ASTHA SACHDEVA (she/her)

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

I moved to Vancouver from Edmonton in 2014 to attend the Wilson School of Design at KPU and pursue a lifelong dream. From a young age, I knew I wanted a career in fashion design. At the time, my perception of the industry was largely shaped by movies and the glamour of the runway. However, that perspective evolved once I began my studies at KPU.
Through the program, I was introduced to technical apparel, and I quickly discovered a passion for designing with function in mind rather than focusing solely on high fashion. My experience at KPU helped me realize that I wanted to create innovative, meaningful products that enhance people’s everyday lives.

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

I am currently a product developer on the mens athletic team at lululemon. In a nutshell, I am a project manager that ensures styles stay on track throughout the development process. I get to partner with our wonderful cross functional teams like design, global merch, raw materials, and sourcing (just to name a few) to create some amazing innovative product. My role is quite dynamic and involves a lot of problem solving every day.

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

A lot of the assignments we worked on throughout the program were quite relevant to something you would experience working in the industry. One of the biggest skills I learned at KPU was the power of networking- this has been my north star navigating through my career thus far.
During my third year at KPU, through our practicum program- I was able to spend an exciting semester at lululemon and get a glimpse at the company and design/ product development teams. This gave me such a great real world experience into the industry and what life could look like after graduation. This summer, I am taking part in our global internship program- where I will act as a product advisor for students globally who are interesting in product development. Such a full circle & fulfilling milestone for my career!

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

I know there can be a lot of pressure to find the perfect job post grad, but sometimes trial & error can be a great way to guide you towards the right path. After graduating, I explored roles within small & large companies, and across design, product development & manufacturing - it gave me a stronger sense of clarity into what direction I wanted my career to go. Make mistakes! Ask tons of questions! And remember that you may eventually end up working with your peers down the road. So always keep your network close and don't be afraid to put yourself out there.