MIYA GONG

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

My journey to Canada began as a mother’s journey. I originally came to Canada to support my daughter’s education and future opportunities. Like many parents, I first focused on helping my child adapt to a new country, but over time, I realized that I also had an opportunity to reinvent myself.

After years of professional experience in China, I decided to return to school and rebuild my career in Canada. Accounting felt like a natural choice. My bachelor’s degree was in Economics, so I already had a foundation in business and finance. More importantly, both my personal and professional experiences had taught me how important financial knowledge is in making informed decisions and creating opportunities for the future.

Interestingly, KPU was not my original plan. I initially applied to Capilano University, but due to a prolonged strike, my application remained unresolved for over two months. While searching for alternatives, I discovered KPU. What impressed me most was how efficient, welcoming, and supportive the process was. Within just a couple of weeks, everything was arranged, and I was ready to begin my studies.

Looking back, what seemed like an unexpected change turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. KPU not only provided me with an education, but also gave me the confidence to start a new chapter of my life in Canada.

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

Since April 2024, I have been working as an International Student Assistant with KPU International while completing my studies. This part-time role, 15 hours per week, has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my journey in Canada.

My responsibilities include supporting international students through drop-in advising, workshops, newsletters, social media, and campus events. Every day, I have the opportunity to connect with students from around the world, answer general questions, and connect them with the appropriate international student advisor when needed. Being able to support others who are experiencing many of the same challenges I once faced has been incredibly rewarding.

Beyond providing financial support while I studied, this role gave me something even more valuable: a true sense of belonging. KPU International became my work family, and the encouragement I received from my colleagues helped me grow both personally and professionally while successfully balancing work and academics.

During my studies, I also completed an accounting co-op placement, where I gained hands-on experience in a Canadian workplace. Seeing the "Co-op" designation on my diploma is something I am especially proud of because it represents not only academic achievement, but also practical experience and professional growth.

Recently, I accepted an entry-level Accounting Assistant position with a well-established Canadian insurance company with more than 60 years of history. I will begin my new role this July. Every step of this journey has required perseverance, but each step has brought me closer to my goal of building a stable career and a meaningful life in Canada. My experience has taught me that with hard work, patience, and the support of a caring community, opportunities will come.

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

KPU gave me much more than technical accounting knowledge—it gave me the confidence, practical experience, and support network to build a career in Canada.

The accounting program provided a strong foundation in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and business principles. At the same time, courses incorporating AI, data analytics, project management, and emerging technologies broadened my perspective and prepared me for the rapidly evolving business environment. Practical courses such as Managerial Accounting and Corporate Accounting strengthened my analytical thinking, introduced me to the CPA Way, and laid a solid foundation for my future goal of becoming a CPA.

Beyond the classroom, KPU offered countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Through the Accounting Students' Association of KPU (ASK), I participated in networking events, coffee chats, employer information sessions, and professional workshops that deepened my understanding of the accounting profession and allowed me to build meaningful connections with industry professionals. The Career Development Centre (CDC) also played a significant role by helping me refine my résumé, strengthen my job search strategy, and improve my interview skills.

Working as an International Student Assistant enabled me to develop strong communication, organizational, leadership, and cross-cultural skills while supporting students from diverse backgrounds. Completing my accounting co-op placement gave me valuable hands-on experience in a Canadian workplace and helped me better understand professional expectations and workplace culture.

Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned at KPU is that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Whether it was speaking in class, balancing work and studies, networking with professionals, or taking on new responsibilities, every experience helped me become more confident, adaptable, and prepared for my career.

Looking back, I realize that KPU didn't just prepare me for my first job—it prepared me to build a new life in Canada.

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

My biggest piece of advice is this: don't wait until graduation to start building your career.

Take advantage of every opportunity KPU offers. Attend networking events, join student associations, visit the Career Development Centre, apply for campus jobs, participate in co-op or internship programs, and build meaningful relationships with your professors and classmates.

At the same time, remember that networking doesn't only happen on campus or at career fairs—it happens wherever people connect. Some of the most valuable conversations can begin with your neighbours, community members, gym or hiking partners, fellow volunteers, or even someone you meet while walking your dog. Be curious, be genuine, and don't be afraid to start a conversation. You never know where one connection might lead.

Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. As an international student, a mature learner, and a mother starting over in a new country, I often felt uncertain. Yet every challenge helped me grow stronger, more confident, and more resilient.

Most importantly, don't compare your journey with anyone else's. Some people receive a job offer before graduation, while others may spend months searching for the right opportunity. Some face unexpected setbacks along the way. Every journey is different, and every challenge teaches us something valuable. Keep moving forward at your own pace.

During my time at KPU, I unexpectedly lost my father during my parents' first visit to Canada. It was one of the most difficult periods of my life, but the kindness and support I received from my colleagues, professors, classmates, friends, and family gave me the strength to keep moving forward. That experience reminded me that success is not only built on hard work—it is also built on the people who stand beside you.

If my journey has taught me anything, it's that it's never too late to start over. With determination, continuous learning, and the courage to embrace every opportunity, you can build not only a successful career, but also a meaningful life.