Experiences prepare students for careers

Kathy Hambly believes that the key to launching a career is to learn - early in your education - what employers are looking for.

The community leader spent a decade as Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce president and has volunteered with the University of Prince Edward Island Board of Governors to help steer young people on the right career path. She has been chosen, through Engage PEI, to sit on the board full time.

Hambly has a passion for post secondary education, having served as past chair of the Holland College Foundation Board of Directors. She also taught at the UPEI School of Business. She says she is pleased with UPEI’s move toward more experiential learning because she knows it’s what employers are looking for.

“It can be hard to get that first job after graduation,” she said. “When students connect to employers throughout education, there is a greater opportunity to get work after graduation.”

During her decade with the chamber, Kathy led innovative programs such as Island Advance and P.E.I. Connectors, which continue to encourage economic development in Prince Edward Island. She received the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada Executive of the Year award for her excellence in contributions, innovation and management.

Hambly has raised three daughters in Charlottetown. She balances a busy work life with lots of volunteering, because she feels women’s voices need to be heard.

“I believe in giving back to the community and I am very interested in seeing young people succeed. Mentoring young women has shaped my volunteer efforts,” Hambly said.

“Women bring a perspective that’s needed,” she added, noting there is a good balance on the UPEI Board of Governors.

When she isn’t busy volunteering, Kathy likes to read, walk and hit the gym, cook and travel with her partner Sandy Gillis.