SHEENA DELA TORRE

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

It’s a story of uncertainty sprinkled with courage... and a fair bit of hope that brought me to KPU. I pursued a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Human Resources Management, although it wasn’t originally part of my plan. While working with an immigration lawyer to move to Canada, I was initially presented with options in Toronto and Alberta, with KPU as the third choice.

At that point in my career, I had already spent years in operations and knew I wanted a change. I told my lawyer, “I think I’ve done enough operations for a lifetime. I want to understand people, not just processes.” That’s when he suggested KPU’s HR program in British Columbia, adding that it was the warmest province in Canada. Well, a convincing bonus for someone starting afresh with my family in a new country (with snow, we were hoping it has). That combination of timing, intention, and a bit of serendipity led me to KPU.

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

Currently, I work as a college instructor teaching Operations Management, which, ironically, brings me full circle back to where I started -all about operations. After intentionally stepping away from operations to study HR, I’ve now returned to it in a new and meaningful way: helping students understand it.

Teaching has always been a personal aspiration of mine. During my time at KPU, I often shared with classmates and colleagues that I envisioned myself one day working in academia, Ideally at KPU. Alongside my studies, I worked as a Student Ambassador with KPU’s Academic Integrity Unit, a role I am now wrapping up.

That experience has been incredibly fulfilling. I had the opportunity to engage with students across campuses through tabling events and classroom presentations, covering topics like DraftCoach, academic integrity, responsible AI use, and strategies for academic success. Being able to connect with such a diverse student body has been both inspiring and grounding—and I remain hopeful that this journey may lead me back to KPU in a full-time capacity in the future.

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

Several experiences at KPU have been instrumental in shaping my career. Class presentations during the HR program, as well as participating in competitions like the HRC West Case Competition and the Winter Cities Case Competition, helped build my confidence and sharpen my communication skills. Both of which are essential in my role as an instructor today at Excel Career College.

Additionally, my internships through the Melville School of Business expanded my exposure beyond HR into areas like Marketing and Communications. These experiences strengthened my business acumen, analytical thinking, and strategic perspective. Looking back, KPU didn’t just teach me concepts. It gave me opportunities to apply them in meaningful ways.

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

Embrace courage, curiosity, collaboration, and purpose. These words may sound simple—and perhaps even overused but truly living them out can be challenging.

During my time at KPU, I learned that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone, stay curious about new opportunities, collaborate with others, and remain grounded in your purpose. Volunteering, both within KPU and in the broader community, played a significant role in helping me put these values into practice.

Of course, doing well academically matters, but it’s the combination of effort, experience, and a bit of faith in your journey that makes the difference. Sometimes the path isn’t linear, and in my case, it certainly wasn’t, but it often leads exactly where you need to be. So, choose courage over comfort.