SALMA HUSAIN

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

My post-secondary studies started in 2012, graduating with the Legal Administrative Studies Certificate (with Distinction), then completing the Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management in 2017 from KPU, in 2022, obtaining my Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Thompson Rivers University, and in 2024 completing the NGO and Non-Profit Studies Certificate at KPU.

My academic studies started with the Legal Administrative Studies (LGLA) program. During the final semester, I obtained a practicum placement at a Law Firm in Delta. Before my practicum ended, they offered me a full-time position as a Legal Administrative Assistant, which I accepted.

After working at the law firm for a year, I decided to return to my studies at KPU completing the Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management (BBA: HRMT). I enjoyed the human relations aspect and wanted to explore this more, that is why I chose HR.

After I completed the BBA: HRMT, I started working at KPU as Testing Administrator in the Assessment and Testing Department. After working in ATS for over five years, this led me to an opportunity to become an Administrative Assistant for the Melville School of Business. Currently, I hold the position of Business Degree Advisor for the Melville School of Business. I truly enjoy working with my team and the students. My professional career at KPU has spanned over nine years.

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

Currently, I am a Business Degree Advisor for the KPU Melville School of Business. I academically advise business students 45+ credits with course planning, understanding program requirements, program declaration, navigating academic challenges, graduation requirement, and much more.

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

The BBA: HRMT strengthened my love for academia and working in KPU ATS where I was able to use my HR knowledge to assist variety of students with accommodations, communicate with faculty on examination requests, and facilitate exam invigilation for internal examinations and external clientele.

I am an avid learner. I have always enjoyed learning about different topics, current events, and different perspectives from my peers. My parents started a non-profit organization, a Youth Centre in Surrey over 26 years ago which my family and I are still running to this day. I wanted to learn more about the inner workings of non-profits and how to incorporate business concepts within the organization. Therefore, in 2024, I obtained the NGO and Non-Profit Studies Certificate at KPU. This instilled a core focus on incorporating student advocacy, humanitarianism, and social justice within business concepts. My advocacy work for students and marginalized communities led me on the Board of Directors as Secretary for the United Nations Association in Canada – Vancouver Branch (UNAC-V); addressing critical issues such as poverty, gender inequalities, human rights, cross-cultural understanding; under the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

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

It is a tremendous honour for me that I can say I started my studies at KPU, and I found my professional career at KPU. This speaks volumes that KPU encourages and values alumni to strive for positions and growth within the Institution. It is the everyday work of leadership, staff, faculty, and students that make the University an exhilarating place to learn and grow.

With my position as Melville Business Degree Advisor, everyday I learn more from the students about perseverance, triumphs, and the possibilities once they obtain their credential. The sky is the limit after graduation - it might seems scary at first but there are so many avenues and opportunities out there. From starting your own business, joining an organization, taking time off from studies - you determine your path and enjoy the road ahead!