MELANY DAVIDSON (She/Her)

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

KPU's reputation, small class sizes, and flexibility for working full-time made it the perfect fit. I initially started in Computer Information Systems and everything clicked when I took a Human Resources course. Recognizing HR as my true calling was a major turning point and KPU allowed me to transition between the two programs seamlessly.

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

I currently serve as a Human Resources Manager within a large-scale food distribution organization, where I support our BC HR team and champion company culture for over 900 employees. My day-to-day responsibilities balance leadership and strategic partnership; I lead a cross-functional team of four, partner with our employee groups to manage the full employee lifecycle, and oversee payroll and data integrity across multiple HR systems.

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

The hands-on education I received allowed me to hit the ground running on day one. Beyond technical knowledge, KPU taught me critical thinking and how to pivot quickly under pressure. This was put to the test four years into my post-grad career, when I had to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic as the sole HR representative for a restaurant company. Guiding the organization through that crisis was only possible because of the strong analytical foundation and adaptability skills I built during my studies.

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

Never underestimate the power of your network. As someone who always shied away from networking during university, my own career has been shaped by the connections I built through school, professional circles, and past roles. My advice to KPU students is to start building your community today. Attend KPU career fairs, connect with your instructors, and build relationships with your peers. Cultivating these connections early makes the transition to the workforce so much smoother.