MOOSE JAW, Sask. — For Philip Ngui, it started with a visit to Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Open House.
“I first found out about Open House on social media when I was in high school and still picking where to go,” he says. “I was looking at different options like universities and Sask Polytech and trying to figure out what made the most sense.”
Ngui already had an interest in business and IT, but what stood out to him about Sask Polytech was its focus on hands-on learning.
“I’d heard that Sask Polytech's programs are more focused on hands-on experience,” he says. “That’s what drew me in.”
Walking through campus, Ngui connected with staff and student ambassadors who answered questions and helped him explore different programs. As an added bonus, he saved $100 and applied for free* at the event.
“It felt really welcoming,” he says. “The Sask Polytech team was really attentive and showed me where to go.”
It was easy to explore and get a better sense of the programs. The moment that had the biggest impact came when he connected with the program faculty.
“Talking to program heads and instructors in person gave me so much insight,” he says. “I could ask questions and understand what the program is actually like.”
Those conversations helped Ngui discover the Business Information Systems (BIS) diploma was a good fit for his interests and career goals.
“Meeting other students and exploring different programs was really informative in deciding which career field I wanted to pursue,” he says.
Open House didn’t just introduce him to programs. It gave him the confidence to choose one.
“The guidance I got helped me decide,” he says. “I chose the right path for me.”
Now in the BIS program, Ngui is getting the experience he was looking for. The coursework is practical, fast-paced and closely connected to industry expectations.
“In my program, the instructors are professionals who actually worked in the industry,” he says. “They tell us what companies want and how to apply what we’re learning.”
That hands-on learning is already opening doors. After his second semester, he landed a paid internship with SaskTel as a programmer analyst—something he credits to the skills he is building in class.
Since then, he’s gained experience in IT, web design and event coordination.
“Employers look at the projects I’ve done in my program and see what I’m learning,” he says. “They have a better understanding of my abilities and can see that I already have the skills to do the work.”
For Ngui, it comes down to the support he’s had along the way.
“At Sask Polytech, students receive guidance, tools and support to prepare for their careers,” he says. “That’s what students need.”
Looking back, he sees Open House as the starting point to his career.
“Open House was valuable. It helped me know where I want to go and what I want to be,” he says.
For students who are unsure about their next step, here’s his advice.
“Go to Open House,” he says. “You’ll meet instructors that actually care about you.”
Choosing a program is a big decision. Open House gives you a chance to explore your options, ask questions and see what fits before you apply (at no cost*.)
Upcoming events are 1 p.m.-3p.m. and 5-7 p.m. on:
- Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Regina campus
- Thursday, Oct. 8 – Moose Jaw campus
- Wednesday, Oct. 21 – Saskatoon campus, Idylwyld Dr.
- Thursday, Oct. 22 – Prince Albert campus
* Visit saskpolytech.ca/openhouse for details, including programs eligible for free applications.
