For immediate release

Kwantlen students take elevator speeches to the next level

Metro Vancouver, BC – (May 8, 2012) – They don't have a company to pitch or an employer to pitch to—yet—but Kwantlen Polytechnic University's 4th year Bachelor of Business Administration students have proven they already have what it takes to deliver an award-winning elevator speech. In fact, Kwantlen student Pawan Bhandal did just that, when she won the Elevator Speech Contest at a networking event for Vancouver Island University (VIU) and Kwantlen students in April.

"This event was an accomplishment on a multitude of levels - it proved that university career services departments could work together and share best practices to provide a fantastic career enhancement opportunity for all their students," says Nicole Poole, Kwantlen Career Services Coordinator. "It also was an opportunity to showcase Kwantlen's top talent. The six students who attended did Kwantlen very proud. Employers attending the event were incredibly impressed with our students' professionalism and presentation skills."

The competition encouraged students to reflect on the skills and experiences they gained through their education, and clearly articulate them in 60 seconds before a panel of 5 employer judges. The pilot project was initiated by VIU to bring universities together to offer a career-related learning experience to their students.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,500 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca