Career Ready Success Story – Harjot Dhillon
A Turning Point in Harjot’s Academic Journey
When Harjot began his studies at Simon Fraser University, he wasn’t entirely sure which direction to pursue. Originally majoring in economics, it wasn’t until he transferred into the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program that things started to shift. Within a semester, he secured his first co-op placement at SaaS Wealth Insurance, a decision that would redefine both his academic goals and career path.
Alongside his BBA, Harjot is also completing his CPA prerequisites, and he credits his co-op experience for helping him connect classroom learning with real-world application. Harjot says, “the big difference with co-op is that I was learning from actual examples, things that business owners and professionals were dealing with day-to-day. That helped me understand the material better and even improved my academic performance.”
Hands-On Experience in Finance and Communication
At SaaS Wealth Insurance, Harjot worked in a dynamic environment supporting clients with financial planning, accounting and tax-related matters. The experience deepened his financial literacy and provided daily exposure to topics not typically covered in class. “It was a financial role, but it also taught me how to navigate the challenges of a growing company,” he said.
One memorable moment came when Harjot was explaining the BC student loan program to a classmate. PennyDrops’s club president overheard and invited him to join as a mentor. This led to Harjot delivering financial literacy sessions, helping young Canadians understand everything from filing taxes to starting their investment journey. His ability to connect with peers and simplify complex financial topics was a direct result of the real-world knowledge he gained through his co-op experience.
Current Role and Future Aspirations
Today, Harjot continues to work at SaaS Wealth Insurance as a part-time Communications Coordinator while completing his studies. He now envisions his future not only as a professional in the financial sector, but also as someone committed to empowering others through knowledge and support.
From navigating client needs to supporting internal communications, Harjot’s current role allows him to build on the foundation he developed during his co-op. The transition from night shifts at his part-time grocery store job to a career-aligned position was a leap toward a more fulfilling, purpose-driven future.
Advice for Students
Harjot firmly believes that co-op is an essential step in preparing for the workforce. “A lot of students worry about delaying graduation,” he explained, “but the benefits far outweigh that concern. You’re gaining the skills and confidence needed to actually thrive in your career.”
For Harjot, his co-op was an investment in himself. He encourages students to see internships not as optional add-ons, but as core components of their education.
Looking Ahead
Today, Harjot continues to grow personally and professionally. With plans to complete his CPA designation, he is confident about the career path he has chosen.
“The lessons you take from co-op stay with you long after graduation,” he said. “They give you the foundation to pursue the roles you’re passionate about and succeed in them.”
Harjot’s story is a powerful reminder that co-op experiences don’t just prepare students for the workforce, they shape confident, capable professionals who are ready to make an impact from day one.
TECHNATION’s Career Ready Program provides hands-on experience for students to gain real-world experience in Canada’s tech sector. Employers hiring students through Career Ready may be eligible for wage subsidies. Learn more.
