Harman Chhina

Hailing from a family of business owners, Harman Chhina was exposed to the world of business at an early age. Witnessing his father’s small business and seeing various relatives engaged in their own entrepreneurial ventures sparked his interest in the field. This early exposure ignited a passion within him to understand the intricacies of business operations, management, and strategy.

Harman graduated from SFU Beedie with a concentration in accounting and HR and will embark on a full-time job as an assurance accountant at Grant Thornton in the fall. As Harman reflects on his academic journey, he recalls the transformative experiences that shaped his path and led him to pursue a degree in business administration.

MY JOURNEY

When Harman joined SFU Beedie in the fall of 2018, he was uncertain about his career path and the specific area of business he wanted to specialize in. However, the vibrant and dynamic environment at the business school quickly captivated him. He was astonished by the multitude of opportunities available to students and the huge potential for personal and professional growth.

Harman concentrated in accounting and human resources, which were areas that resonated with his interests and goals. “In high school, I took accounting classes which generated my interest for the field,” said Harman. “During my studies at SFU Beedie, I learned more about the CPA designation and how having this credential can open up many career opportunities.”

A pivotal moment in Harman’s academic journey was his co-op placement at BC Housing, where he gained exposure to the auditing field of accounting. This experience solidified his decision to pursue internships in public accounting, ultimately leading him towards his career choice of accounting.

MY SFU BEEDIE EXPERIENCE

Harman’s involvement in student clubs and extracurricular activities played a crucial role in shaping his SFU Beedie experience. He actively participated in organizations such as the SFU Human Resources Student Association (HRSA), SFU JDC West, CaseIT, and Enactus SFU. In HRSA, he held various leadership roles, including Member Relations Coordinator, VP of Finance & Operations, and ultimately serving as President during the 2021–2022 term. Harman’s participation in these clubs allowed him to enhance his skills, develop meaningful connections, and gain valuable experiences that could be transferred to the workplace.

The impact of Harman’s extracurricular involvement extended beyond personal growth. When seeking co-op work terms, hiring managers consistently expressed interest in his student leadership roles, asking detailed questions about his experiences. It became evident to Harman that his extracurricular involvements made him stand out in the talent pool and demonstrated his ability to balance academics with practical experiences. Notably, his leadership experience in HRSA played a pivotal role in securing prestigious internships at global companies such as EY and Grant Thornton, ultimately leading to full-time employment opportunities.

Where I am Today

In fall 2023, Harman embarked on his accounting career as an Assurance Accountant at Grant Thornton.  

“Take the time to explore your interests so you can decide what you want to do in the future,” said Harman. “Everyone finds their own success at different times, so don’t compare yourself to others and run this marathon at your own pace.”