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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
Girl smiling
How Working in the Health Care Sector during a Pandemic Rekindled My Passion for Communication Work

Communication? What do you do in Communication? It wasn't until my Co-op term with Fraser Health that I started to gain a solid understanding of what a career in Communication could really encompass. Keep reading to learn about how working in the healthcare sector during a pandemic rekindled my passion for Communication work. 

Vancouver Biennale project under the Cambie Bridge
Working in the AR Industry as an App Designer

SIAT Co-op Student Michelle Illing talks about her work experiences at Vancouver Biennale and how the SIAT Co-op programs helped her during her work term

white desk with open laptop, computer mouse, phone, notebook, and plant
Non-Profit, Start-Up or Corporate: What's Right for You?

Co-op can be an overwhelming process. You are entering a trial adult experience where you look for and apply for jobs. But what do you do when you are scrolling through the long list of job postings and a wave of companies and organizations blind your eyes? Continue reading to learn about Carissa's experience working for a variety of industries. 

Photo of Novia Chen
Developing Feminist Narratives in Filmmaking

Dr. Novia Chen receives a doctoral degree in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies! Before joining GSWS, Novia worked as a film/video production instructor, filmmaker, and festival coordinator. She decided to pursue a doctoral degree to further inform the ways in which her position negotiates gender politics, representation, and feminist film criticism and theory. 

A woman studying on her laptop with notebooks open around her
Must Knows for Exam Prep

Final exams are the pinnacle of your semester, and they never get any easier to cram for. This blog post by the Student Learning Commons gives us some tips on how to prepare for the worst. 

 

Two girls kicking around a soccer ball on a soccer field.
Reasons Why You Should Join the SFU Recreation Promotions Team

Helping out the SFU Recreation team can come in many different forms! Read as Aleisha, a Promotions Assistant at SFU Rec, tells us about her role and why Promotions is a great team to partner with.

Four people sit around a table in business casual wear.
Value People as Much as You Value Your Work!

When a company invests in its people, the work experience can go from good to great. Roop Gill’s anecdotal piece on how she prospered in her co-op despite massive setbacks proves that there is nothing more valuable than workplace connection.

A stethoscope resting next to an open laptop.
How I Created My Own Co-op Opportunity and How You Can Too

Interested in self-directed Co-ops and want to know more? Read on as Jessica shares her experience creating a self-directed Co-op at TELUS and gives advice that can help make your work term run as smoothly as possible!

Photo of Jordan Eshpeter
Bringing Industry Experience to your Studies

Jordan shares his thoughts on his SIAT experience after coming back to university as a member of the industry.

Photo of Isabelle Soares
Convocation Spotlight: Isabelle Soares

Isabelle Soares is a stand-out SIAT student who is graduating this week with a Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Arts & Technology. During her time as a SIAT student, Isabelle was involved in the IAT student union and took part in an internship at LinkedIn where she was placed on the LinkedIn Learning Enterprise Growth team.

A portrait of Marilyn sitting outside with a cup in her hand.
Meet Marilyn Brimacombe: CMNS Co-op Student Shares Experience Working at FCAT and the Parkinson Society BC

Communication student Marilyn Brimacombe talks about her time at Parkinson Society and FCAT, and how she used Communications skills to her advantage.

5 people waiting to go into an interview
How I Found a Self-Directed Co-op in the Non-Profit Industry with No Experience

This article outlines my tips for those looking to find their own self-directed co-op and break into the non-profit industry with no experience.

A picture of Terae with the Zoom interface at the bottom.
Working in a Virtual World: How to Participate in Online Meetings

Even as the pandemic subsides, remote and online learning has become our new reality and that can take some adjusting to. OLC staff member Terae’s piece on Online Meeting Etiquette has you covered on where to sit, what to say, and how to look professional doing it. 

A person laying on the couch sleeping.
How to Nap for University Students

Sometimes a well-timed nap can mean the world to a tired student. Read on to see the ins and outs of napping at SFU and what's your best bet at at-school slumber.

A picture of Alan in front of a Fraser Health COVID-19 VACCINATION poster.
How to Make a Difference While Working in Health Care

Do you want to make a difference in your community? Are you interested in working in health care for your co-op work term but don’t know if you have what it takes? Read about the skills Alan found helped him have a successful work term in health care.

A collage of three pictures - one of a kayaker on the water on the right, a portrait of Justin in the middle, and a desk overlooking a mountain on the right.
Immersing Myself in a Work Culture Dedicated to Health and Wellness

With a lot of us working at home, looking after our health becomes a high priority. Check out Justin’s post about how his workplace extended a helping hand and how it affected him and his work positively. 

A flyer advertising the West Coast Virtual Fair
Discover Your Future at the West Coast Virtual Fair

Calling all students and alumni! Get inspired by this interview with Jocelyn Loi, who created the virtual fair!  

Four people are gathered around a sitting person, who is laughing and writing.
Getting Feedback for Your Writing

One of the hardest parts of the writing process is getting and implementing feedback. This post from the Student Learning Commons gives a few different ways to get helpful writing feedback and how to know where to get started.

Abstract art of business and fun cartoon man
Protecting Work-Life Balance when Working in Non-Profit

“Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life” has been attributed to several thinkers: Confucius, Mark Twain, and Marc Anthony. Regardless, this sentiment is unrealistic.

A group of people sitting in front of a stage with a Welcome banner on the side.
Advice for Your First Semester at SFU

It’s that time of year again! OLC staff member Terae Walters reminisces on past school years and tells us about her tips for sailing through the first year.

View of Dusseldorf, Germany at sunset
Building Bilateral Relationships: International Co-op in Germany During a Pandemic

Though a move across the world during a pandemic was daunting, I was comforted by my German language ability, my experience having spent time in the country, and the strong co-op support team that stood behind me. 

A single runner on between a tree-lined road.
How to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse: 4 Tips to Get You Started with Running

Running is great for your cardiovascular health, but it's not easy to get motivated if you're new to the sport. Read Rachel's post on SFU Rec to find some tips on how to build motivation before putting on the running shoes. 

Portrait of Audrey
Economics Grad Enhances Her SFU Experience Through Experiential Learning and Community Engagement

SFU Economics Grad Audrey Radstake reflects on her time in Economics, her favourite courses, and how her Co-op terms have already started affecting her future. 

girl sitting in front of laptop and computer monitor screen with emails open
4 Reasons Why You Should Do Your Co-op with the SFU Co-op Program

Wondering what's it like to do a Co-op term with Co-op? If so, check out Sarah's experience working as the Digital Design and Communications Assistant for the SFU Surrey Co-op Programs, where she had had the opportunity to work with four different Co-op programs!

A cartoon image of a woman doing a sit-up in a living room
7 Ways to Add Fitness to Your Routine

Are you trying to put wellness into your routine and not quite sure where it fits? This article by SFU Recreation tells you some tips and tricks on finding ways to get started

The staff of Streamline Athletics and Moment Energy pose for pictures
Two SFU Emerging Tech Companies Among New Ventures BC Top 10

Two SFU-Alumni founded companies, Moment Energy and Streamline Athletes, are SFU’s Coast Capital Savings Venture Connection incubator startups at the Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship this year! Read on to see how each company was formed and what the future looks like. 

Terae standing in front of a field, holding an umbrella.
How I Succeed as a Woman in a Male-Dominated Field

Behind every career is a story with its own victories and challenges. OLC staff member Terae tells her story to us and goes into why being in a creative field as a woman has its own unique problems and how she found strategies to overcome them.

Picture of Ivan standing in front of a memorial.
5 Myths About a Federal Government Co-op that You Need to Know!

What comes to mind when you hear someone say, “I work for the federal government”? Let’s be honest, if you have never had a job in this sector, those words may sound intimidating, intense, and kind of complex. There are quite a few misconceptions about what kind of jobs there are in this field and what kind of benefits they can bring.

Red banner with 3 student pictures on the right. Text on the left saying "Arts Co-op Alumni Q&A" and "wonder where SFU arts co-op can take you? Read about Asia, Dion, and Yee-Ting's experiences".
Arts Co-op Alumni Q&A Session

Wondering where your arts degree can take you, and how SFU Co-op can help you get there? In March 2021, we hosted a Q&A session with three seasoned SFU Arts Co-op Alumni with a variety of Co-op experiences, where they shared their Co-op journeys and where they are now. Keep reading for their tips on being successful during and after their co-op terms. 

Three people on a Zoom call discussing a cosmetic product
Joanne Kim: Working in the Cosmetic Industry as a UI Designer

Ever wonder what it would be like to work in the cosmetics industry as a UI/UX Designer? If so, read more about Joanne's co-op experience with Three Ships Beauty!