May 12, 2020 / Career Spotlight

Derek Suen

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Job title and employer

North American Manager – New Product Development/Innovation | Dorman Products

What was your education related to the automotive aftermarket?

I went to Wilfrid Laurier University and received an Honors Degree in Economics in 2006. In 2017, I also completed my MBA at Laurier’s downtown Toronto campus with a specialization in Strategic Management. Luckily enough, Dorman provided a full scholarship and provided support as I was completing this journey.

Did you know you wanted to work in the automotive aftermarket?

Not initially, I had brief exposure to it while working as a Supply Chain Analyst at Canadian Tire in Toronto. What spawned my interest was the diversity of products within the industry, the closeknit relationships and community across the country, and the vast opportunity for personal growth and advancement.