DEO BOLDO (He/Him)

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

COVID became a turning point for me. After years of working in marine operations, I wanted to better understand the global business systems behind the movement of goods, trade, and supply chains. KPU’s Graduate Diploma in Global Business Management felt like the right fit because it gave me the opportunity to build Canadian business knowledge while expanding beyond my operational background.

A key reason I chose KPU was also its partnership pathway with SUMAS in Switzerland, which allowed me to combine Canadian and European graduate school experiences. I graduated from KPU in 2022, and I am now about to complete my MBA in Sustainability Management with SUMAS this summer.

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

I currently work as an Operations Coordinator: Active Vessel Traffic Management at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, which was actually one of my target organizations when I decided to pursue graduate studies.

In my role, I help coordinate vessel traffic and support safe, efficient, and reliable port operations across Canada’s largest port. My day-to-day work includes communicating with marine stakeholders, monitoring vessel movements, supporting safety compliance, responding to operational issues, and helping manage incidents in a fast-moving 24/7 operations environment.

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

KPU helped shape my confidence, leadership, and professional foundation in Canada. As an international student, I knew I had to be intentional about getting involved, so I stepped outside my comfort zone and became one of the student leaders of the KPU Case Analysis Network. That experience strengthened my critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, all of which I use today in marine operations, where clear decision-making and stakeholder coordination matter every day.

I was also grateful to graduate from KPU with distinction and receive several awards and honours, including the KPU Tuition Awards in 2020 and 2021, the Student Leadership Award, the KPU Dean’s Honour Roll, the Community Leadership Award, and the Kwantlen Student Association Alok Gupta International Endowed Award. These recognitions were meaningful because they represented more than academic success. They reflected resilience, service, leadership, and the courage to keep showing up during a challenging season.

Another major turning point was KPU connecting me to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Leaders of Tomorrow Program, one of British Columbia’s premier mentorship and leadership development programs for emerging professionals. The program gave me the opportunity to learn directly from experienced business and community leaders, build meaningful professional relationships, and develop the confidence to navigate Vancouver’s business community as a newcomer and international student. Through the program, I was mentored by Brad Eshleman, whose guidance helped me better understand purposeful leadership and professional growth. I eventually graduated at the top of the program and was honoured as the Leaders of Tomorrow Mentee of the Year 2022–2023.

For me, KPU was more than a school. It became a place where I found community, built confidence, and learned that success is not just about earning credentials. It is about stepping forward, serving others, building meaningful relationships, and becoming ready when opportunity comes.

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

Do not wait until graduation to start building your future. Get involved, volunteer, join student groups, attend events, and meet people outside your comfort zone. Your degree matters, but your relationships, reputation, and willingness to show up consistently matter just as much.

For international students especially, do not let being new to Canada hold you back. I was once in that position too. Say yes to opportunities, ask thoughtful questions, find mentors, and put yourself in rooms where growth can happen.

Success after graduation is not just about landing a job. It is about becoming someone who is ready for the opportunity when it comes. KPU gave me the foundation, but it was the decision to fully engage with the community that helped open the right doors.