KPU Co-op students and alumni came together for an evening of learning, networking and real connection.
On October 28, the Career Development Centre celebrated its third annual Co-op Connect at the Surrey Campus Cedar Conference Centre, and it was a huge success! The evening brought current KPU Co-op students together with KPU alumni for career conversations, networking and plenty of genuine connections.
Co-op Connect was created by the Co-op and Employer Relations team at the Career Development Centre in partnership with KPU Alumni Affairs, and sponsored by the KPU Alumni Association. The event is designed specifically for Co-op students: a safe space to learn, practice networking and build the skills and connections that will support them through their Co-op journey and beyond.
From the moment doors opened, the energy was there. Before the program even began, students were introducing themselves to one another, and many lined up at the LinkedIn photo booth for new headshots. When asked at check-in how they were feeling, many students said they were nervous. That was completely understandable, and it’s exactly why the event was created.
To kick off the evening, MC Geeta, Employer Relations Strategist, shared how Co-op Connect began. She started the event three years ago after hearing from employers who hire KPU students, and those conversations revealed an area where students could use more practice: soft skills. Students need a low-risk space to build their “soft-skill muscles,” like communication, confidence and the ability to connect. In its first year, Co-op Connect focused on practicing networking with alumni. The following year, it built on that with interview practice alongside alumni mentors. This year, the focus shifted to open, authentic conversations, helping students make real connections and grow their networks, both during school and after graduation.
That spirit of connection carried right into the alumni introductions, which set a fun, relaxed tone. As each alum introduced themselves, they shared two truths and a lie, a new addition this year, and each table of students worked together to spot the lie.
Next, keynote speaker and KPU alum Ryan Chandra, Founder of PeopleWise Solutions Ltd., shared his own story of failure and how it allowed him to truly find his passion and drive to succeed, showing how resilience and grit help move the needle forward. His story was profound and very relatable. He also shared how the network he built along the way remains part of his business and personal network today. He closed with the 10 things that require zero talent, a good reminder that so much of what matters is within our control.
Building on Ryan’s message, the heart of the evening was Career Conversations. Small groups of students rotated through tables of alumni mentors to hear first-hand about their journeys, setbacks and turning points. For many students, it was a rare chance to ask the career questions they might not feel comfortable asking anywhere else, and to get honest answers from people who understand exactly where they are. In a time when AI can answer almost anything, hearing from real people with real experiences made the conversations feel more relatable and genuine.
A special shoutout goes to this year’s alumni mentors, who shared their stories so openly with students. Readers can meet them all on the Co-op Connect page. The Career Development Centre's Career Coaches, Tessy Champagne and June Cho, also stepped up and stepped in as mentors for the evening.
Ryan returned to close the program with a session on LinkedIn and networking, which brought one of the most memorable moments of the night. He invited up a student who had messaged him the day before with a thoughtful note about how much he was looking forward to meeting him. Ryan used the moment to show the three foundations of successful networking: being known, liked and trusted. By reaching out first, the student made himself known. His sincere message made him easy to like. And by following through in person, he began to build trust.
Even after the program ended, the connecting never stopped. Students kept talking with alumni, with each other and with the CDC team, and many who arrived nervous left introducing themselves with confidence.
Moments like these are what make Co-op Connect such a meaningful part of the Co-op experience. Beyond the tips and advice, students leave with real connections, a clearer picture of what’s possible, and the confidence that comes from stepping outside their comfort zone in a supportive space. These are the experiences that help prepare them not just for their next Co-op role, but for the careers ahead of them.
None of this would be possible without the event’s incredible partners. The Co-op and Employer Relations team extends its gratitude to the KPU Alumni Association Board for sponsoring Co-op Connect 2026, and to the KPU Alumni Affairs team for their continued support and partnership. A special thank you also goes to KPU alumni, without whom these Co-op Connect events would not be possible, for generously sharing their time, stories and guidance with students. Here’s to many more years of Co-op Connect!
Stay tuned for more photos to come!
