On Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, the KPU Co-op community came together for Co-op Connect: Building Confidence for Interviews, an inspiring evening of learning, connection, and professional growth.
The event was organized by the Career Development Centre team, with support from KPU Co-op faculty and KPU Alumni Affairs, and was sponsored by the KPU Alumni Association (KPUAA) for the second consecutive year. Their continued support played a key role in making this event possible and creating an experience that truly connected students and alumni in meaningful ways. About 40 Co-op students and 13 alumni participated in this year’s event, which focused on helping students strengthen one of the most important parts of their Co-op journey — the interview.
This year’s participating alumni were KPU graduates from a variety of programs. Some were former Co-op students, while others came from different fields, all bringing valuable real-world experience. Each alumni participant was either an HR professional or a hiring manager, representing industries such as technology, accounting, construction, and more. Their diverse perspectives and extensive hiring experience gave students practical feedback and personalized guidance they could take with them into any future career path.
Making these connections for our students is at the heart of Co-op Connect. Seeing the value and encouragement that these experienced professionals shared with our students was truly rewarding and deeply appreciated by the entire Co-op team.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from the Career Development Centre, Co-op faculty, and KPU Alumni Affairs, setting a warm and encouraging tone for the evening. Alumni then introduced themselves, sharing their professional journeys and reflections on how Co-op and KPU shaped their careers and confidence.
Students participated in three interactive mock-interview activities designed to mirror real-world interview scenarios:
- Own the Opening – practicing introductions and elevator pitches
- STAR Power – crafting strong, structured answers using the STAR method
- Close Strong & Leave Your Mark – learning how to end interviews with confidence and curiosity
Each round sparked lively discussions and hands-on practice. The level of engagement was exceptional, with KPU alumni taking time to listen, guide, and provide constructive feedback, while students eagerly practiced and refined their answers with every rotation. Many alumni shared practical advice drawn from real hiring experiences, helping students understand what stands out in a competitive interview.
It was inspiring to see the transformation of students throughout the evening. At the start, many appeared nervous or uncertain, quietly reviewing their notes or staying within their groups. But as the activities progressed, students began to relax, open up, and speak with more confidence. By the end of the event, the room was filled with energy, laughter, and meaningful conversations — a true reflection of the event’s purpose: to help students feel supported, capable, and confident as they prepare for their professional journeys.A special highlight was the Confidence Corner, a prep station where students could check their appearance, make final adjustments, and get interview-ready before meeting with alumni. This thoughtful addition aimed at helping students feel prepared and confident before stepping into their mock interviews.
The event concluded with an open networking session, where conversations continued well beyond the scheduled time, showing just how much participants valued the connections and mentorship opportunities created that evening. The night wrapped up with a prize draw, generously supported by KPUAA, who sponsored two $250 tuition waivers and three $100 bookstore gift cards. Their ongoing partnership continues to make Co-op Connect a memorable and meaningful event that celebrates mentorship, growth, and community.
A heartfelt thank-you to KPUAA, the Career Development Centre, KPU Co-op faculty, Employer Relations, and KPU Alumni Affairs for their collaboration, creativity, and dedication. Together, they made Co-op Connect 2025 another inspiring success.
Co-op Connect continues to grow each year as a flagship event that brings the KPU Co-op community together, celebrating learning, mentorship, and the power of connection.