Skip to main content

Anik standing outside in front of trees
Tell us a bit about your background. What program are you in?

I have a bachelor's and master’s in Public Administration and I'm currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Political Science.

What made you realize that your co-op position was a great fit for you?

With a keen interest in working in the public sector, I focused my co-op search on finding a placement in a public service agency. Thankfully, I was offered a position at the Ministry of Health in the Province of British Columbia, which was the perfect fit for my career aspirations. Moreover, the team I joined was involved in a data analysis project that required skills and experience I had gained in a previous job in my home country, Bangladesh. Given my passion for public service and relevant background, it became clear that this co-op position was an ideal opportunity for me.

What was the workplace culture like?

During my co-op job, I felt like an integral part of the team, rather than a mere newcomer. My team's strong emphasis on social engagement was a key aspect of my experience, as we frequently organized events and spent time together outside of work.

What did the employer do to help you feel comfortable in your position?

My colleagues were incredibly approachable, and I never hesitated to ask them questions whenever I needed assistance. I was encouraged to share my opinions and ideas on various matters, and my input was even solicited on occasion. Overall, I felt like an active participant in the team and was grateful for the welcoming and collaborative environment that helped me succeed in my role.

You had a pretty unique experience where out of nowhere, you were asked to come to Victoria for your co-op experience. Can you tell us more about that and how your experience in Victoria ended up being?

When I received my job offer, I was informed that I would be required to work in-office at least three days a week, with limited option for remote work. At first, this requirement was daunting, as I had just settled into life in Vancouver and was unsure how to relocate to a new city. Thankfully, my co-op coordinator Brandy Welles helped me to adjust my mindset and consider moving to Victoria, which turned out to be the best decision I could have made. I arrived in Victoria during the summer, when the city is arguably at its most scenic, and eventually overcame any difficulties I faced in relocating. Looking back, I know that if I had not made the move, I would have missed out on a truly incredible opportunity.

Seeing how you being open minded and willing to travel to Victoria led to a great experience, what advice would you give students when it comes to being open minded?

In my own experience, I've found that being open-minded can lead to unexpected opportunities that might otherwise be missed. In my case not moving to Victoria would have meant missing out on a valuable opportunity to work in the public sector. Looking back, I am grateful for having been open to this different path, as it allowed me to gain a valuable experience that I would not have otherwise had in my life.

visibility  284
Feb 23, 2023

Posts by Author

Emma standing in front of the pond at SFU Burnaby
Blog
A Co-op Student’s Guide to Media Relations

Like many Communications students, I came into the School of Communication very interested in media; both studying it and working in it. I found it harder and harder to pinpoint where I could fit into it professionally as I learned more about it. What do you do when you’re interested in media, but not sure you want to work directly in media?

A phone on the home screen where the apps for Twitter, Facebook and Instagram can be seen
Blog
Tips for Effective Social Media Marketing

When promoting events and news on social media on behalf of a club, service, or business, the main goal is to get as many eyes as possible on the content. One of my tasks in my 8-month Co-op position was to post updates on their social media accounts, which includes job postings, upcoming events, and special announcements. Over these months, I was able to find useful strategies and tools to help me manage these profiles effectively and efficiently.

Co-op students standing outside around a sign that says "SFU"
Blog
Event Planning 101: 3 Tips for Planning an Event even Gen-Z’s will Enjoy

Coming into this Co-op position as an Outreach, Promotion, and Engagement Coordinator for SFU’s School of Communication, I was not expecting to gain any sort of event planning experience. Creating an event for our incoming students for Fall 2023, was a brand-new concept that flourished this semester.

You Might Like These... Academic Success, Convocation, Professional Development, Major Decisions, Life Experience, Community

Photo of Aleeze Asif
The Journey from Business to Arts

Aleeze reflects on a major career decision that led her to switch majors from Businesss to SIAT and how that positively affected her life.

Balloons floating in the sky
How my First Co-op Position Inspired me to Dream

As an undergraduate student who decided to switch my degree from Psychology to Communication on a whim, I was very nervous about my future career path, especially since I felt like I was the only person that had no big dreams in life. Therefore, I decided to apply to Co-op to start piecing together my goals and ambitions.

A laptop on a desk with a site containing different scenic images
What did I do to Extinguish my Co-op Nerves?

This was it. I finished writing my resumes, successfully passed the interview process, and accepted the job offer with cheers of joy. I told my mother with a large grin on my face, but in the midst of my excitement, my smile slightly lowered, and a wave of nervousness washed over me.

You Might Like These... Seeking

Headshot of Janvi
How To Land Your First Co-op

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.

Giulia standing in front of a window
Applying for Jobs Outside your Faculty: Low Risk, High Reward

Meet Giulia Crovini, an Economics Co-op student. In this quick Q&A, Giulia shares about her co-op experience. Specifically, she highlights the many benefits of applying for positions outside of your faculty.

A table decorated with a book and tablet with a pen hovering over
5 Social Media Branding Design Tips

Unlike designing a magazine cover or a poster that remains on the shelf for a period of time, social media content elevates the brand with a single post and catches the sight of the audience in less than a second. When the design space is just small square, there is only so much you can do, so with that in mind, here are five graphic design tips to make sure your branded social media posts are appealing and maintain a lasting impression about your brand