SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
How Student Employment Services helped one student land his dream job

When Vishalkumar Lakhwani crossed the stage at Saskatchewan Polytechnic's spring 2025 convocation, he left with more than a diploma in Design and Manufacturing Engineering Technology, he left with a career plan in motion. With guidance from Student Employment Services (SES), Lakhwani learned how to showcase the value of his polytechnic education and hands-on experience while effectively positioning his prior international engineering experience for the Canadian job market, leading to a full-time role with Kova Engineering in Saskatoon. His story highlights how Sask Polytech combines applied learning with career supports to help students turn education into opportunity. 

Image credit: Vishalkumar Lakhwani

Hands-on learning was a key reason Lakhwani chose Sask Polytech. Through applied coursework and experiential projects, he developed strong technical skills while gaining the confidence to tackle real-world challenges. SES later helped him translate both his academic projects and earlier professional experience into a compelling resume and interview strategy. 

Outside the classroom, Lakhwani pushed himself further by competing in the Skills Canada Saskatchewan Provincial Competition, earning a silver medal in Mechanical Engineering CAD. "Winning silver was a proud moment for me," Lakhwani says.   

He also participated in the annual Applied Research Student Showcase, collaborating with a classmate to develop a practical solution for a local employer. This experience strengthened his teamwork and problem-solving abilities, skills SES encouraged him to highlight when connecting with industry.  

When Lakhwani reached out to SES to help him prepare for the transition from student to professional, they advised him to highlight both his hands-on learning at Sask Polytech and his prior international engineering experience to set him apart from other candidates. In addition to reviewing his cover letter and resume, SES helped him prepare for interviews and gave him networking tips before attending Sask Polytech's annual career fair.  

Thanks to SES Lakhwani met nearly a dozen employers at the Saskatoon campus career fair while practicing how to clearly communicate his skills and experiences. Some conversations felt like full-circle moments, reconnecting him with industry sectors he had previously worked in internationally.  

"Our career fairs are exclusively for Sask Polytech students. They give students a low-pressure way to practice talking about their skills and interests while building connections with employers," says Deb Stevenson, SES coordinator. "Even a short conversation can boost confidence and help students better understand what industry is looking for." 

Recognizing the power of connection, Lakhwani reached out directly to employers of interest, not just those he met at the career fair. When Lakhwani secured an interview with Kova Engineering, SES provided one-on-one coaching to help him prepare. "This was my first interview in Canada," he says. "Deb helped me prepare, shared practical tips and reminded me that confidence and a smile make all the difference." 

Lakhwani has always embraced networking as an essential part of his learning experience. Even before he started his studies, Lakhwani connected with alumni on LinkedIn by reaching out to graduates from previous years, asking about their careers, sharing his coursework and seeking advice.  

"When I started at Sask Polytech, I didn't know anyone," he says. "Those small conversations helped me understand the industry better and gave me confidence to keep moving forward." 

"Making connections is key to career success. 70 per cent of jobs are obtained through networking," says Stevenson. "It starts with curiosity and a simple conversation. Then continue to reach out and ask questions. You'll build professional relationships that can support you throughout your career." 

Today, Lakhwani continues to build his career while giving back to the Sask Polytech community. In the fall, he spoke at an Open House event and a recruitment webinar encouraging future students to take advantage of SES supports. 

Lakhwani's experience shows how Student Employment Services equips students with the skills, confidence and connections to succeed in the workforce, helping turn hands-on learning into lasting career success. 

Learn more about the Design and Manufacturing Engineering Technology diploma program. 

Learn more about Student Employment Services.