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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
Volunteering as a Creative banner
Volunteering as a Creative

There are many creative endeavors that an SFU student can pursue (either as professional or as a hobbyist) ranging from Graphic Design, Web Design, Photography, Film, and so forth.

Clubs day
Why Should I Join A Club?

Student clubs are a great way to get involved with the campus community! Loren shares her views on why you should join one ASAP!

Picture of a building with the Canadian flag and a sign that says Canadian Revenue Agency
A Day in the Life of a Taxpayer Services Agent at CRA

Haqikat is a fourth year Business student who worked at Canada Revenue Agency for co-op.  Haqikat shares what training and a typical day looks like as a Taxpayer Services Agent. 

A photo of the author smiling
The Secret to Securing Your First Co-op Term: A Reflection On My First Co-op Search And How I Landed My Dream Placement

Kelly is a Communications Co-op student who landed her dream job. She shares how she did this with 5 tips!

Image of Author - she is smiling at the camera
Surviving the Aftershock of the 9-5: 5 Tips to Transition from Student to Professional Life
5 Tips on making the adjustment from the student schedule to that of a budding, young professional.
SFU K.STORM Logo
SFU K.STORM

Want to get involved with clubs on-campus? Emily takes a look at K-Storm, a club promoting involvement in Korean Culture to SFU students!

Icons of Facebook
Application Review

Ever wondered what it would be like to be interviewed by Facebook?  Bradley Sutherland, a recent graduate from SFU’s Interactive Arts and Technology and a specialist in interactive design, was selected to be interviewed by the social media giant.  Bradley shared this 3 part interview experience with the OLC.

Portrait of children posing for the picture
Celebrating Education with the Nisga'a

I had the pleasure of attending Nisga’a Ts’amiks graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 31, 2014 and to meet SFU’s new director of the Indigenous Student Centre.

Kiran smiling
Great Minds Think Tech: Kiran Basra at Electronic Arts

For Kiran Basra, senior Communication Co-op student, working at Electronic Arts was a unique experience from the get-go. Between re-constructing her job description and fine-tuning her marketing analytics skills on-the-job, Kiran has re-defined what Communication Co-op students can accomplish. 

two computer screens showing a portfolio
Portfolio Review

Ever wondered what it would be like to be interviewed by Facebook?  Bradley Sutherland, a recent graduate from SFU’s Interactive Arts and Technology and a specialist in interactive design, was selected to be interviewed by the social media giant.  Bradley shared this 3 part interview experience with the OLC.

Elinor McNamee-Annett at her workstation
It’s All Related

Elinor worked in the External Relations Department of Parks Canada and explains how this was the right choice for her as an International Studies student.

group of colleagues sharing advice
Advice from an Arts Co-op Student: Alison Tan

Meet Alison Tan, a fourth year student who has completed three co-op terms. She shares her experiences with the co-op program.

Aayla Umar on service at the CBSA
Enforcing Soft Skills

Meet “Student Border Services Officer (SBSO) Umar”, who shares what her co-op was like at the Canada Border Services Agency.

Stacked paperwork showcasing a high caseload
Learning in Shifts

Jaclyn Marshall shares why students considering a career in law enforcement should consider working for the RCMP as a co-op position.

Ronald Yeung at his workstation
Safeguarding Canadians

Ronald spent his co-op working at the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy and describes the importance and benefits of working in the public sector. 

Picture of Science World and its reflection on False Creek
How Do Snakes Poop? And Other Curious Questions a Science Facilitator Co-op Student Could Ask You

For her first co-op, SFU Biology and English student Kristina Charania headed to the heart of Vancouver to work as a Science Facilitator at Science World for four months. Read all about her co-op adventures and challenges under the dome!

Picture of a poster on the wall
The Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia

The Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia (NCCABC) provides culturally appropriate services to aboriginal people and communities consistent with their needs. 

A clip art image of three faceless people standing next to each other. A person in the middle has a grey face and orange body, while the remaining people have an orange face and grey body.
Becoming the Leader You Want to Be

Whether in the workplace or at school, we’ve all come across difficult personality types. Read on to find out how you can turn those interactions into positive experiences.

a computer screen showcasing a man holding binoculars with Facebook icons as the lens
Interview with a Recruiter

Ever wondered what it would be like to be interviewed by Facebook?  Bradley Sutherland, a recent graduate from SFU’s Interactive Arts and Technology and a specialist in interactive design, was selected to be interviewed by the social media giant.  Bradley shared this 3 part interview experience with the OLC.

Emily
Think Co-op Isn't For You? 4 Excuses You Need to Burn Right Now

As Emily Taylor, a senior Communication Co-op student says, "Reality check: a degree doesn’t guarantee a job. Vancouver communications, marketing and writing jobs aren’t waiting for you in the stands at Convocation. You’ve got to hunt for them, and Co-op is your open door. " Read on for compelling evidence of how Co-op can benefit you - regardless of what you've been led to believe!

Equality vs Justice
Sensitive Topics: White Privilege

Acknowledging that white privilege exists is the first step to equality and justice for all.

Natalie, author, smiling
Making the Most of the End of Term Project

Co-op students are required to do either a project or presentation to complete their co-op requirements at the end of their work term.  As a communications student, Natalie did not know what to expect the first time she presented her PowerPoint presentation for her project.  Read on so you can have an idea of what to expect for yours!   

Engineer Designing Equipment
Engineering My Co-op Journey

In this article, Mehul shares his Co-op journey with us and let's us in on the secrets of getting a Co-op! 

Kettlebells at Kiki's Gym
My Co-op Experience with Performance Institute

"What do you want to do with your degree?” It’s not a simple question, but the place you find your answer can surprise you. Read as Kiki goes through her co-op experience to find out more.

Tauseef
Stepping in the Power Industry: Co-op with Hydro One

Tauseef Alwaris recently changed his major from “Electronics Engineering” to “high voltage Electrical Engineering” because of his various co-ops, speaking to different people, and his educational experiences.  He reflects and shares both how and why he decided to make this change and how Hydro One helped his decision.

A woman is arranging sticky notes on a whiteboard, while other people are working on their desks and looking at the whiteboard.
Top 5 Tips to Enhance Your Summer Break

Wondering what activities are available this summer to keep your brain busy while giving you a much needed break from school? Read on to learn the Top 5 Tips to enhance your summer break! 

Two people are holding hands.
Why Volunteering is Sometimes Better Than Working for Pay

Why work for free? Kim shares her thoughts on why volunteering can sometimes be better than working a paid job when it comes to career exploration! 

Two students are entering the office of SFU Career and Volunteer Services.
Reflecting on My Experience as a Career Peer Educator

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a Career Peer Educator? Find out what you can gain both personally and professionally! 

The image shows text that states, “Student Services Presents: Passport to Leadership."
Passport to Leadership – Starting Your Leadership Journey

Delivered over five different workshops (one every two weeks), Passport to Leadership aims to introduce students to basic leadership skills and show them the various ways to get involved around campus.

A woman getting a business card from employer
Top 5 Post Interview Tips to Land You the Job

Wonder how you can stand out against other candidates to land your perfect summer job? Check out the 5 post interview tips and tricks to help you leave a lasting impression with the hiring manager.