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Welcome

Being one of OLC's classic storytelling tools, blogs are crafted by SFU Community members which include the everyday student as well as expert voices. This is where we share touching stories, resourceful advice, and insightful knowledge with each other. In keeping with the OLC vision, the following blogs are created by and for students, so why not contribute to the OLC today?

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INTERNATIONAL

 

Changing Times: Stories to Inspire Hope and Resilience

 

Kaylla
Staying Productive While Working Remotely for a Health Authority

Working from home is a common reality for many Co-op students in the past year. Working from home while working for a Health Authority in the thick of the pandemic is a tremendous experience Kaylla went through last year. Take a look at how she learned to stay productive in these uncertain times.

The Latest

 

THE LATEST
Mouataz
A Short Guide to Finding Your Passion

Veteran co-op student, Mouataz Kaddoura, shares valuable lessons learned from co-op terms with Avigilon, MENRVA, Biomedical Research Lab, and Shield-X Technology.

the author's portrait
How to Rock the 9 to 5 Lifestyle

Transitioning from student life to a 9-5 working lifestyle can take a bit of time. Luckily, Jamie has a couple of tips to help you quickly adjust and help you make the most of it!

white windmills against a beautiful sunset
Saving the Environment - One Co-op at a Time!

Soroush Jafaryvahed set out to learn something new every day on his co-op with Ballard Power. The experience taught him that just because you are only with a company a short time, as as student, doesn’t mean that you can’t make a lasting impact.

Three people posing in front of the SAP logo
Insights Into Working with a Global Tech Firm

The tech sector is one of the world's fastest-growing industries, making it the perfect place to launch a career. But where does that leave students with non-technical backgrounds? Following a coveted internship with SAP, Beedie student, Kevin Ng, shares his experience of working with a global tech firm. 

Three women standing in front of a tree.
Dress to Impress: Tips for Creating a Budget Friendly Workplace Wardrobe

The transition from student to working professional isn’t so easy. While this new chapter in your life can be overwhelming, having an impressive wardrobe can do wonders for your confidence and sense of professionalism. 

Two Learn-to Camp staff members talking to an audience
A Summer with Parks Canada

To be a member of Parks Canada's Toronto Urban Outreach you must first become an expert in the regions incredible national heritage sites. Environmental Science student, Francesca Marquez shares how exploring Canada's heritage sites prepared her to share her knowledge with the public during Canada's 150th anniversary. 

a laptop screen showing the text "Go Get It"
5 Reasons Why You Should Move for That Co-op Position

Ever spotted your dream co-op position on MyExperience but found out it was on the other side of the country? Or worse overseas! Srijani Datta, is here to tell you about why you should, in fact, relocate for co-op. 

A researcher's hand touching lab equipment
The Lowdown on Microplastics | Part Two

Graduate student, Stephen Chastain spent two co-op terms conducting research into microscopic pollution in our oceans. Here, he shares what he learned about this pressing issue and its global implications. 

a girl working on a project in the dark
“So, What Are You Going to Do With Your Arts Degree?”

Whether you’re in your first or sixth year, explaining what you intend to do with your degree can be as frustrating as it is… well, frustrating. In this article, Abby Zaporteza sheds light on skills and opportunities, intrinsic to liberal arts. 

Picture of books
Dr. Stresslove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My English Degree

I was almost finished the semester, and I realized one tiny detail: I hated all my classes. This is the tale of how I followed my heart into an English degree, a network of professional contacts, and endless career possibilities. 

a teammate smiling at another coworker
The Possible Benefits of Forgetting Your Co-Worker's Name

Forgetting a new co-worker's name is a common problem, but admitting it openly is a surprisingly welcomed solution, and it can open the door to positive rapport. Eric Cai writes more from his experience.

Yasmin in the clinic with her ultrasound tools
Enhanced Sonograms and Patient Empowerment

Yasmin Khalili had her career mapped out way before she came to SFU, but the experience of coming to university and enrolling in the co-op program demonstrated that there are hundreds of paths and opportunities one can follow. Read Yasmin's story to learn about her co-op journey with ChANGEpain Clinic.

Brittany and her co-workers
Tips for Non-Technical Students Working in a Technical Company

With the rise of the digital age, the tech industry has become the hub of all industries. As these companies become more popular, you will want these tips to succeed if you're a non-technical students looking to work in a technical company

Unsettling Reconcilation Banner
Unsettling Reconciliation

Since the Truth and Reconciliation Committee convened in 2008, reconciliation has been an issue on many minds but what is reconciliation? Here, three community members explore some of the issues and realities behind reconciliation. 

three sfu students laughing with each other
Four Non-CMNS Courses That Have Contributed to My Co-op Success

Think WQB requirements aren't relevant to your field of study? Think again! Kar Hing shares four non-communications courses that helped her succeed on her Co-op work term.

friends standing together having a good time
From Recreation to Mentorship: Getting Involved with People with Disabilities

Working with people with disabilities can enable you to understand their experiences better. What better way to do so than having fun at the ocean or in the mountains? Here are some ideas for volunteering with those with disabilities. 

Mark smiling for the camera in a metropolitan area
Why Co-op Makes a Difference: Instead of Chasing, I’m Being Chased

Have you ever wondered if extending graduation to take part in co-op is really worth it? Find out by checking out Mark's final co-op reflection as he looks back on four co-op terms. 

a woman smiling on the bus
How to be an Active Bystander

A few months ago, my mum and I were out late one evening walking our dog. We walked down a dimly lit, quiet street, and saw a shadow in the distance.

Student hiding behind a pile of books
The Student Life Balancing Act

Finding balance in university is surely one of the greatest challenges a student faces. Shanice believes that communication is key to maintaining stress levels and living a balanced life.

Young woman standing in front of the the SFU track and football field
We Belong to a Caring Institution

Have you ever wondered how university contributes to your mental health? In this article, Makshada shares what she learned about SFU's actions to promote mental health and student well-being during her Co-op term with SFU Health Promotion.

the author with his team at CDRD
Find your Voice: Insights into Designing your Co-op

Every experience provides the opportunity to go above and beyond. Here, Beedie Business student Jared Chiu shares how he seized the opportunity to grow his role, and how you can too. 

birds eye view of a stressed out woman
Feel Like You’re Not Good Enough for Your New Job?

Starting a new job is stressful, and it can be even harder if you feel like you aren’t good enough at your position. Here are some ways Haley learned to overcome feelings of inadequacy in the workplace.

Defne smiling
8 Reasons Why 8 is Better than 4

Beginning your journey with SFU Co-op can seem daunting at first, especially if you start with an 8-month Co-op but don't be afraid of it! Check out these benefits you'll get from doing an 8-month Co-op rather than 4-months. 

a girl sitting on the floor with her arms and legs crossed
The Perks of Failure

We are often told to succeed, but what happens when we fail?  In this blog post, Amy shares her personal story of overcoming failure and how it might not be as terrible as it seems.

a lotus blooming
Understanding Sexual Violence: A Graduate Student's Perspective

Why is understanding sexual violence important as a graduate student? SFU PhD candidate, Aynsley Pescitelli, discusses some of the unique factors that create barriers to disclosure for graduate students. 

stack of books: "What is Sexual Violence?"
Understanding Sexual Violence: A Graduate Student's Perspective

Why is understanding sexual violence important as a graduate student? SFU PhD candidate, Aynsley Pescitelli, discusses some of the unique factors that create barriers to disclosure for graduate students. 

health peers head shot
What is Thrive Week? Reflections of a Health Peer

Two packs of fruit snacks and other ways to make someone's day - from Jan 22nd to 29th, students explored questions around mental health and actions for thriving during SFU Thrive Week.

Ali and her team on the soccer field
How I Ended Up Working for the BC Lions

Beedie Business student, Ali Najaf shares his extraordinary journey from not knowing anything about the Canadian Football League to working with one of their best teams - The BC Lions.

Christy at the balcony looking over the city at the TELUS location
More Than Just Marketing: Pursuing my Passion at Telus

Don’t limit yourself and be active in asking to take on projects beyond the job description. Here are some insights from Christy’s co-op at TELUS.

the author in his office
Rocking At Work Without Hitting Rock Bottom

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed in a new workplace. School of Interactive Art and Technology student, Jimmy Phung shares his tips for rocking at work, without hitting rock bottom.