Skip to main content
Communication, Art + Technology › Communication
Co-operative Education

empty
Headshot of Janvi

With the aim to engage in a variety of pursuits to determine my interests, I've done it all. From content writing and learning about social media marketing to developing my own portfolio, and submitting my work online to be published. I have also written technical documents, critical analysis papers, personal essays, and everything in between.

And based on my prior writing and learning experiences, I concluded that I am a strong writer who gravitates toward writing about subjects related to marketing and communications due to both my academic and personal interests in these fields.

Knowing what I wanted to specialize in allowed me to start making plans for my first Co-op term. In all honesty, getting your first Co-op term can be exciting and intimidating. However, with a little planning and effort, you can position yourself for success.

Here are some tips that helped me land my first Co-op term:
1. Early starts are best:

It's never too early to begin your Co-op job search. Begin by conducting research on companies and organizations in your field of interest, and then contact them to inquire about Co-op opportunities. Send out as many applications as you can. The more places you apply to, the better your chances of getting a job are. 

2. Link up:

Making connections is crucial when looking for an internship or a Co-op term. Get your name out there by visiting career fairs and networking with professionals in your field at events like these, as well as by asking your network for recommendations for jobs. The more connections you have, the more doors you can open for yourself that you might not have known existed otherwise.

3. Professionalism is key:

It's important to put your best foot forward when applying for jobs. This means having a cover letter that is well-written and professional, a resume that is clear and to the point, and the ability to communicate well in interviews. To demonstrate why you would be an asset to the team, you should come prepared to talk about your qualifications, experiences, and future plans. One thing I did to prepare for the interviews was to schedule a meeting with my Co-op Advisor to prepare. In addition, I researched sample basic and behavioral interview questions online. Finally, but certainly not least, I made sure I had read the job description before the interview.

4. Maintain a modicum of adaptability:

While knowing exactly what you want out of a Co-op placement is essential, keeping an open mind and being willing to learn from any experience is equally crucial. Be willing to consider jobs in different fields, locations, or different types of companies. You can never tell where an opportunity will lead you or what you'll learn in the process. I applied for the Technical Writer position, and to my surprise, I was interviewed despite having only a rudimentary understanding of the field. So do not hesitate to take chances!

5. Let's make the most of it:

Get the most out of your Co-op experience once you land one! Do not be afraid to try new things, to seek clarification, and to actively pursue ways to expand your knowledge and abilities. It is important to make the most of every opportunity that presents itself to you because participating in a Co-op is an excellent way to build your experience and your resume.

I have already finished my first semester working as an Internal Communications Assistant for the Communications and Marketing team at Simon Fraser University. And I cannot place enough emphasis on the things that I have learned thus far by being open to new opportunities and by seeking assistance when it is required.

Overall, it takes some work to land your first Co-op job, but the experience and skills you gain are well worth the effort. Get a head start, network, keep your cool, show some flexibility, and you will be well on your way to success!

In conclusion, my co-op experience was incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. The festive Christmas party named All that Glitters was a highlight of my time with the C&M team. Sparkles ruled the day, as you can see in the pictures!

Table decorated with cake and other desserts

Through working closely with my team, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and develop my professional skills. In addition to the wonderful Christmas parties and team bonding opportunities, I also had the chance to meet the president, Joy Johnson, during my time here. This was an incredibly valuable experience for me. This picture shows me and my teammates (all nervous and excited at the same time) standing by Joy.

Janvi along with a few other students standing outside with an SFU sign in the background

Also, I had the exhilarating opportunity to be featured in a video for SFU's forthcoming big project. Participating in this was a thrilling experience that enabled me to display my proficiency and imagination in an exceptional and captivating manner. Here is me facing the lights and camera for the first time! In all honesty, I didn't have the guts to see the end result, but I have no doubt I had a good time working on it.

A photographer holding a camera

I am grateful for the chance to have been a part of this amazing team and for the support and guidance that I received from my colleagues and mentors throughout my work term here. Here is my awesome Internal C&M Team.

An online meeting where 7 people can be seen
Co-operative Education

Posts by Author

A pen over a paper with the Fraser Institute logo
Blog
Employer Feature: An Interview With The Fraser Institute's Senior Manager, Development Events

Meet Danielle Fleck, the Senior Manager of Development Events at Fraser Institute. In this quick Q&A, Danielle discusses the benefits of having an intern at the organization, the growth of the interns they hired and how the organization made the interns feel comfortable in their position.

Laptop on a desk next to a plant
Blog
Learning on the Job without an Expert to Guide You

I was the only communication person in my department; there were no experienced communicators to work closely with and learn from. I thought this situation would limit my room to learn, but surprisingly I gained valuable experiences and exercised skills that I didn't expect.

Anik standing outside in front of trees
Blog
A Q&A with a MA Political Science Co-op Student

Meet Anik Ahmed, an SFU Master of Political Science Co-op student. In this quick Q&A, Anik shares a bit about his co-op experience. Keep on reading as Anik shares his co-op's workplace culture, his employer and how he got the unique experience of travelling to Victoria.

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections, Professional Development, Career Exploration, Seeking, Work Term Extension

author, courtney, smiling
A Second Term in Government: More of the Same?

Having completed my first work term for Health Canada as a Communications Officer Intern, I was eager to try something new, and the government was not where I believed that was going to happen. That is until I was offered a position at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada...

tower in ottawa
Increasing Your Chances of Working for the Government

With the stability and the opportunities that a government position provides, it’s not surprising that a lot of students are interested with working for the government. The What Can I Do in Government session gave students an opportunity to network with a panel consisting of alumni, current students and managers who are experienced in working for the public sector. Read on for some insights and tips that the panelists provided!

a portrait image of a woman smiling and looking into a distance
Self Discovery

In the changing labour market there are increased opportunities for seeking your own Co-op placement through a Self-Directed Work Search. In this 3 steps blog series by our career advisor Heather Williams, learn about how to successfully conduct self-directed work search from self-discovering to landing an informational interview.

You Might Like These... Seeking

The Eiffel Tower
Travel Your Career

Who doesn’t love travelling? Summer is just around the corner and with that comes the time to make our travel plans a reality. Have you ever thought about travelling as a way to boost your career?

Mark Thompson head shot
Making the Most of the Co-op Experience: The Case for a Diversified Co-op Portfolio

Ever wonder what type of factors you should take into consideration when seeking out Co-op placements? Mark reflects on his rewarding Co-op journey to make some recommendations on how to best take advantage of the Co-op program!

Gloria Lai looking at the mountain view in Hong Kong
Table for One Please!: Solo Travelling Abroad

Have you ever considered travelling alone? Does it make your nervous? Well, you are not alone. There are many benefits to travelling alone and what better way to experience another country and culture than through a short-term International Co-op term? Read on to learn some tips & tricks when travelling alone.