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The 201st Application

It’s been two months and 20 days since my first day of my Co-op term at Westcoast Family Centres, but I still find myself waking up every other day in utter disbelief that things worked out!

Letters
“What Do You Study in Communication?”

“So, what exactly do you study in communications?”

Leana Li using a computer with papers on the table
My Love-Hate Relationship with Accounting

"I knew very little about accounting and definitely had no passion for it" - read on to find out how Leana overcame her aversion towards accounting.

Featured

ALL BLOGS
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How Volunteering Helped Me Get My First Co-op Job

Applying for jobs is a very difficult task, especially if you do not have any work experience and are just entering the ‘working world.' Read on to find out how Natalie gained her competitive edge through volunteering and secured her first co-op job.

Picture of Monique with a friend
Use Stories To Refine Your Resume

Despise updating your resume? Here's a technique that uses the stories from your life to bring new life to your resume. By thinking of each job on your resume as a small chapter of your work story, you can create a more impactful document, and you might even enjoy doing it!

Sparkler
Ten Reasons to Make Getting ENGAGED Your New Year’s Resolution

Need a reason to volunteer? Lauren has 10 of them in her hilarious yet informative article! Read on to see why you should start getting engaged in your community today!

Multiple people jumping in the air
Volunteering for Newbies – It’s Better Late Than Never

Find out all the great reasons why you should start volunteering! Sabrina shares her personal experience about how she made her start and how you can do the same. 

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Resume 101 | Part Two | Resume Formats

Chronological? Functional? Combination? What does each resume format look like? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using each format? Which format is most suitable for you? Find out the answers here!

Krisandra Reid and team
Sparking Change Across the Province

Read on to discover how Krisandra made a difference during her co-op by bringing awareness to a free recycling option in BC.

Lesley Richards
Fostering Families at Capstone Youth

"When I saw the job posting from Capstone Youth and Family Services for a respite worker with at risk youth, I was drawn to it..." Read about Lesley's co-op working with at-risk youths and the important lessons they've learned during this experience.  

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Resume 101 | Part One | Basics

Whether you are still looking or have found the job you want to apply for, your resume has to be ready at any time.  But, how hard is it to make your resume stand out from the hundreds of resumes that most employers look at every day? Just follow a few key points to get your resume in shape and keep it that way!

IKEA logo
Goals: Not Ikea Instruction Manuals

Given my past rantings on such things as happenstance, chaos theory, and the general unpredictability of life and the world, I would forgive you if you thought that I would be opposed to any sort of goal-setting or similar such planful activities. I actually believe goals can be quite helpful - but only if we stop thinking of them as Ikea instruction manuals.

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Work Smarter! Ready, Set, Go!

Having an anxiety attack about upcoming assignments and exams? Need a few useful tips to combat those attacks? Surprisingly, managing your time may be the first step to overcoming the work and stress that are already piling up…

Wollongong
Brittney's Journey of Career Exploration in Australia | Part One
Brittney Merryweather is a force when it comes to International Co-op. Not one to shy away from opportunities abroad, she dives into each country she goes to with gusto and an open mind for learning. In 2007 Brittney went to the University of Wollongong.
Stacey Bryant with Uganda native
Building Foundations

Stacey was given the unique opportunity to work with Schools Building Schools (SBS) as the Field Coordinator in Mbarara, Uganda.

A sign saying You Got This
Job Search Tips & Tricks

Victoria, student advisor for the Arts co-op program, shares her top four tips to help you become a more competitive candidate for today’s job search as a co-op student. 

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The Bladerunner Story

Since it began in 1994, thousands of at-risk youth from across BC have successfully participated in BladeRunners. Learn more about the program and success stories through the program.

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Indigenous Bio: CST Beverly PITAWANAKWAT

Beverly PITAWANAKWAT, an RCMP constable with the First Nations Policing Unit for the community of Chehalis, she shares her career story, and offers advice and requirements for Aboriginal youth hoping to join the RCMP.

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Why You Should Go International...With Co-op

Before you begin your international exploration, uncover the treasures lurking behind an international Co-op. Here are five quick benefits of why you should go internationally with Co-op as opposed to going independently.

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OLC Volunteer Spotlight: Dennis Chen

Dennis is well-known for his insightful and valuable advice on career advancement, workplace success and university life on the OLC. Hear from him about how volunteering with the OLC and in the community has helped him with his career goals and development.

a red taxi in the streets of Hong Kong
Culture

Ever wondered what it would be like to work in Hong Kong? Yat Li shares with us in this 3-part series on his experience adapting to a new culture, living arrangement and workplace culture. Also hear about his food and city adventures exploring one of the world's most densely populated areas.

Germany
International Spotlight: Germany!

Work and live in Germany, where fresh baked goods and sausages wake you up in the morning, new and exciting experiences await you and monuments filled with centuries of history beam down at you as you make your way to work.

Headshot of Natalie smiling
OLC Volunteer Spotlight: Natalie Pope

Blogging about her co-op journey from her very first job interview and offer to her current work placement, Natalie has shared countless valuable insights and stories with the OLC about her job search and workplace success. Meet Natalie and read all about her volunteer experience and why she recommends working with the OLC.

A woman smiling at the camera on a pier.
Introducing Carey McBeth for Backpack to Briefcase

“We are judged within the first 5 seconds of meeting someone, and I want to ensure that students make the best first impression possible so business relationships have the opportunity to develop.” Carey McBeth hopes that students see the importance of managing their personal brand.

The author working with cement
Alumni Spotlight: Michael Beck on Making Change through Passion

Have you ever imagined starting your own organization? Michael Beck probably didn't either when he started his undergrad studies at SFU back in 2005. Six years later, he started a non-profit organization and just came back from an EU-sponsored tour in the UK.

Windows on Unsplash
Research Your Way to Winning the Job Interview Game

I’m sitting in front of an interview panel with six Environment Canada staff. The man in the suit at the centre of the panel asks me, “What are BC’s biggest environmental issues?” My mind is blank, yet six pairs of eyes are staring at me to say something. “Er,” I stumble, “it rains a lot?”

Woman sitting in a small boat while floating on a lake
Go International: Why you should travel, study, and work abroad!

Have you ever considered travelling outside of Canada to work or study? Did you know that as an SFU student you have many opportunities to travel, and get credit for it? SFU International has an excellent exchange program in which you can work or study abroad!

Happy Students
De-Stress for Success at University

Stressing over midterms, projects and final exams? Here are 5 easy tips to help you better manage stress and still succeed in your classes.

Two plates of food
Eat Well to Excel

We all have busy schedules and finding the “time” to eat well can be part of the challenge. I often hear, “But I don’t have time” or “If I have a chance I will try to grab something.” Despite a busy lifestyle, eating well will help you maintain your energy and your brain power so you can succeed.

Snapshot of an interview
Nail Down the Interview

I’m sitting in front of an interview panel with six Environment Canada staff. The man in the suit at the centre of the panel asks me, “What are BC’s biggest environmental issues?” My mind is blank, yet six pairs of eyes are staring at me to say something. “Er,” I stumble, “it rains a lot?”

Japan
International Spotlight: Japan!

Working in Japan provides great experiences for students wishing to venture abroad. Enjoy the beautiful sights, incredible food, and the chance to work in an exciting new locale!

Parking station for an electric vehicle
Greening Your Travel Choices

While it may seem daunting to move or travel to a new place and maintain a sustainable lifestyle when you don’t have personal and cultural resources at your fingertips, there are several ways that you can practice sustainability while travelling and living abroad.

A woman flying away
International Students: Break Through The Wall That Blocks You!

Are you an international student that feels like there is a wall that stops you from moving forward? Are you trying to improve your language level, but feel embarrassed communicating in English? You're not the only one. But there are people who are reaching their goals. Find your inspiration and become one of them.

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