Skip to main content

Co-op Blogs

Blogs written by students & staff sharing tips and experiences

 Facebook icon LinkedIn icon Twitter icon
Prospective
New
Seeking
Working

Pitch A Blog

Have a great story to share?  Pitch it to our editors.

Learn More
People sitting in fold out chairs arranged in a large circle having a discussion
Wandering Through the Ridiculous Darkness

What one fourth-year student discovered while wandering through the Ridiculous Darkness, searching for the right path in life, theatre, and the pursuit of happiness.

Workplace
Stress in Workplace? Tips for Reducing it

It is easy to become stressed in an unfamiliar and fast-pace working environment, no matter which field you are in. Good strategies not only help you reduce your uncomfortable feeling, but also lead you to learn faster and work efficiently. I spent one year in OSI Maritime Systems as a mechanical engineering co-op student, and I have concluded 4 tips that are essential for anyone who struggling with stress at work!

Raman
Do You Fear Working in Software?

I used to be afraid of applying for software related co-ops, let alone working in software development/testing environments. In this article, I am going over my journey about how I overcame that fear and got into a software co-op.

The author stepping off a helicopter
76th Parallel North: An Incredible Summer with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Join Yee Ting on an adventure into the wilderness as they take us on an armchair journey into working with the INAC’s Resource and Land Management team. Read on to find out what Yee Ting's co-op position entails and how they gained real life experience in the field. 

Parliment Building Victoria
Pursuing Public Service: My Co-op Experience as an Employment Standards Officer

Criminology student, Tylor Mason, enjoyed his co-op with British Columbia's Employment Standards Branch so much that a four-month placement quickly turned into one year. Find out why, here. 

Comic of preparing for Co-op
Comic Guide: 5 Tips to Prepare for Co-op

Embarking on your first Co-op placement? Thinking of applying to the Co-op program? In this comic guide, Linnea offers five tips that will give you a fresh outlook on how to update your resume, build up the confidence to go on interviews, and set yourself up for success. You’ve got this! 

the streets of Ottawa
From West to East: Why Students Must Push Their Boundaries

When opportunities in Vancouver were slim, I took the chance of embracing an experience on the other side of Canada, and in the process gained experience, networks, and memories that defined my final summer of university.

portrait of the author laughing
“No Mom, I Am Not Wasting My Time!”

Read Lauren's story about why she decided to take a co-op position that is not directly related to her field of study and the benefits that came with it.  

the author conducting a water sampling in Katzie Slough, holding a sample bottle and smiling at the camera
Who, What, Where, When and Why? Working for a Non-Profit

To anyone out there considering working for a not-for-profit organization, I want to share the lessons I learned at Watershed Watch with you. 

girl smiling at Elim Village sign of two seniors
When Once Wasn’t Enough

If you are about to start applying for co-ops or trying to decide if another co-op term at the same organization is right for you, read about my experience of how a surprising situation can lead to a positive experience.

The author
Grow Beyond Your Job

If you want to extract every opportunity from your co-op term, take these proactive steps to grow professionally beyond your job title. 

The author and colleagues
Welcome Sessions, Onboarding, and the Handling of Snacks

Linh shares her experience working in the HR department of a biotech firm.

The author
Working for a Start-Up

See how I faced my fears and worked for a company I never would have imagined working for.

image of the author in front of her company
My Experience with Introversion and Impostor Syndrome

Keep on reading below to learn how I succeeded in my co-op term as an introvert and overcame my impostor syndrome.

The author working out at Fortius's gym
Redefining the Modern Internship: Where Work and Sport Intersect

My first Co-op was an invaluable experience as I dabbled in the world of social media marketing, blog writing, events management and much more!

The author is standing in front of a castle
Working in Germany with the International Paralympic Committee

Written during Liz's time at her international Co-op with the International Paralympic Committee, learn how it was a dream come true as it helped her grow both professionally and personally.

Photo of Zahra Haeri
MSE Grad Lands Plum General Motors Job

Mechatronic Systems Engineering graduate, Zahra Haeri, went in to interview for a co-op position at General Motors but left with an offer for a full-time permanent position. Read Zahra's story on moving from Iran, and the common ground between engineering and jiu-jitsu.

Photo of Kelly Furey
Co-op Experience Pays Career Dividends

Communications graduate Kelly Furey, shares how co-op helped her develop a career before graduation. 

The social
For the Blossoming Wallflowers: 3 Tips for Navigating the Workplace as an Introvert

Starting in a new workplace as an introvert can seem like a terrifying thing. Even though Camille would much rather hide behind the camera and observe, she knew that the easy way out doesn’t EVER produce the most growth and value. 

A photo of the author
The First 100 Days of Co-op

Congratulations! You got the job offer, but now what? The first 100 days of a new job are critical for your future success --  whether that means leading a project or simply showing your team that you are an eager learner. This blog will show you how to make the most of your first 100 days on the job. 

A group of friends posing for a photo
Keep Sight of Your Purpose

As many university students know, the start of many major projects begins with a very simple thing -- procrastination. And that is definitely what Jeremiah did before departing for their co-op term in South Korea. However, they soon found that when it comes to teaching you have to have a plan. Read Jeremiah's story to learn more about Teach and Learn in Korea!

A lab coat and financial accounting book
Benefits of Co-op for Joint Majors

When Tarnjeet Thandi would tell others about her joint major, they tended to wonder how Molecular Biology and Biochemistry could be related to Business Administration. Prior to joining co-op, Tarnjeet sometimes wondered the same. Read her story about clarifying career options through co-op. 

skyscrapers with the middle building having a Canada flag
Canadian Embassies and Consulates: An Interview with Alexander King

Landing an internship at an embassy is a dream come true for students interested in diplomacy, foreign policy, international trade and development. Students have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in dynamic, fast-paced, and highly rewarding environments, while learning from leaders in international relations.

The author looking at lab a sample through a microscope
Reflections of an SFU Epigenetics Research Assistant

Health Sciences student, Philipp Michaluk discusses the value of searching for co-op positions close to home from his experience as a research assistant at SFU's Epigenetics Laboratory. 

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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.

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”.

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. 

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!

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.

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.   

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.

Nathan Boey
How Asking Good Questions Can Advance Your Career

As a co-op student with little experience, it sometimes seems like all you are doing is asking questions. That is why it is important to make sure you are asking good questions. What are good questions? They are evidence of your thought process, ability to think outside of the box, and knack for problem solving. Read this article to learn more about what makes a question good, and how to make questions your competitive advantage.

A photo of the author in a field
How to Approach the World

On my first day of work, I woke up too early, rehearsed too much, and imagined too many scenarios which didn’t end up happening. I thought, “What if the students don’t listen to me? What if they don’t like my lesson? What if they don’t like ME!?” Looking back at my experience teaching English in South Korea, it’s funny to think that I began my new life plagued with all of these worries. 

The ICBC employees
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)

Interested in a career with a company who values your identity and culture?  A company who’s committed to a diverse workforce, while offering unique opportunities and professional growth.  A company who supports and encourages employees from a shared background and culture to help drive understanding, empathy and change.  If so, ICBC may be right for you.

Three people looking at a computer
[Indigenous Employer] ICBC

Interested in a career with a company who values your identity and culture?  A company who’s committed to a diverse workforce, while offering unique opportunities and professional growth.  A company who supports and encourages employees from a shared background and culture to help drive understanding, empathy and change.  If so, ICBC may be right for you.

The author inspecting a machine in the Tesla factory
The Manufacturing Challenge

It is not hard to produce a perfect car. The difficulty lies in manufacturing 100,000 cars exactly alike. Read about the challenge of manufacturing modern luxury vehicles at Tesla Inc. 

Mila Luong and elementary school students on Halloween
Let Me TaLK to You: Self-Discovery & Cultural Adaptation

Do you want to challenge yourself? If so, TaLK may be the right opportunity for you. Read about Mila's story on how the TaLk program transformed her perspective

The author at work
CA Technologies Revealed: What it’s Like to be a Co-op Student at One of the Most Innovative Companies

If I won’t be doing software engineering what will I be doing? A co-op term spent migrating a decade’s worth of data.

Photo of Mahsa Athari
Provincial and Regional Health Authorities – Two Unique Experiences

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work for a provincial or regional health authority? I turned my curiosity into two 8-month co-op terms with Provincial Health Services Authority, and Fraser Health Authority. This is my co-op story.

Image of Author. She is smiling at the camera and is wearing a white shirt and black coat.
Tackling the Application Process in the Federal Public Sector

Are you in the process of applying to a federal government co-op position but are unsure of what to expect or whether you’re on the right track? Check out these tips that Christie, a fourth year Criminology co-op student, has to offer after dedicating four of her work terms to various agencies within the federal public sector.

Image of the back of the head of an interviewee getting interviewed by a woman and a man.
The Interview Basics: 5 Simple Steps to Help You Prepare

Job interviews can be nerve-racking but with planning and preparation anyone can master the basic steps for interview success. Here are five tips to help you get ready.