Primed for success

It was an honour to be “ a part of the business case team. It was the first time I felt like a specialist in my field.

Primed for

SUCCESS

Harmohit Sarpal joined a pool of in-demand alumni when he graduated from Lakeland College’s business administration program’s real estate appraisal and assessment (REAA) major in 2019. Sarpal successfully secured a job with the City of Red Deer as a property assessor before graduating, after city representatives came to the Lloydminster campus for a presentation. “I was encouraged to apply by my instructor Ken (Rutherford). If it weren’t for him, I probably wouldn’t have applied,” says Sarpal, who moved from India to attend Lakeland. “The process went fast – I applied and had the job within a few days. Now, I determine the value of city properties for tax purposes.” Sarpal has been in his position for a year and says he feels lucky working in a niche industry with plenty of opportunities for positional and financial growth. The many job prospects and the possibility of two credentials through Lakeland’s program is what first captured Sarpal’s attention. Apart from a diploma, REAA graduates also earn a certificate in real property assessment from the University of British Columbia (UBC).

“It was a no brainer to pursue a career in appraisal and assessment. When I attended a job fair at Lakeland, I noticed that majority of the jobs were in real estate, and I felt the connection to UBC would increase my chances of securing a job,” he explains.

Sarpal adds the variety of educational experiences Lakeland offers beyond the classroom gives students a competitive advantage. His experiences included a trip to Mérida, Mexico, to learn about their real estate system, and being the first international student member of Lakeland’s business case team. The team took third place at the Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition in 2018.

“It was an honour to be a part of the business case team. It was the first time I felt like a specialist in my field.”

Sarpal credits some of his success to his instructors’ passion and willingness to see their students excel.

“My growth was tremendous semester by semester. The biggest reason for that is how the instructors encourage students to think critically, focus on strength rather than weakness, and to work with like-minded classmates. I think the bonds we have with our instructors is something that pushes students to do better.”