KAITLYN BEUGH

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

Working with youth has always been a passion of mine. They literally are the future, and having positive role models in the community is so important.

KPU was close to home and the education assistant program had a great reputation, so it was an easy choice!

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

After graduating from KPU, I was hired within a month with the school district I wanted. I worked as an education assistant for 7 years, but had to pivot to a new career due to an injury. The education assistant certification and experience from this work helped me to further my career in other areas of public service including with municipalities, and non-profits, through the numerous transferrable skills I developed. Throughout this time, I have also been able to work with children and youth through teaching art, a huge passion of mine. The skills I learned from being an education assistant have certainly helped me in this sense as well.

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

When I was in the education assistant program, we had two practicums where we worked alongside professionals in schools. This was so helpful for me to identify where I'd like to work, see how others work, and ask questions. It also helped me to network and get references for when I graduated, which I believe helped me get hired so quickly.

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

Don't wait until you graduate to start building your resume. Find work or volunteer in the career fields you want to be in while you're in school, even if it's just a few hours per week. This will help you build your network, skills, and experience and put what you're learning in the classroom into real life.