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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
two girls sitting side-by-side, one frowning and the other smiling
Top 10: How NOT to Answer Interview Questions

You've likely received endless advice on how to prepare for an interview, and on just the right answers to give, so we're switching it up with 10 tips on how NOT to answer interview questions.

a birds eye view of a text saying "Passion Led Us Here" on the sidewalk
How I Put My Blogging Passion to Work

Natalie's been writing OLC blogs for awhile now, so she was excited to be able to bring her blogging skills to her new Co-op job. Now she's launched the SFU Food Bank Blog.

Lauren
Lauren's Summer at Crowne Plaza Guangzhou Science City

Lauren turned to international Co-op as a way to continue gaining work experience while exploring the world. Read about her experience working for a high end international hotel chain in China.

Construction workers
Diversify Yourself While You Can

For most engineering students, three semesters of Co-op work is a requirement for graduation. Follow Scott on his Co-op journey as he gradually discovers his passions by taking on multiple Co-op opportunities. 

Three men in swim gear standing closely together on a boat in the ocean.
Severin's Tropical, Scuba Diving Co-op Adventure

In summer of 2013, SFU Biomedical Physiology student Severin Vaillancourt headed to The Bahamas as a Field Research Assistant with the school's Marine Ecology Lab. He shared recollections of his underwater adventures and more with International Co-op.

interviewers interviewing a candidate
Interviewee to Interviewer

Natalie faces a new experience in her role as SFU Food Bank Coordinator: Conducting interviews. After only a few short months, she's on the other side of the table, find out how it went.

Aboriginal Human Resource Council Banner
Aboriginal Inclusion Network Luncheon

The CEO & President of the Aboriginal Human Resource Council, Kelly J Lendsay will be speaking to Indigenous students about how the Aboriginal Inclusion network can help you find the right job, the right employer and build a career path that feeds your passion and emphasizes your talent.

Teradici employees at an Expo
Working at Teradici

Hard work pays off. Read about how Pevisha's dedication to applying to multiple co-op positions finally paid off when Teradici reached out to her! 

a tablet and a phone screen displaying cover letter and linkedin
Using Online Tools (And Social Media) For Your Job Search

Finding a job these days isn’t an easy task. You’ve got lots of cover letters to write, you have to tailor your resume for each position, you have interviews to prepare for, and that’s only covering the ‘mandatory’ steps. But what can you do to set yourself apart from other candidates?

a student working on her laptop and drinking coffee
How Can You Stand Out in the Job Market with a Digital Resume?

Want to learn more about portfolios and having a professional image online? Check out this blog on building a digital resume and increasing your competitiveness in the job market!

Two women crossing their arms and facing each other.
10 Must-Have Clothing Items for Work

Putting together a wardrobe of work-friendly options can be intimidating, especially if your a student or recent grad with a limited budget. Elizabeth provides 10 must-have items to transform your closet without going broke.

Person in a sweater shrugging
What Not To Wear: Office Edition

As almost anyone whose spent time in an office can attest, some people just do not know how to dress approporately for their workplace or a job interview. We asked SFU students, staff and alumni to share some of their real-life examples of what not to wear.

Mountains
Walk the Talk

"The earth does not need us as we need her. I am grateful for this life and that I have the opportunity to stand with my brothers and sisters." Christina found 50 ways to help the planet for future generations.

A person writing in a folder
My First Visit: Why Office Hours Matter

The E-Word Blog is a series that features a student perspective on SFU’s various engagement opportunities. Follow our blogger Christina as she tries all that SFU has to offer in her effort to become “truly engaged”.

a guy browsing linkedin feed on his ipad
Making Meaningful Online Connections With Employers

Discover how to best utilize your online presence to grow your career and network!

Two friends talking
The Art of Conversation

Interacting with others happens on a daily basis, whether it is at a business meeting, presentation, or an informal conversation with a friend or co-worker.  Mastering this skill can lead to better relationships between co-workers, friends and clients.

Alissa smiling
Indigenous Student Success Story: Alissa Derrick

Alissa Derrick is from the Wet’suwet’en Nation located in Moircetown, British Columbia. She is currently in her last year here at SFU, working towards a double minor in Criminology and First Nation Studies.

UA Local 170 Members
Aboriginal Advancement with UA Local 170

As an Indigenous Student Ambassador Christina was asked to show two potential donors around campus. Joe Shayler representing UA Local 170 and John Mutton, President and CEO of Municipal Solutions were interested in supporting SFU's Indigenous students.

FNSA logo
Student Association 2012-2013: A Year in Review

Have you ever asked yourself "Who are the FNSA and what exactly do they do here on campus?" Here is a year in review to enable you to gain a better understanding of this student run organization and what they do here at SFU.

a individual presenting in front of their team
From Volunteer to Manager

Natalie has lots of experience volunteering, but now she's managing volunteers for the first time. Read how she applied lessons she learned from former managers to make the transition with the SFU Food Bank.

SFU Burnaby Campus
My First day on the Job at TFCSE in SFU

After blogging her way through the interview process, Natalie found another Co-op position, this time right on campus in Maggie Benson Centre, and she's back to share her first days at TFCSE.

Members of Hi Five
Mental Health and Wellness

On campus, Health and Counseling Services is introducing the Hi F.I.V.E. campaign to eliminate the stigma and prejudice around mental health by: Friendship, Invite conversation, Value everyone’s gift, and Eliminate stigma. 

Empowered Mindset banner
Empowerment Mindset: Motivating Indigenous Self-reliance

The First Nations Student Association is hosting an evening with best-selling author Calvin Helin on October 24th at Harbour Center. Attendance is free and open to the public.

Luke
Confidence Through Co-op
Software Engineering Co-op student Alex Moore writes about his final Co-op experience before graduation, and the importance of lifelong learning.
Canada Flag
To Vote Or Not To Vote: Three Debates

I love thoughtful and passionate debate. Especially about things that are important to me and those around me. I consider myself a Canadian citizen and because of that, I practice my right to vote. I posed the question of the Indigenous vote and was met with several interesting and thought-provoking debates regarding the subject.

Career fair
Career Exploration: A Lifelong Journey

A career is never set in stone. Read more to find out about career exploration, and how you can use your role as a student to your advantage. It is never too early to start searching...

Road sign saying "Big Chance Just Ahead"
Happenstance: Exploring Your Career Options

Are you worried about your career path or worried that it is not following your big plan? Plans are not set in stone and can always change course. Read about happenstance and explore your vast career options!     

Top view of the march
A Walk to Remember

I admit I had some misgivings about the Truth and Reconciliation events happening in Vancouver this week. There are so many layers to unravel and so many systems involved that I couldn’t decide where I belong. I took some time to reflect on what the purposes of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are, as well as who I am, in order to make a decision on whether or not to participate.

SFU students interacting and networking during the fair
Three Reasons You Should Attend A Career Fair

You may have heard of the recent BC Job Fairs or attended one, but did you know that SFU has its own career fairs on two campuses? Our school holds an annual BIG Fair in September and a Mini BIG Fair in the Spring semester. 

Picture of boats and buildings
What Did You Do This Summer?

Welcome back everyone…how was your summer?