Harsh Khurana is settling in well to life in New Zealand, earning top grades, tutoring his peers, getting involved with professional organisations, and now undertaking an internship in his field.

The Bachelor of Construction student came to New Zealand from Punjab, India last year after hearing about OPAIC from his brother, who has been living in New Zealand for 10 years.

Harsh received A+ grades in his first year and has recently been selected as a peer tutor to help his classmates succeed.

He has also been actively attending New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) events. The institute has been so impressed with his commitment that they’ve invited him to become a committee member of Quantity Surveying Emerging Professionals (QSEP).

Harsh says he is grateful to Sabrina Arklie for helping him on his journey. Sabrina was a student of ours who progressed to Peer Tutor then Construction Lecturer. She is also an NZIQS Committee Member. 

Harsh says the faculty are one of the best things about OPAIC. They have a welcoming nature and always have time for their students.

In addition to his studies and involvement with NZIQS, Harsh has now secured an Intern Quantity Surveyor role with quantity surveying and construction innovation company ConInnova.

Harsh says he had been looking for the opportunity to gain some work experience in the construction sector, then he learned about the internship opportunity from the Employability Centre at OPAIC.

He didn’t think he would be selected as he is just 19 years old and came into his degree straight out of high school without much industry experience.

“But luckily I got invited for an interview and I gave my best with full confidence which helped me land this internship.”

He’s now looking forward to getting started in the role.

“I will give my best and I will learn as much as I can during the internship period.”