JESSICA CROSS-MCCAULEY

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

The close proximity to my home brought me to the KPU Surrey campus. The fantastic instructors in the History Department made me decide to focus on history courses for my main area of study.

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

I am the scəw̓aθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen First Nation) Relationship Advisor for the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA). My role is responsible for building a lasting relationship built on trust and mutual respect between scəw̓aθən məsteyəxʷ and the VFPA.

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

Among other things, my many history courses taught me how to manage my workload, write well written essays, and build my presentation skills, all which help immensely with my current work. I was hired as a coordinator, and finishing my degree (I got my current role before I finished my degree), enabled me to move up two levels into an Advisor position.

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

Be patient, not all good things come to fruition right away. After you graduate, sometimes it takes a lot of hard work, patience, trail and error, and consistency to get to a place where you are happy with your job and/or role.