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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
A person receiving a certificate
Will a Certificate Help You STAND OUT?

Thinking about taking a certificate program? Wondering how additional certification could help you in your career? If so, this article is for you.

shaking hands, passing a diploma
Will a Certificate Help You Stand Out?

Thinking about taking a certificate program? Wondering how additional certification could help you in your career? If so, this article is for you.

A student and CEO holding a large cheque
Spend the Day with a Top Canadian CEO

An opportunity to gain unforgettable real world experience, CEO 1 x Day is a chance to step into the shoes of one of Canada's most influential leaders. The application period begins, September 28, 2017.

A photo of the author in a lab
Formalized Curiosity: My Research Experience in Reproductive Medicine

Are you a Health Sciences student, fascinated by Reproductive Medicine and Clinical Research? So is Miranda! In this article, Miranda shares her experiences working for a Fertility Centre as a research assistant, and all that she learned along the way. 

A photo of Ashley Fraser
The CBC Radio Peter Gzowski Internship: An Interview with Ashley Fraser

Communications Co-op student, Ashley Fraser, spent the summer interning at CBC Radio as part of the coveted Peter Gzowski Internship Program. Ashley shares how she got there and her advice for students pursuing careers in journalism. 

two people in the middle of an interview with the focus on the employer
Employers are Out There, and They are Looking for YOU

We are all used to hearing of the impossibility of finding a career after university, and that our degree alone is not a golden ticket to landing that dream job after graduation. While it can seem like a daunting task to find work experience, it may be easier than you think.

A photo of Adam Bignell
My First Software Dev Position: What It’s Like To Be a Co-op at Safe

Adam Bignell shares his experience from an eight-month co-op with Safe Software Inc. A co-op term spent developing support for raster and point cloud, but with an added dose of team-building and foosball to balance out the workload.

Team guardian flying a drone
The Far-Ranging Effects of Co-op Connections

Vadim shares how proactively building connections in the workplace helped fund his capstone and pivot his career.

The author in front of a white temple
How Co-op Took Me Across the World to a Rural City in Southern India

My first co-op position took me halfway across the globe to a rural town in India. Although there are many events that stand out in my life, none compare to this extraordinary and life-changing experience.

A picture of the author in front of the health clinic
Spring “Camping” in Nepal

On placement with Partnership for Sustainable Development in Kathmandu, Nepal, Health Sciences students Marie Purificacion and Tessa Leyland decided to extend their contribution to a community in need and enrich their learning experience, by raising resources for a Free Health Camp. 

Photo of the author at the Hootsuite office
Designing in Phases

Shipping a product isn’t as simple as proposing a new idea or a new design. Careful consideration is given to how a project is approached by developers, users, and other key stakeholders. Amanda shares the importance of designing in phases and the considerations she took working as a UX designer.

Students in the TaLK program
Student Life vs. Teaching Life: And Everything in Between

This is the story of how one Psychology and Criminology student went from being a diligent undergraduate at SFU to a fun-loving English teacher in South Korea. Read Queenie's story to learn more about how you can Teach and Learn in Korea, too!

Graphic
What to Do if You've Made a Bad First Impression

First impressions are given a lot of stock in the professional world. But what do you do if you've made a bad one? Learn how to recover gracefully with these tips. 

Photo of author
Four Tips for Students Thinking of Pursuing International Co-op in Japan

Are you thinking about traveling to Japan for international co-op? Here are some tips that may help you kick start your journey.

A photo of the author
Discover Your Leadership Potential in Passport to Leadership

Looking for an opportunity to boost your personal development at SFU? Look no further - Passport to Leadership will help you maximize your leadership potential, and is available to all SFU students! Read Zahraa's story for more insight.

The author working with a physiotherapy patient
Extroverted Introvert: When You Love Helping People – But Not Too Much

While Katherine was seeking for her second co-op, she ofter wondered: "what kinds of jobs out there could make both my extraverted and introverted sides happy? Is there even a job that has a balance of both components that would allow me to thrive?" When applying to TeamWell Health, Katherine didn’t have many expectations, and surely did not expect that the job would be the perfect fit.

A photo of Lindsey Wu
Don’t Worry About Being a Small Potato

When you’re starting off in a new workplace, it can be daunting talking to people who carry the title of CEO, director, and everything in between. While you may feel like a small potato compared to the big spud, it’s important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere. Lindsay shares her story on why your future self will thank you for building your connections early on through Co-op.

Three people in Deloitte tshirts
Finding Delight at Deloitte

Endless mountains of food? Check. Colleagues to play Pokemon Go with? Check. A pile of daunting audit work to get through? Check. Was it worth it? Read Wee Nie Tham's article to find out about their experience at Deloitte, in Malaysia!

Man standing in front of room giving a presentation while his audience raise their hands up to answer a question
3 Steps for Cultivating Leadership on Your Resume

The term leadership has become a buzzword when describing one’s abilities and skillsets, but leadership is an imperative skill that can give you a competitive edge. Matthew offers three ways to convey this skill to employers when looking for work. 

photo of author smiling while holding a pipette and a test tube, working in a lab
The Proverbial Foot in the Door | Part One

Feeling stuck on the outside of the job market looking in? Need experience for a job but a job for experience? Read how one Master of Resource Management candidate made his way out of “the trap”.

Photo of author standing in front of the Canadian flag
Working at BC Housing as a Co-op Student

Ever wonder what it’s like to work for a crown corporation? Read on to see what it has been like for 4th year Business student, Kathy Lee, who is completing an 8-month co-op term as an Engagement Assistant with BC Housing.

A photo of Natasha Kothary
How to Be Taken Seriously In a Professional Environment When You Look Like a Child

Going into your new Co-op position, the last thing you want to hear is, “Are you even old enough to be working.”  How do you get the point across that you’re a capable professional with a lot to offer? Natasha has you covered. 

Photo of Alexandra Lukac
In the Absence of Clarity, Take Action

Fourth year, Kinesiology student, Alexandra Lukac, shares how taking action allowed her to navigate her co-op journey. 

Tatum Miller coaching hockey
Early Departures: A Canadian Co-op Experience in China

My passion for hockey has brought me to China to coach hockey for the summer. From Ottawa to China, SFU Co-op has helped me explore my interests and expand my learning while giving me skills, practical work experience and an opportunity to travel.

Jennifer To
Laser Beams and Spinal Hygiene

Jennifer landed their first ever co-op placement as a Chiropractic Assistant and Laser Technician. Now, you may be asking what exactly is a ‘Laser Technician’ and how are lasers related to chiropractic? Moreover, what on earth does hygiene have to do with our spines and why is this important for rehabilitation? Read on to find out!

Decision
To Extend Your Co-op or Not: A Guide for Making the Decision

As a co-op student, one of the toughest decisions you will make is whether to extend your contract or to go back to school. In this blog, I provide a detailed guide to help you decide whether to extend, or not to extend.   

a person holding their own showing their Instagram against a cosmopolitan backdrop
Using Social Media as Your Portfolio

Do you know absolutely nothing about social media? Want to ensure that you are on the right track to proper social media management? If you answered yes to either or both questions above, have no worries! Keep on reading to learn how to use social media to your advantage. 

Six people posing for a photo at Fusion Festival
Fusion Festival

Imagine visiting Japan, India, Ireland and many other iconic countries all from the comfort of a local neighborhood park. Fusion Festival, allows thousands of locals and out of province guests to experience different cultures, art, musical extravaganzas right in the heart of Surrey. 

Feyijimi Folarin at his work space
My Evolution Through Co-op

Before my first co-op, I had a similar resume to most of my classmates. We had all taken the same courses and worked on the same projects and labs. After co-op, I had a unique set of skills and experiences that differentiated me from my classmates which made me stand out to future employers.

Photo of Anna Wolff
Finding That Work Culture Fit

Before hitting submit on that job posting, you may be asking yourself: “Would I blend well with the culture and dynamic of this organization?” For Anna, this question was the ultimatum that steered her away from pursuing a more structured marketing position. Instead, she accepted an opportunity with Silverstring Media. Here, she found her niche creating illustrations for independent media that strongly aligned with her own values and beliefs.