Peter Chen (back left), the Chief Financial Officer of Alda Pharmaceuticals, and his Co-op students: Lovleen Brar (left), Karen Wang (right), and Cathy Mould (back right).
Peter Chen got his start at Douglas College, and he's never forgotten it. Now, he's giving something back.
"I graduated from the Accounting Program in 1990 and got my first job through the Co-operative Education Program," says Chen, now the Chief Financial Officer of Alda Pharmaceuticals in New Westminster. "As soon as I could I started hiring Co-op students from Douglas College. It's one way I feel I can make a contribution to the College."
Chen has hired nine Co-op students over the years, and refers to the Co-op office at Douglas College as his personal Human Resources Department. "I tell them what kind of employee I need and what the job is, and they screen the applicants and send me the right people to interview," he says. "There's a high standard of people working at Douglas College. They make sure their students have the standards to work in the professional world."
Unlike many other employers, Chen is looking for a different kind of student: he wants someone without much previous experience. He does this for two reasons: he likes to train his own employees, and he believes it is a way of honouring his own start as a Co-op student.
"Students have to get their start somewhere," he says. "If companies only hire people with experience, how will students get their first job?"
Chen gives his time and energy to the College as a member of the Foundation Board. He's also encouraged his company to sponsor Foundation events that raise money for student aid, such as the Douglas College Golf Tournament.
Chen's philosophy is simple. "You have to say thank you to those who brought you here."
