JASMINE KAUR KOCHHAR

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

I chose KPU because I wanted a university experience that felt practical, supportive and connected to real career opportunities. Journalism was the right program for me because I have always been interested in storytelling, community issues and understanding people’s experiences. I also chose criminology as my minor because I wanted to better understand justice, crime, society and the systems that shape people’s lives. Together, journalism and criminology helped me build a strong foundation in research, communication, critical thinking and understanding complex social issues.

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

I currently work as a community journalist, reporter and columnist. My day-to-day responsibilities include researching story ideas, conducting interviews, attending community events, writing articles and creating digital content. I focus on telling meaningful stories, highlighting community voices and presenting information in a clear, accurate and engaging way.

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

The most valuable skills I gained from KPU are communication, leadership, confidence and critical thinking. Through journalism, I learned how to ask strong questions, listen carefully, write clearly and understand different perspectives. My experience as a radio show host, community reporter and KSA VP External Affairs also helped me become comfortable speaking with people, representing an organization and working under pressure. These skills have been very useful in my current leadership role because I deal with people, decisions and communication every day.

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

My advice would be to get involved as much as possible while you are still at KPU. Join student groups, volunteer, take leadership opportunities, build your resume early and do not be afraid to start small. Every role teaches you something. Also, networking is very important. Talk to people, ask questions and stay open to opportunities that may not look exactly like your dream job at first. Confidence builds through experience, so say yes to learning, stay consistent and trust that your hard work will open doors.