marketing, networking, and procurement initiatives.
On a day-to-day basis, I manage administrative operations using Microsoft Office tools, coordinate projects, and support communications across the department. This includes working closely with internal teams, Chief and Executive Council, TFN Community Members, as well as provincial and federal representatives and industry partners.

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

The most valuable aspect of my experience at KPU has been its strong focus on applied, hands-on learning and the development of practical workplace skills. Through coursework and real-world projects, I gained the ability to connect theory to practice, which has been essential in my career.
In particular, KPU helped me build strong communication, project coordination, and problem-solving skills. Opportunities to collaborate on group projects and engage with community and industry partners strengthened my teamwork and stakeholder engagement abilities—skills I now use regularly in my work.
I also benefited from KPU’s emphasis on essential skills such as critical thinking, interpersonal communication, and adaptability. These have supported me in navigating complex projects, working with diverse stakeholders, and remaining flexible in a fast-paced environment. Overall, the combination of hands-on experience and foundational skill development at KPU has been instrumental in preparing me for my current role.

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

Take advantage of as many opportunities as you can while you’re still at KPU—especially anything hands-on, like co-op, internships, or community projects. That real-world experience makes a huge difference when you’re starting your career.
I’d also say don’t underestimate the value of building connections. Get to know your classmates, instructors, and people in your field—you never know which relationships might lead to future opportunities.
And finally, be open to trying new things. Your career path doesn’t have to be perfectly figured out right away. Just stay curious, keep learning, and focus on building strong skills—you’ll figure it out as you go.