SHIVANI AHUJA (She/her)

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

I chose KPU because it offered a practical learning environment and gave me the flexibility to balance school, work, and life. I was drawn to Business Management because I’ve always been interested in business, communication, and understanding what makes companies successful. I wanted a degree that would give me skills I could use in the real world, and KPU did exactly that. The program helped me build confidence, think critically, and develop skills that I still use every day in my career.

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

I currently work as a Finance Coordinator for an international surrogacy and egg donation agency. My day-to-day responsibilities include managing reimbursements, tracking financial transactions, preparing reports, and helping ensure everything runs smoothly for our clients.

Alongside that, I’m also a licensed Financial Advisor. I help individuals and families with life insurance, living benefits, and investment planning so they can protect their future and work toward their financial goals. I enjoy being able to educate people about their options and help them make informed financial decisions. Every day is different, which keeps things interesting and allows me to continue learning and growing

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

One of the biggest things KPU taught me was how to communicate effectively and work well with different types of people. Whether I’m helping clients with financial planning or working with my team, those skills are incredibly important. The business and marketing courses also helped me better understand client relationships, problem-solving, and professional communication. KPU encouraged hands-on learning, which helped me feel more prepared when entering the workforce. Looking back, many of the skills I developed in the classroom are the same skills I rely on today.

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

Build relationships, ask questions, and take advantage of opportunities to gain experience while you’re still in school. Also, remember that your career doesn’t have to follow a straight path. I’ve worked in different areas of business and finance, and each experience has taught me something valuable. Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Success takes time, and every step you take is helping you grow into the professional you’re meant to become.