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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
Ryan Schmidt
Treaty Negotiations with INAC

Being an arts and social sciences student means having a vast variety of career options open to us. One of them being a treaty negotiator at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)! Read Ryan's blog to find out more about what this position entails. 

Ryan Kitching
Flying the Coop: A Change of Pace in Ottawa

Through Arts Co-op, I landed a position which has helped me bridge the gap between education and the workforce, and has also provided me with valuable experience working in the Canadian public service.

picture of kaili smiling
Kaili Rand: A Co-op Student's Success Story

Upon graduation in June 2008, Kaili Rand had achieved the highest cumulative GPA in her faculty, maintained a balance between her schoolwork and volunteering, and has been accepted into medical school. Did I also mention she’s a Co-op student?

3 women guest speaker in front of an audience
Starting a Career in Communications with IABC

Co-op student Arthur Yee explores his career path in Communications by getting involved in professional events presented by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

Netherlands
International Spotlight: Hallo en Welkom in Nederland!

Famous for its windmills, clogs, bicycles, tulips and liberal policies, the Netherlands is a fantastic destination for students to gain work experience in one of the leading European economies!

six people with their hands over top of each other indicating team cohesion
Volunteering For All the Right Reasons

Volunteering overseas can be a great way to see the world and gain experience. But you should be conscious of the ethical implications of your international volunteer experience. Read more here.

Golden Temple in India
On Assignment in India

On a special assignment for the university, SFU Volunteer & Service Learning Coordinator Trina Isakson visited community leaders in and near Barhampur village, in Punjab province of India. Her mission: to establish an ongoing opportunity for SFU students to work and volunteer in the culturally vibrant region.

France
International Spotlight: France!

Enrich your life experiences while working on an international Co-op placement. Learn life-long skills that French culture offers which can be transferred into the Canadian work environment and education.

people walking across the AQ during graduation
Alex Briede: A Co-op Student's Success Story

Alex Briede, a Molecular Biology and Biochemistry student, convocated this June. Along with his BSc, he received a Co-op designation on his degree for his five Co-op work terms! Read all about his experiences and why he recommends joining the Co-op program.

Person standing in front of a sunset with their arms opened wide
Memories of Boot Camp

When Adam accepted the position of Fire Information Officer for the BC Forest Service, he knew that the job might entail long hours, a steep learning curve and a major lifestyle adjustment. What he did not know was that the whole experience would set off with a week at firefighter boot camp. Read Adams story about surviving bootcamp. 

 The crowd at the Special Olympics World Games Opening Ceremonies
Volunteering for Special Olympics: An Interview with Al-Rahim Habib

Special Olympics Canada is an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through positive sports. Al-Rahim Habib, an SFU student is finishing his B.Sc. in Health Sciences this semester, is currently volunteering for Special Olympics BC, a chapter of Special Olympics Canada.  His goal is to one day become a medical doctor.

Mexico
International Spotlight: Mexico!

México is a popular travel spot due to its lovely beaches and vibrant culture. It’s also an amazing destination for Co-op! Read all about it in this segment of the International Spotlight series!

Person wearing a shirt with the word Volunteer
Volunteer Tips: Getting Started & Online Search

Want to find a meaningful volunteer opportunity but don’t know where or how to start? Check out Francisco’s tips on getting started in your volunteer search and online resources to help you find what you’re looking for.

convocation ceremnony; students are walking down the steps of the AQ on SFU Burnaby Campus led by a bagpiper
David Skerik: A Co-op Student's Success Story

David Skerik's time as an undergraduate political science student could be described as the ultimate balancing act. The end result of achieving this balance was exceptional grades, a busy family life and valuable co-op work term experiences that allowed him to participate in important work for Canada's First Nations communities.

Suzanne smiling at her desk
Suzanne Young: A Co-op Student's Success Story

For Suzanne Young, SFUs Co-op program was an immense part of her undergraduate experience. As a graduate in Linguistics and French, she reflects back on her experiences as a Co-op student.

Handshaking
An Alternative to “Selling Yourself”

Have you ever been told that you have to “sell yourself” in order to succeed in finding a job?  Are you a reserved, overly modest introvert who shudders at the idea of “talking yourself up” to others?  If yes, then you’re in the same camp as me, and a whole lot of other generally nice, well-meaning people.

Image of Heather giving a presentation
Alumni Success Story: Heather Mosher

Heather graduated from SFU in 2001 with a degree in Mathematics, a certificate in Computing Science and a certificate in Liberal Arts. Read on to learn more about the advice Heather gives about making the most of your time at university.

United Kingdom
International Spotlight: United Kingdom!

Meet: The United Kingdom! A popular destination for travel, and in fact, for an International Co-op Experience of a lifetime. Find out why working in the UK has SFU students raving!

Image of a Chinese building
Adventures in China with CIBT

Each semester, the International Co-op office posts a multitude of Co-op jobs for students looking to have a unique, some would say life-changing, experience by going to work outside of Canada. Many of the positions open to students from all faculties are for English instructors. Find out more about Ben's experience teaching English in China...

Math banner
High Demand for Math Undergraduates

It's time to re-evaluate what the traditional definition of a degree in mathematics means. With complementary studies in business, computing science and more, mathematics undergrads are in high demand as they bring a diverse set of skills to the workplace. What do employers love about students studying for a degree in math? Read on to find out more...

 
Math banner
High Demand for Math Undergraduates

It's time to re-evaluate what the traditional definition of a degree in mathematics means. With complementary studies in business, computing science and more, mathematics undergrads are in high demand as they bring a diverse set of skills to the workplace. What do employers love about students studying for a degree in math? Read on to find out more...

 
Table with things
Transferable Skills Pay the Bills

I wrote a little bit about my experiences working in restaurant kitchens part-time during my undergraduate degree. While I do enjoy reminiscing, I’m also aware that not all readers will benefit from such a personal discussion.Who wants to read about some guy washing dishes 8 or 9 years ago, anyway?

Tina with 2010 olympic mascots; Sumi, Miga, then Quatchi
Reaching for Gold: Co-op Leads Tina Morabi to Career with VANOC

It is a Co-op student's dream to land a job right after graduation because of their work experience. Better yet, to land that job because you worked for them as a Co-op student. That was the case for Tina Morabi; her co-op job with VANOC landed her a full time position upon graduation.

Three women posing in front of a building called 'Hospice Pre-School'
Life in Botswana: Jumping in With Both Feet

For four months Jessica Kehler traveled across the world to Botswana, working with Holy Cross Hospice, a non-profit organization that uses a holistic approach to treating terminal HIV/AIDS patients. Upon her return, the OLC sat down to learn about a country known for its diamond mining, tourism, and sadly, HIV/AIDS. Read to find out more about her journey!

Jessica Kehler
Life in Botswana: Jumping in With Both Feet

For four months Jessica Kehler traveled across the world to Botswana, working with Holy Cross Hospice, a non-profit organization that uses a holistic approach to treating terminal HIV/AIDS patients. Upon her return, the OLC sat down to learn about a country known for its diamond mining, tourism, and sadly, HIV/AIDS.

R to L: Corinna Bjornson Board President, Dixon Society Nicole Skuce Resource Development Coordinator, Adele Wilson Executive Director, VanCity Representative, accept a $10,000 community action grant from VanCity.
English Alumnus Finds Work in Social Development Through SFU Co-op

Nicole Skuce, Arts and Social Sciences Co-op alumnus, was able to use her networking skills to turn one of her Co-op work terms into a career. Read on to discover how she effectively used her time at SFU as a stepping stone to her current position.

Two line cooks preparing food
The Value of “Meaningless” Part-Time Work

Not a lot of people have the luxury of being able to go through post-secondary education without holding down a job. I was one of those poor souls, slaving away at seemingly menial, shamelessly servile jobs to pay the proverbial bills, sacrificing my weekends, evenings, and summers for The Man.

Greece
International Spotlight: Greece!

Greece is considered the Mother of western civilization as well as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, philosophy, democracy and delicious food. It's also a great place to work!

Overseas
5 Ways Working Overseas Benefits Your Career

“You’re going to teach English overseas eh? Sounds cool. So what kind of ‘real’ job are you going to do when you get back?” I hadn’t planned that part yet, but my friend’s comment stung a bit and made me second guess my decision. Maybe he was right. My overseas experience would be a useless footnote in my work history.

Helen shaking hands with another person
Find Out About Informational Interviews

There was a time when I didn’t know what informational interviews were. Little did I know that I could contact people who had positions that sounded interesting and ask about what they did! Can you imagine how shocked I was when I found out, I wondered why would anyone want to help me?