Harjot Gill (21) is in his third year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree at the University of Canterbury.
“Over the past few years, I’ve grown a lot, gaining a clearer vision of my future in the industry and the confidence to pursue it. I’m especially grateful to be part of such a supportive and inspiring network, and for everything it has taught me. To the students looking to apply for a Keystone Scholarship, I couldn’t recommend it enough.”
His immigrant parents faced a tough journey when they arrived in New Zealand from a financially challenged background of farmers in Punjab, India, three decades ago. “This taught me to understand the value of hard work and perseverance,” says Harjot, who resolved to recognise their efforts. His long-held passion for engineering and an aspiration to make a meaningful contribution to the world further fuelled the former Shirley Boys’ High School student’s study path.
● How did you first find out about Keystone?
“One of my teachers, Ms Karyn Liddell, encouraged me to apply. After looking into it, the nature of the scholarship and the opportunities it offered really stood out to me. It felt like something that aligned strongly with both my academic goals and personal development.”
● What was the most challenging aspect of the interview process?
“This was my first experience with what felt like an important, high-stakes interview. Speaking over Zoom to a panel of people around a table made it quite intimidating at first. However, it pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop confidence in presenting myself. The way they all made me feel heard in the interview really allowed me to express my story in the way I wanted.”
● What have you learned about Keystone that you didn’t know before being awarded a Scholarship?
“Before receiving the scholarship, I didn’t realise how strong the sense of community within Keystone was. The involvement of alumni in events, along with the range of opportunities such as site visits, networking opportunities and mentoring with professionals from sponsor companies was something I hadn’t fully understood. The sense of connection within the trust and genuine ongoing support really sets it apart.”
● What difference has the scholarship made to your studies?
“The financial support has made a huge difference, but it’s so much more than that. The culture of family, and the opportunities provided that you don’t get anywhere else is what Keystone is really about. Furthermore, whenever I’ve had any problems or concerns about anything, the Keystone team has always been there. Everyone is so approachable and supportive and with you every step of the way.”
● What personal talent do you have that Keystone may not know about?
“Something I’ve always enjoyed doing in my spare time is recording and producing music. For me, it’s a great creative outlet; a way to switch off and reset – especially when my studies get intense.”
● Have you worked with, or are you currently working with, a sponsor company?
“I haven’t yet worked with a sponsor company, but I hope to do so in the near future. I was fortunate to be mentored by Stan Papaioannou, a fire engineer from (long-term sponsor) Holmes ANZ through Keystone, which was really valuable. Speaking to someone who had already been in my shoes was really beneficial. The knowledge and advice Stan passed on to me was, and still is, worth its weight in gold.”
● What place does AI have in your future plans?
“It’s exciting (and a little scary) to see the rapid evolution of AI in recent times, and how it’s shaping different industries. I’m sure it will play a huge part in the industry in the future, and I presume that whatever role I end up in, utilising AI as a supportive tool for efficient workflows will be an important skill.”
● Final thoughts:
“Being part of Keystone has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Over the past few years, I’ve grown a lot, gaining a clearer vision of my future in the industry and the confidence to pursue it. I’m especially grateful to be part of such a supportive and inspiring network, and for everything it has taught me. To the students looking to apply for a Keystone Scholarship, I couldn’t recommend it enough.”
This story is part of the My Story Could Be Your Story series. You can read more stories here or watch the interviews on our Keystone Trust YouTube channel.
