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Natalie
The Panel Interview: 5 Things You Should Know

When you think of an “interview”, do you normally think of a one on one interview? That’s what I used to think of.  However, as a co-op student you might experience panel interviews.  Read on to find out what you should know before a panel interview.

Image of author standing beside another woman. They are standing in front of a black and white background which has the text "Diversity means..." written on a white with black ink.
Should You Do a Co-op Term with the Feds? (The Answer is Yes)

Emily recounts her co-op term working with the Feds at Service Canada.

Image of Author. Se is smiling at the camera and is wearing black shirt and black coat. The title of the blog is printed on the left of her image.
7 Ways Internships are Like All You Can Eat Buffets

Working in many different Co-op positions can be analogous with sampling everything at an all you can eat buffet. You see some things that really catch your eye, and some things you know you absolutely won’t like. But the fact of the matter is, you probably won’t know exactly what every single dish will taste like until you opt in to trying it. With Co-op, it’s much the same – you probably have an idea of what you want to do, but trying something entirely new might surprise you and pique your interest for future career options.

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Diary of a Job Fairy: My Co-op Term at the CRA

Some people dream of having a career in the public service but what is it like to be the person making those dreams come true? Go behind the scenes with Rebecca and read about her experience working as a Staffing Assistant at the Canada Revenue Agency!

South Korea
The Best of Studying Abroad in South Korea

Are you on the fence about studying abroad? Fourth year business student, Vivyn Zhou shares how an international exchange in South Korea impacted her, and why you should consider applying too.

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From Classroom to Office: 3 Ways to Ease the Transition From Student to Staff at SFU

So you’ve just landed your Co-op position at SFU. You’re excited, and eager to get going – but somewhere along the way, you might notice that working at your home school and studying there can be an entirely different experience. Sally Arang shares her tips on how to make the transition from a student to an employee of SFU as seamlessly as possible. 

Seoul
Why I Took the Leap and Applied to Live and Teach in Korea

Like many others, as a senior student, Joyce was still unsure of what direction she would take towards her future career. Teaching, lab work, and academia were all possibilities. How does one decide? Read Joyce's article on why she chose to live and teach in Korea!

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5 Tips on Expanding your Responsibilities and Taking Initiative on Your Work Term

During their second co-op work term, Emily learned many ways to take on a larger workload and add new skills to their resume. Here are five tips to take initiative in the work place in order to better both your own and your employers' experience. Taking on new and different tasks at work can improve your team productivity, increase what you take away from the term, impress your supervisor, and make your days go by more quickly. 

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Reconciliation at INAC: Towards a Renewed Relationship with Indigenous Peoples

As someone who has always been passionately engaged with both political and social issues, a job with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada checked two very important boxes. Little did I know, it would teach me much more than I could have ever expected. 

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Choosing Whether to Extend Your Co-op Placement? 6 Tips to Help You Make the Decision

A couple months into your Co-op placement and your manager comes up to you and asks you to stay and work with them for another semester? What do you do? If you’re having a hard time deciding, Michelle Raine is here to offer her six tips in helping you decide whether or not to take that extension.

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Work at One of the Big Four Accounting Firms: PwC

Ever wondered what it would be like working for one of the big four accounting firms? Cameron shares his insight into working for PwC and their Audit and Assurance division, including key responsibilities and advice to help you succeed!

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Getting the Most Out of Your Work Term: Nine Tips for Success

Jordan began his co-op at TELUS with a limited skillset and a lack of experience. Eight months later, he left TELUS with more than he could have imagined. In this blog post, he shares nine tips that helped him find success during his work term. 

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Making Wild Ducks Fly: IBM Extreme Blue Internship

Do you thrive on innovation and creativity? Enjoy developing ground-up software solutions? If so, IBM’s Extreme Blue internship is for you. It is where business, innovation, research, and software development meet to provide solutions to satisfy business needs. Read on to learn about Warunika’s experience as an Extreme Blue intern in software development.

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An Interview with Alley Theatre

The Professional Development Coordinator at SFU's School for the Contemporary Arts interviews Daniel Arnold and Marisa Emma Smith from Alley Theatre about the company, their interest in working with students and advice for emerging artists.

Image of the Author during the Internship
Six Reasons Why We Like Research

The department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK) will be hosting its 8th Annual Research Day on Friday, March 31. Twelve BPK undergraduate students were asked a simple question: What do you like about research? After compiling all of their responses, I present to you six reasons why we like research!

Ellen Lu at work
5 Important Lessons I Learned From My First Co-op

Nervous about your first co-op job? Don’t be! These five tips will help prepare you for success and boost your confidence levels in no time. Keep calm & read on!

Acupuncture
IMS: A Beacon of Light for Petite Prospective Physiotherapists

Have you thought about physiotherapy as a career option, or as part of your plan to rid your body of aches or pains? This article focuses on my own personal experiences with Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) at my co-op placement, and how it has affected my back pain as well as my future in physiotherapy. 

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10 Tips for Working with Seniors

For some, seniors can be intimidating and difficult to work with. However, after working as a Student Kinesiologist with 6-8 different clients on a daily basis, Matthew has compiled a list of 10 tips and tricks to help anyone working with seniors in any context, not just kinesiology.  

Image of the Author during the Internship
What Does a Student Kinesiologist Do, Anyways?

Looking through co-op job postings and have no idea what a job as a Student Kinesiologist entails? I didn’t either. Now that I’ve worked as one, I’m here to shine some light on the subject. 

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From Retail to Public Servant: A Learning Curve

The RCMP is a sought out employer for criminology students. If your main experience to date is in the retail sector, then there is a lot to discover about interviewing and working in the Public Service. Danika shares her experience moving from retail to working for the RCMP. 

A student networking with another student
My Co-op Experience as an International Student

As an international student Ha Na had the reality of high tuition, no work experience and challenges in finding employment.  She decided co-op was the solution to learn professional work search skills and gain related employment while attending university.  She shares her challenges and successes along the way.

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5 Things Learned From Living & Working in Another Country

From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, Gary shares his experiences and lessons learned from when he lived and worked in the heart of Bavaria, Germany at the adidas Group global headquarters.

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Recruitment & Career Development: What Employers Want

Having been involved in recruitment and on-boarding processes, discussions with managers and engineering recruitment teams, I share my experiences in recruitment and career development to give you insight into what employers are looking for. 

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Videography: From Hobby to Career

Something that first starts out as a hobby may eventually grow into a highly tangible skill that is valued in the eyes of potential employers. For Jessica, she never considered her ability to create stories from videos would be good enough to pursue a career in it. But that all changed when Vancouver Coastal Health called and offered her a position as a videographer.

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SFU Joins National Conversation on International Learning Experiences for Students

SFU has joined the Canadian Bureau for International Education’s (CBIE) Learning Beyond Borders (LBB) initiative to inspire more students to take advantage of learning experiences in other countries. Learn more about this initiative and what is means for you! 

Testing Equipment
My Co-op Preventing Seniors from Falling

Every 10 minutes a senior is hospitalized from a fall—a preventable cause of injury and death among seniors. Megan joined the Fraser Health Patient Safety and Injury Prevention team as part of their multidisciplinary program to prevent seniors from falling. Continue reading to learn more about Megan's co-op experience! 

picture of mount fuji in the distance
Co-op in Japan: Traversing Cultures

After finishing two co-op semesters in Canada, Health Sciences student Samantha Lui wanted to take things farther and ventured off to Japan for eight months as a Research Assistant with the Kao Corporation. Find out how she successfully transitioned into a new environment whilst exploring every part of this exciting country.     

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5 Tips to Manage an Obsession with Emails

The distinct ping of a notification at work often leads to a reflexive action in many of us. Do it, check the email. Sasha Zalyvadna shares her experience on how to combat the need to check work emails more often than one probably should.

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Decision Support at Vancouver Coastal Health

Ever thought about working in Management Information Systems? Third year business student Vivyn Zhou shares her journey working for System Improvement in the Decision Support department at Vancouver Coastal Health. 

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Reasons to Apply to Companies You Have Never Heard Of

The job application process can be overwhelming, especially you are sifting through an extensive list of companies that you may have never heard of. Amy explains why you should take a chance with a smaller organization and the rewarding experiences that may come with it.

Image of the Author during the Internship
Back Pain Myth Busters and Spine Hygiene

Do you do sit-ups and crunches to to either get or maintain that six-pack? This article sheds light on why learned habits such as this are detrimental for your back health. In addition, I discuss “Spine Hygiene”, which refers to the daily maintenance of the spine as necessary to prevent back issues.  

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SFU’s Big Secret: A Look into My Summer Working for the University

Find out more about my co-op job as a Research Assistant for SFU and discover how Lauren learned to navigate the data, politics and presentations to appreciate a side of the university students don’t normally get to experience. 

Tegan kayaking with a co-worker
Conservation, Kayaks and Turtles

For her second co-op, Environmental Science student Tegan Gallilee-Lang ventured out to the Greater Vancouver Zoo to assist the Fraser Valley Wetlands Wildlife Project. Read about her adventures on the job and her new animal friends!

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A Date With Myself: How I’m Surviving Burnout

Striking a balance between work and life is a difficult task for anyone regardless of their profession. Katerina explains how her desire to work overtook her personal life and she has some tips for making sure burn out doesn’t creep up on you.

 

Image of the Author during the Internship
It’s Part of My DNA: An Interview with Amber Funk Barton

An interview with the artistic director of a contemporary dance company. Brittany speaks to Amber about her upcoming solo work, past work and background in dance, thoughts on opportunities for emerging dancers, and more!  

Scott Beaupré smiling portait
The Unconventional Job Hunt: Creating Your Own Co-op Opportunities

In five years at SFU, engineering physics undergrad Scott Beaupré landed three co-op job positions and four research projects without ever dropping off a résumé. Find out how! 

Toronto Landscape
My Transition to Toronto: A Guide for Students Going Away for Co-op

Planning upfront saves you from last minute hustles. This article will prepare you for co-op in a city outside Vancouver where new opportunities and variable threats are waiting.

Dancing Practice
Reflecting on My Internship & Interviewing a Professional Dancer

Interning with a contemporary dance company was one of the best choices I made in my degree. After participating in a performance/installation, I met with one of the professional dancers in the production to talk career, personal strategies, and the ins and outs of the dance community in Vancouver.

A surfer on the beach near Tofino
Fishing for Experience

Spend your summer in one of the most vibrant and popular tourist destinations in BC! Make a difference in the operation and performance of a small company, and grow your entrepreneurial skillset in a meaningful way by working for WardoWest in Tofino. 

Ottawa during sunset
How to Capitalize on the Capital: My Insight into Ottawa

Moving to Ottawa enabled Melissa to grow in new ways, make lasting memories and provide insight into their career and life goals. This article provides steps to make your experience in Ottawa meaningful and will (hopefully) inspire you to make the move. 

Both authors standing in a booth showcasing their research with posters of super seniors in comic form, around them.
An Essential Guide to Healthy Aging | Part Two

Want to know the secrets of living a long, healthy life? Find out what makes someone a Super Senior in Part 2 of Monique and Olivia’s co-op story as they share what was learned from these amazing individuals and their Essential Guide to Healthy Living, so you too may become a Super Senior!

Both authors standing in a booth showcasing their research with posters of super seniors in comic form, around them.
An Essential Guide to Healthy Aging | Part Two

Want to know the secrets of living a long, healthy life? Find out what makes someone a Super Senior in Part 2 of Monique and Olivia’s co-op story as they share what was learned from these amazing individuals and their Essential Guide to Healthy Living, so you too may become a Super Senior!

Close up image of the Cancer Research Centre
An Essential Guide to Healthy Aging | Part One

Read Olivia and Monique's experience in conducting a Healthy Aging Study with Genome Sciences Centre (GSC).

 

 

Close up image of the Cancer Research Centre
An Essential Guide to Healthy Aging | Part One

Read Olivia and Monique's experience in conducting a Healthy Aging Study with Genome Sciences Centre (GSC).

 

 

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The Introvert’s Struggle: Conveying Your Ideas

You have ideas to share, but you can’t bring yourself to interject. Sound familiar? It might be a confidence issue, fear of being wrong, or an unwillingness to seem impolite. Even though conveying your ideas can seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. Read about Chantel's journey with public speaking in this article. 

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Working in the Public Service: 3 Key Realizations

Curious about what it's like working in public service? Joseph breaks down his role as the Web Communications Assistant for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Read on to learn about his experience.

Image of the Author during the Internship
Learning to Teach and Not Just Treat Patients

As a Laser Therapist/Clinic Office Assistant, Kim discovered that learning occurs every day and everywhere. Not only did she apply knowledge from school, but researched and learned about the different patient conditions she treated, teaching patients about their conditions and care. Read on to find out about her co-op experience. 

Christopher and his coworkers holding up a jersey
Working for Your Passions | Part One | An Idea and a Hope

Christopher used to think success depended on the separation of personal and professional passions. That was until he did a self-directed co-op term in Brazil researching some of the most successful soccer clubs. Follow him as he prepares to embark on his journey to Brazil. 

A photo of the author in front of a beach in Sao Paulo
Working for Your Passions | Part Two | Arrival and Research in Brazil

In part two of Christopher's Brazillian co-op story, he arrives in São Paulo feeling overwhelmed. This all changes as he carries out his research, realizing something very powerful about the connection many Brazilians have to the sport of soccer.  

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My Time as a Safe Software Co-op

What do Dungeons & Dragons and whitewater rafting have to do with software development? Aidan did an 8-month co-op work term at Safe Software where he participated in many such team building activities. Here, he discusses Safe's amazing work culture and shares thoughts from his experience. 

Author standing in front of mountainous background
Things You Learn Journeying (Close) to the Top of the World

Nowhere are the dire effects of climate change more apparent than in the Arctic. Join Sarah as she recounts her 3-week expedition at the top of the world and the 3 invaluable life lessons learned along the way. 

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Your First Day: Preparation Timeline

Congrats! You’ve landed that job you worked so hard to get. Now what? Here's a guide with tips on how to to prepare for your new co-op term!

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Alumni Spotlight: Almira Bardai, the Globetrotting Communicator

A globetrotting communicator, Almira Bardai is a PR and communications professional with over 17 years of experience in the field working all over the globe from Vancouver to Australia. Read on to learn more about her journey!

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My Journey of Indigeneity (From a Non-Indigenous Perspective)

In this blog, I take you through my personal life story from immigrating to Canada, working and living in a rural First Nations community, to finding a sense of belonging and a second identity, which has forever changed the way I will view the world.