Tanner Kekoa Foster
"Human Resource Management was the most interesting class I took in this program ... and I am now an HR assistant for Housemart, a company that oversees most of the Hawai'i branches for Ace Hardware, Daiso and Ben Franklin Crafts."
Quick Facts
Program: B.S. in Business Administration
Concentration: Management
Graduation Year: 2023
Current Job Title: HR Assistant at HouseMart
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Current City: Honolulu, HI
Life at CBU
Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
I chose this major because I knew that I didn't want to be at the "bottom" when I
entered the workforce. Administration has always been something I'm keen to and this
can be seen in high school when I was a manager for the wrestling team and the secretary
for the Christian club.
What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
I loved that we had multiple classes with the same people, this made it easy to maintain
friendships. I made a best friend because she and I had two classes together, so we
saw each other four times a week.
What did you think about your professors?
The professors at CBU truly care about their students. I believe that their foundation
in faith sets them apart from other universities.
Did you complete an internship?
Yes, I was an HR Intern for Sacred Hearts Academy in Honolulu. Because the director
of HR was the only person running the show, my training was one on one.
Did you participate in anything else at CBU?
I joined multiple intramural sports, like volleyball and soccer. I also was in Disney
Club and Asian and Pacific Islander Club.
How did you grow (spiritually, socially and educationally) while in this program at
CBU?
I think coming to a classroom ready to learn, but starting it off with prayer, really
changes the atmosphere and intention for why we're even there in the first place.
This program definitely emphasizes teamwork, and all of the team projects I worked
on have definitely prepared me for the working world. Lastly, I never thought I would
make it this far in my educational career, and I'm so fortunate the CBU allowed me
to earn my degree.
Did your major help you figure out your purpose?
Most definitely. Human Resource Management was the most interesting class I took in
this program, and now I am pursuing a career in Human Resources!
Life after CBU
What have you done since graduating?
I landed a job within my first week being home.
What are your current job duties?
I am now an HR assistant for HouseMart, a company that oversees most of the Hawai'i
branches for Ace Hardware, Daiso and Ben Franklin Crafts.
How has your major and time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after college?
My program offered certifications that filled our resumes with impressive credentials.
Is there anything you learned at CBU that you still use in your professional life
today?
Definitely Microsoft Excel! Also writing professional emails came easy after my time
at CBU.
How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
I know that HR requires ethical professionals. It is my goal to make an impact through
helping others in their workplace.
What are your future goals and plans?
My future goal is to be an HR director for a company that serves Native Hawaiians.
Would you recommend CBU to others?
Absolutely. The culture, professors and facilities (not to mention the food!) are
what set this university apart from so many in Southern California, and I believe
most students can agree.
Anything else you want to add? Anything else we should know about you?
My twin and I both attended CBU and managed to graduate at the same time. My college
experience would've been completely different without him. Also, I am a hula dancer
and I have been dancing for 8 years.