RYAN CHANDRA

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

I chose KPU because it was the right fit for my life at the time. Its proximity to home, smaller class sizes, affordability, and flexible scheduling allowed me to continue working full-time while pursuing my education. That flexibility made earning my credential achievable without having to put my career on hold.

I enrolled in KPU's Strategic Human Resource Management Post-Baccalaureate program because it aligned closely with my natural strengths and interests. I've always enjoyed connecting with people, and the program gave me the practical knowledge and strategic perspective to turn that passion into a meaningful career in Human Resources.

What made my experience especially memorable was the quality of the faculty. Professors including Carlos Calao, Robin Turnill, Duane Radcliffe, Doug Fletcher, and David Harvey each brought valuable industry experience into the classroom. Their practical insights, mentorship, and willingness to challenge students to think critically helped shape the way I approach leadership, problem-solving, and supporting organizations today.

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

As Founder and CEO of PeopleWise Solutions, I partner with organizations across Canada to help leaders build stronger workplaces. My role combines strategic HR consulting, executive coaching, organizational development, and people strategy to solve complex workplace challenges. Whether I'm supporting executive teams through organizational change, leading workplace mediation and conflict resolution, developing HR systems, or coaching leaders, my focus is always the same: creating workplaces where people and organizations can thrive. No day every looks the same!

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

One of the most valuable experiences from my time at KPU was completing the HR Capstone Project. It was a reality check in the best possible way, requiring me to apply the technical knowledge I had learned to complex, real-world business situations. That experience challenged me to think beyond textbook answers and reinforced the importance of striving for high performance in everything I do.

Recruitment and Selection was another defining course for me. Like many people, I initially believed Human Resources was primarily about hiring and firing. That course fundamentally changed my perspective by showing me that HR is a strategic business function that influences organizational performance, leadership, culture, and long-term success.

Beyond the technical knowledge, KPU helped me develop critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills that I continue to rely on every day as a business owner and HR consultant. I also appreciated that some professors intentionally provided very little direction on assignments. At the time, it was uncomfortable, but it forced me to think independently, make decisions with incomplete information, and build confidence in my own judgment. Looking back, those moments were some of the most valuable lessons I could have learned because they closely reflected the realities of the workplace.

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

Be curious and stay thirsty for knowledge. The effort you invest in your education is directly reflected in what you take away from it. Don't just aim to complete your courses—challenge yourself, ask questions, seek feedback, and push beyond what feels comfortable. Growth rarely happens within your comfort zone.

Equally important are the relationships you build along the way. Your classmates, professors, and mentors can become lifelong connections if you continue to invest in them. I'm living proof of that. Years after graduating, I've remained connected with several of my professors, and those relationships have continued to enrich both my personal and professional life.

Finally, don't be afraid to push your limits. You are capable of far more than you realize. Strive for excellence, embrace opportunities that challenge you, and commit to becoming the best version of yourself. Life is too short not to live up to your full potential.