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SPRING CLEANING!

Our team is doing some spring cleaning starting with user accounts. Login using your CAS credentials for instructions. We appreciate your speedy action so we can move onto other new and exciting initiatives over the summer.

Welcome to the

OLC!

BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS

Join the community using your SFU CAS account.

Join the community using your SFU CAS account. Then, complete your registration by clicking on your name located in the top right corner of the page.

JOIN

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Share Your SFU Story 

Have a story to share about your time at SFU? Add your voice to the ever-expanding gallery of community stories on our SFU Stories page! Take about 15 minutes to reflect on your experiences at SFU, including, but not limited to, involvement in clubs, student unions, peer mentorship, and work opportunities. Share your story to educate, inspire, and connect the SFU community. Submissions are welcome year-round, from all years and faculties.

Everyone has a story! What's yours?

SUBMIT

VOLUNTEER STORIES

 

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Join our team

Call For Volunteers! The OLC is looking for volunteers for various positions that have a range of time commitments including content creators, editors, UI/UX developers, and website testers. Positions are open for all students hoping to gain valuable experience in writing, website development and management, task and time management, collaboration, communication, and more. There is no deadline to apply as we recruit year-round!

APPLY
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NEW VIDEO SERIES

Job Search in a Pandemic

New episodes of Career Conversations from SFU Career and Volunteer Services are released every Tuesday on the OLC. Tune in see your most burning questions about the world of work, volunteering, and career exploration answered by guests from diverse professional backgrounds and organizations across Canada.

Episode 3 features Kristina Lee, Director of the IT Division at Impact Recruitment. You don't want to miss her expert tips for job searching during the pandemic and how you can best show off your soft skills to employers.

Watch
person laughing

NEW VIDEO SERIES

Job Search in a Pandemic

New episodes of Career Conversations from SFU Career and Volunteer Services are released every Tuesday on the OLC. Tune in see your most burning questions about the world of work, volunteering, and career exploration answered by guests from diverse professional backgrounds and organizations across Canada.

Episode 3 features Kristina Lee, Director of the IT Division at Impact Recruitment. You don't want to miss her expert tips for job searching during the pandemic and how you can best show off your soft skills to employers.

Watch

NEW POST

Activism Burnout: An Interview with Registered Clinical Counsellors

In light of the increased visibility of injustices around the world, taking a stand and contributing to social justice is becoming more prominent in our everyday lives. As you learn and advocate about different injustices, you may experience activism burnout with added stressors such as balancing work, personal life, school, and extracurricular activities. SFU Health Peers interview Counsellors at Health and Counselling Services for advice.

Read

NEW POST

Why You Should Consider Submitting an SFU Story to the OLC

SFU Stories on the OLC are short-form, Instagram-style, narrative stories that help to build a welcoming SFU community. No matter how big or small, every story has something to offer. Share your story today!

Read

NEW POST

I’m Starting a Minor Late Into My Degree... Now What?

One of our OLC team members, Brianna Tsang, shares her experience of deciding her minor in her 3rd year at SFU. "The knowledge and genuine connections made throughout this process has been an amazing experience and opportunity to have."

Read

NEW POST

Social Media Addiction & Screen Fatigue: A Survival Guide for Jobs in Social Media

When it comes to social media and digital marketing positions, it’s easy to be blinded by the positives. After all, many Communication majors are fascinated by digital marketing and algorithms— and if you’re a digital native, creating social media content might already be second nature to you. Whether you manage social media for your organization or create external content, there are a few bonuses to consider.

Read

NEW STUDENT PODCAST

On the Spot with the OLC

The OLC team is extremely excited to introduce a brand new podcast titled On the Spot with the OLC. Your hosts, Mehtaab and Terae, discuss important topics revolving around community, engagement, education and overall life advice! Within these 12 episodes, your hosts aim to bring a well rounded perspective to a variety of topics as they believe they can provide insightful knowledge about what it's like to be an SFU student. Please make sure to have a listen!

Listen to Episode 1: Creating Community at SFU

NEW PODCAST ON THE OLC

StudioBytes

Welcome to Studio Bytes! A podcast inspired by the energy of the SIAT Studios and the memories students make in those spaces. This podcast invites Alumni back into the studio and we get to learn about their experiences at SIAT and their lives after. In Episode 2 meet SFU Alumni Marie Cheung who shares her experience at SFU, her life post SFU and her time in Europe

Listen to Episode 2: What is Service Design?

Login to Provide your Feedback!

Did you know that each landing page on the site has a feedback section for logged in users? We use this information to discover and fix issues, consider site improvements and addition of new features. Our tech team is focused on feature improvements this summer, so share your input to direct changes to the OLC.

LOGIN

ABOUT

Our Learning Community

SFU's Our Learning Community has an incredible range of content created by and for the SFU community. This includes diverse and authentic stories, which show a range of inspirational knowledge sharing happening between students, as well as handy tools that help with learning anywhere and everywhere you are.
 
Discover how you can contribute to our ever-expanding learning community.

 

CONTRIBUTE

EXPLORE

Recognizing that our SFU community members are versatile storytellers, the new OLC has expanded how you can tell your story. Come take a look by exploring into this brand new range of content curated by our editors; this includes Blogs, SFU Stories, Videos, and Podcasts. And remember, no matter where you are in your learning journey at SFU, we want to hear your story! Learn more on how you can contribute to the OLC.

 

 

EXPLORE
a phone screen showcasing Amazon stocks rising
Blog
Get Your Side Hustle On: A Student's Guide to Part-Time Work

As she puts it, grad student Srijani Datta has been a student for most of her life. To support her love of academia she has worked as a reporter, tutor, translator, transcriber, and content writer. Develop your own side-hustle with her tips. 

A person flexing
Blog
Just Like Bunko: Learning Strengths

Everyone has weaknesses. But its focusing on your strengths that grant you success in life.

A woman standing with a cardboard box on her head
Blog
How to Navigate Student Mindset Traps

When students enter their first or second Co-op work term, there can be a risk of falling into student mindset traps. These are the habits we pick up as students that are detrimental to our professional performance and development. Read on to learn more about how Bowen learned to avoid student mindset traps after four Co-op semesters working for three different companies.

READ

LEARN

SHARE

CONTRIBUTE

Videos

Read

Learn

Share

Contribute

There is so much to explore on the new OLC!

So, browse around and have fun with the new learning and storytelling tools. Found something not working?

EXPLORE

Recognizing that our SFU community members are versatile storytellers, the new OLC has expanded how you can tell your story. Come take a look by exploring this wider range of content including Blogs, SFU Stories, Videos, Experiential Learning Experiences, and Podcasts. And remember, no matter where you are in your learning journey at SFU, we want to hear your story! Learn more on how you can contribute to the OLC.

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THE LATEST

Catch up on the latest and freshest content from the SFU OLC. You're bound to find a fresh new perspective, the most current advice, and recently published stories that are sure to inspire you.

 

 

THE LATEST
Portrait of Kim Hornemann
Blog
CRA Student Ambassador Blog

Kim Hornemann shares how a science loving high school student ended up in SFU's French co-hort program and working for the Canada Revenue Agency while still in University.

a robot facing up to the camera
Blog
Beat the Robots

Are you in the middle of looking for summer work? Have you applied for countless jobs online but have not been short listed once? Your misfortune could be caused by ATS ‘robot’ systems. Read on for tips and tricks to fight back against ATS systems. 

yellow themed flatlay of scissors, papers, and pencils
Blog
All About Resumes: Content & Style Tips

Whether it is one or two pages, everything from content to design of the resume should be in harmony, enabling you to showcase the great skills you have to offer.

4 students talking with each other
Blog
How to Shine When Working in a Team

“How in the world will I be able to add value to this team?” This was my initial (and pessimistic) reaction upon hearing that I would be working with 9 other individuals in the Donor Relations & Events team at the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.

Image of the Author
Blog
P2L Alumni Spotlight: Michael Thorburn

In the first instalment of a new series on Passport to Leadership alumni, Trisha interviews SFU Political Science student Michael Thorburn to find out how the P2L program affected his SFU experience.

A guy sitting by the edge of the water
Blog
A Retrospective

I thought it might be fun to revisit some of my favourite articles from the past four-ish years, with a brief excerpt from each. I hope you get as much out of remembering them as I have!

SFU Vancouver library
Blog
Seven Reasons You Haven't Landed A Job Yet

You think you’re doing everything you should be, but is there something you’re missing? We collected seven simple reasons why you haven’t landed a job yet.

Sfu graduates sitting beside each other during convocation ceremony
Blog
Five Tips From an Almost Graduate

Natalie has shared her experiences as a Co-op student, but now that she's completing her final semester at SFU she takes a look back at her educational journey, and offers five tips for other students.

a group of SFU students looking at a notebook
Blog
8 Tips for a New and Improved Resume

Resumes are tough, they’re one of the first things an employer sees from you, and they need to represent your skills and abilities. That’s why we’ve put together eight tips to help you create a resume that presents the best of you and helps you land that coveted job.

aerial view of two people sitting side by side looking at a laptop screen
Blog
7 Reasons You Haven’t Landed a Job Yet

Whether you’re looking for your first post-grad job or are in the middle of a Co-op seeking semester, it’s easy to get discouraged when applications go out and responses don’t come in. You think you’re doing everything right, but is there something you’re missing? We have 7 simple reasons why you haven’t landed a job yet.

David waving goodbye
Blog
Saying Goodbye At Work: This Time It's Personal

Leaving a position, an organization, and a field - especially one as positive as I've been in these last 4 or 5 years - always inspires mixed emotions. Excited, terrified, iinspired, sad, nostalgic - all are a part of saying goodbye. Here's why.

tsatia smiling
Blog
Working with SFPIRG

Tsatia Adzich recently became a board memeber for SFPIRG, the Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group. She shares how it's opened up a new community for her, and how they relate to her work with Indigenous communities.

Women on the phone while working on her laptop
Blog
Don't Attend Office Hours? Here's Why You Should...

Attending office hours makes for a more engaged student. As a final year undergraduate student, Kenny shares why you should attend more of your professors' office hours!

a man talking on his phone
Blog
Reestablishing (Old) Relationships

How do you reestablish old relationships you’ve lost touch with? Everyone changes, but the memories we have with people of years past are still there. This is an article on rebuilding broken networks and reconnecting with past personal and professional relationships.

Picture of a volunteer fair
Blog
3 Reasons Why You Aren’t Volunteering…And Why It’s Important That You Do

Everybody has a reason for not volunteering, but Emily breaks down a few and shows that they aren't as valid as you would think!

Picture of portfolio
Blog
Print and Digital Portfolio Tips for Every Job Seeker

Whether you’re looking at event planning or public relations, a portfolio can be a significant, helpful resource in your job search. Here are some tips on creating and organizing your portfolio, whether in print or digital format. 

Individuals at the Food Bank
Blog
Student Profile: Bhavina Patel

Overwhelmed with so many volunteer opportunities, or not sure where to start? You can ALWAYS go local! Check out one student’s initiative to help those close to her through the Surrey Food Bank.

Mike smiling
Blog
Captain Michael F. Harris

“Our Native Bows and Arrows today, are now Education, being clean of Alcohol and Drugs, Respect for Self and all Creator gives us, Non-Racist attitudes, Good hard work in attitude and job at hand, Love and Caring for Mother Earth and all Beings, through God Our Creator. Aho." - Michael F. Harris

Office at Microsoft
Blog
Career Change: Try Something New!

How can you get into a different industry than what you studied? Emy Sun studied electronics and later got a job at Microsoft as a software engineer. Find how how she made the transition and what it took to make it happen.

Jodie smiling
Blog
Jodie-Lynn Waddilove: Indigenous Journey Story

Maclean's Magazine named Jodie-Lynn as "One of Canada’s Top 100 Under 30 to watch in the new millennium.” Her career as a lawyer has been nothing but inspirational.

Michelle smiling next to the words; Indigenous Journey Stories
Blog
Michelle Martinson

Despite dealing with the challenges of being a full time mom, I did manage to do some upgrading and a few courses while my kids were little. In 2014, I intend to run for president of the British Columbia Nurses Union.

Portrait of Dorcas Yeung
Blog
Why Working for SFU Was My Best Decision

My impression of co-op was that it was supposed to be a way in which to explore the challenging world outside of school; consequently, working at my school felt comfortable, and limited. At this point, after a rewarding four months, it is impossible for me to think of my experience as limited.

image of steve smiling
Blog
Steve Sxwithul’txw

"Finding my path to success is a cliché. It’s what you are willing to do to sacrifice to get ahead and make a life to which you feel proud of. That is why I continue chasing the dream of being happy and fulfilled.” - Steve Sxwithul’txw

Rant banner, Culture
Blog
CUYSTWI Rant Video Contest

Are you an Aboriginal youth between the ages of 16 and 24? Do you have something on your mind you want to share? Learn more about the CUYSTWI and how you can enter.

Stressed out woman pinching the bridge of her nose while two coworkers look at her
Blog
#LetsTalk: Psychologically Healthy Workplaces

Mental health awareness includes the recognition that all people deserve to work in psychologically healthy environments. So what makes a workplace psychologically healthy? Read on to find out.

 

a woman volunteering
Blog
Five Key Advantages of Working in the Non-Profit Sector

Working in the non-profit sector may be associated with myths such as there's no room for upward movement, limited responsibilities, and that there are not many opportunities available. However, there are a significant number of advantages related to working in non-profit organizations.

Stephanie talking to a reporter
Blog
Your Portfolio, Your Story

Stephanie Wiriahardja started building her portfolio in 2009, before she applied for her first SFU Co-op semester. 5 years later, with regular updates, her entire online persona is still paying dividends. Find out Stephanie's keys to branding yourself online.

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Blog
Real Women

What is a real woman? Christina discusses the phrase, 'Real Women', and its damaging effects on women.

Picture of hands on guitar strings
Blog
At The Bottom End: On Sucking At Your Job

Sticking with something to the point where you develop enough skill to love it isn't easy, especially when considering career choices. So, if you don't feel 100% impassioned by your work right away, that's okay! Here's why.

 Man in Orange Crew-neck Shirt Using Laptop Beside Two People
Blog
Anudeep's Life Changing Co-op Experience

Thinking about doing a Co-op semester? Anudeep explains why this is an important experience for all students and tells us what his experience at the SFU Power Lab was like.  

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Blog
The Unexpected Co-op Position in the Computer Mining Industry

Read about Christopher's triumphs and challenges as he shares with us his co-op journey at Geovia.

Turtle island banner
Blog
Voices from Turtle Island

Join Voices from Turtle Island from February 27th to March 1st, 2014. Spend the weekend celebrating written words from Turtle Island with a gathering of First Nations writers, critics, scholars, performers and anyone who enjoys Indigenous Literatures.

Group of people with balloons in the sky
Blog
Accelerating Your Career Through Community Involvement

It may only be the start of the semester, but you’re probably already piled with work. However, there’s no better time to get involved within your community than now, especially with so many volunteer opportunities around with the new year. Find out how being involved can jumpstart your career.

Carmen Wilson at Ignite Technical Resources
Blog
Igniting Passion

Carmen, a Psychology student, spent two semesters at Ignite Technical Resources as a Recruiting Coordinator. Read about her co-op experience here! 

Alec Burns working at his desk
Blog
Becoming a Generalist

Alec Burns was an Executive Marketing Assistant & Creative Writer at TFG Global Insurance and he shares the joys of being a generalist. Read all about it here! 

Timothy So at Blackberry in Waterloo, ON
Blog
An Arts Student in Tech

Timothy So is an Economics student who worked as a Statistical Methods Analyst at Blackberry. Read on to get a taste of what his position would entail. 

Aboriginal logo
Blog
SFU Aboriginal Graduate Program Support

The Office for Aboriginal People at Simon Fraser University has created a new website to help Aboriginal students navigate the programing, funding and support available to them here at SFU

Lyndon
Blog
A Co-op with Husky Energy
As Lyndon accepts at 16 month co-op with Husky Energy, he is met with feelings of both excitement and anxiety. Read on to find out he was able to overcome these worries as he shares with us his co-op journey.
Four board members
Blog
First Nations Student Association: Meet Some of the Board

Hear some of the backgrounds and aspirations of the First Nations Student Association board members. A showcase of the diversity within the student led organization here at SFU.

People wearing hard hats
Blog
Top 3 Reasons to Join a Student Club or Organization

Want to be closer to your university? Looking to gain valuable experience in your field of study? Want to have valuable connections that will last you a lifetime? Joining a student club or association just could give you the solution you need!

SFPIRG logo
Blog
SFPIRG: Truth-Telling and Decolonization

The Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group is a student-funded and student-directed resource centre dedicated to social and environmental justice. SFPIRG is founded on a set of values that have been developed by students who care about social and environmental justice, and include a commitment to the work of ending all forms of oppression.

SFPIRG Logo
Blog
SFPIRG: Truth-Telling and Decolonization

The Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group is a student-funded and student-directed resource centre dedicated to social and environmental justice. SFPIRG is founded on a set of values that have been developed by students who care about social and environmental justice, and include a commitment to the work of ending all forms of oppression.