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Co-operative - Working
Finding the Right Fit: A Guide to Job Hunting. STORIES AND EXPERIENCES
How many co-op students are there at SFU?
50% of placements occur in the last 6 weeks of the semester
Featured
Finding the Right Fit: A Guide to Job Hunting
After reaching the end of her first co-op semester, Amanda, a Business co-op student, reflects on her experience and shares tips on how to find a position that is best suited to help you achieve your goals.
Featured
After reaching the end of her first co-op semester, Amanda, a Business co-op student, reflects on her experience and shares tips on how to find a position that is best suited to help you achieve your goals.
How do you prepare for a new work term? And how do you survive the first month in a new co-op position? Business Major Anca Zgreaban shares five tips for easing smoothly from a study semester into a working term.
While many skills transfer from the academic to the work world, last-minute submissions and all-nighters simply won’t cut it at top-notch companies. Marina condenses all her experience in her co-op assignments with some valuable tips on efficient project management.
Searching for and adapting to your first co-op work term can be tough and quite unexpected. Jordan reveals five tested practices for boosting your resume and building confidence.
Where do YOU need to start?
Whether you are on your first or last co-op, there may be some areas you would like to improve upon. Use the links below to quickly jump to the section most helpful for you.
Work Term Prep
"I got the job! What should I do next?"
First Weeks on the Job
"I want to succeed in my new work place."
During the Work Term
"I got the job! What should I do next?"
Workterm Wrap Up
"I want to successfully wrap up my term."
Why longer might be better: Work Term Extension
It's all About Practice
Tools and samples designed to help you improve your applications, prepare for and practice your interview skills.
Interview Question Database
Sample Galleries
Login to browse through each gallery for inspiration.
Interview Stream
Practice and test your interview skills for your upcoming interviews with Interview Stream.
Seeking Strategies
Visit the following sections for tips and inspiration.
Student Experiences
Students share their co-op stories and experiences.
Student Experiences
Students share their co-op stories and experiences.
Stories + Experiences
Learn More on Working Strategies
Tips from Co-op students, staff and alumni.
Being part of a start-up company can be scary enough, but doing it as a Co-op student who is brand new to the industry can be absolutely terrifying. This is what I learned about working for a start-up over the last 10 months as a Communication & Multimedia Associate!
Are you currently in the process of securing a job interview? Melanie will take you on her journey and the series of events she took to not only reach out to her hiring manager, but also land an interview within the span of 24 hours.
Emir was asked during his Co-op hiring interview if he would consider an 8-month placement. He was anxious about making it through 4 months, never mind 8. But soon enough the third month came around and Emir has a second chance to consider an extension. Here are his 8 reasons for why you should a Co-op extension.
Are you a SIAT Co-op student in the seeking process? Read Michelle's article on the job-hunting journey, and how with a strong portfolio and exemplary soft skills, you can excel in your interviews!
Like many other seeking Co-op students, Leslie struggled to find a co-op job that was relevant to her interests. While her friends were all able to eventually land jobs, Leslie started to feel more anxious and insecure about obtaining an opportunity. Here's how she turned the tables and found a job outside of her initial interests.
Ever wondered what working for a non-profit is like? Further, have you ever wondered what working for an extremely small non-profit is like?In her article, Marisa describes what it was like to work at a youth sports-oriented non-profit where she collaborated with a small team of only three, and lists both the pros and cons of non-profit work.
Vicky Leung is a Business Co-op student who found herself having to choose between the allure of a permanent position at a start-up company, which did not match the job description, and a Co-op position that was everything she imagined. Read Vicky’s 3 pieces of advice when making difficult decisions in the co-op program.
Nisha’s second work term as a curriculum and programming assistant on a hiring committee for Career and Volunteer Services made her realize that with so many qualified candidates, decisions are sometimes based on the tiniest details. Here are Nisha’s 10 tips for how to stand out from other candidates and the reasons why employer’s value them.
From trials and tribulations from countless interviews during her Co-op seeking journey, Ka Yiu Cheng shares some tips on how to crush your next virtual interview.
Robert's boss shared a key lesson with him about an essential trait that can get one hired. What is that trait and how can you develop it? Read on to learn more from Robert.
Finding a co-op placement can be quite stressful, but if you stick with it you might just find your dream position. Read John’s article on persevering through a difficult job search and making the most of a co-op placement.
Thinking about working remotely for your next co-op term? Political Science student, Maja Lampa describes her experience adapting to remote work during her first season with the Federal Government and how she found meaningful work in uncertain times.
It's no easy feat being able to stand out from the crowd when job-seeking after graduating. For Taylor, her unique SFU background comes from her combined SFU Athlete and Co-op work experience. Read on to learn more about why she recommends fellow athletes to join the Co-op program.
Whiteboard interviews can be nerve wracking if you aren't well-prepared to communicate and present yourself in a confident way. Check out this edition of Interview Types to learn more about how you can set yourself up for success in a whiteboard interview.
Still not sure if co-op is for you? Chetachi explains why co-op was such a valuable experience for her and what it was like to work in the corporate world during her Economics co-op work term.
Did you happen to lose your job due to COVID-19? Well, you’re not alone. Here are some tips and resources to help you get back on your feet in no time!
Thinking about doing a co-op term but not sure how to have a successful experience? Starting a co-op term for the first time can be daunting. Here are a few tips to make the best out of your co-op opportunity.
How would you explain co-op to high school students or how would you explain your journey to discover your career path? While a co-op student, Julie was asked to participate as a panelist for high school students visiting Teck Resource Limited. She shares her experience as a panelist and co-op advocate in this Q & A summary.
"So how do you overcome that voice inside your head, telling you that you’re not good enough and that it’s only a matter of time before someone finds out you’re a fake?". Read Josh's story to learn how he overcame the imposter syndrome during his internship as a designer for IBM.
What happens when you are six courses away from graduation but unsure of what to do after? Aleisha reflects on her rationale for extending her degree to do some soul searching and professional development before embarking on her next big adventure, post grad life.
Paul takes us on his journey as a Software Systems student and how a field trip helped to inspire him to greater heights eventually, helping him to land his dream job. His journey highlights the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity given to us as students.
Are you looking for an International Co-op with a not-for-profit organization? Are you torn between finding a job you like and something that pays well? Are you wondering whether you will be able to gain valuable skills and knowledge from working for a not-for-profit? Continue reading this article for more information about how to look for International co-op opportunities with not-for-profits, funding scares, and takeaways.
Considering whether you want to work at a small company or a large organization? Try out both! Enjoying the support and intimate company culture while working at a small company, I was worried about my work going unnoticed and a lack of communication at a large organization. Find out how wrong I was!
After reaching the end of her first co-op semester, Amanda, a Business co-op student, reflects on her experience and shares tips on how to find a position that is best suited to help you achieve your goals.
Ever wondered what it would be like to work with the Royal Canadian Mountain Police? Well, Hayley is here to share with us top 5 lessons they've learnt during their co-op experience with the RCMP!
If you ever wondered what it was like working at a small to a mid-size accounting firm, read on for a few insights from my first co-op work term!
Is working in an unfamiliar industry scary to you? Don’t know what to prepare before working in a co-op? Read on to find out more.
For three years I worked part-time at TD Canada Trust as a customer service representative and eventually a personal banking associate.
What many students may not know is that it can be very disheartening to apply for jobs at first. You may not receive many responses. It feels almost as if all the positions you want have already been filled.
Latest
Browse or filter for more tips on seeking.
Being part of a start-up company can be scary enough, but doing it as a Co-op student who is brand new to the industry can be absolutely terrifying. This is what I learned about working for a start-up over the last 10 months as a Communication & Multimedia Associate!
Are you currently in the process of securing a job interview? Melanie will take you on her journey and the series of events she took to not only reach out to her hiring manager, but also land an interview within the span of 24 hours.
Emir was asked during his Co-op hiring interview if he would consider an 8-month placement. He was anxious about making it through 4 months, never mind 8. But soon enough the third month came around and Emir has a second chance to consider an extension. Here are his 8 reasons for why you should a Co-op extension.
Are you a SIAT Co-op student in the seeking process? Read Michelle's article on the job-hunting journey, and how with a strong portfolio and exemplary soft skills, you can excel in your interviews!
Like many other seeking Co-op students, Leslie struggled to find a co-op job that was relevant to her interests. While her friends were all able to eventually land jobs, Leslie started to feel more anxious and insecure about obtaining an opportunity. Here's how she turned the tables and found a job outside of her initial interests.
Ever wondered what working for a non-profit is like? Further, have you ever wondered what working for an extremely small non-profit is like?In her article, Marisa describes what it was like to work at a youth sports-oriented non-profit where she collaborated with a small team of only three, and lists both the pros and cons of non-profit work.
Vicky Leung is a Business Co-op student who found herself having to choose between the allure of a permanent position at a start-up company, which did not match the job description, and a Co-op position that was everything she imagined. Read Vicky’s 3 pieces of advice when making difficult decisions in the co-op program.
Nisha’s second work term as a curriculum and programming assistant on a hiring committee for Career and Volunteer Services made her realize that with so many qualified candidates, decisions are sometimes based on the tiniest details. Here are Nisha’s 10 tips for how to stand out from other candidates and the reasons why employer’s value them.
From trials and tribulations from countless interviews during her Co-op seeking journey, Ka Yiu Cheng shares some tips on how to crush your next virtual interview.
Robert's boss shared a key lesson with him about an essential trait that can get one hired. What is that trait and how can you develop it? Read on to learn more from Robert.
Finding a co-op placement can be quite stressful, but if you stick with it you might just find your dream position. Read John’s article on persevering through a difficult job search and making the most of a co-op placement.
Thinking about working remotely for your next co-op term? Political Science student, Maja Lampa describes her experience adapting to remote work during her first season with the Federal Government and how she found meaningful work in uncertain times.
It's no easy feat being able to stand out from the crowd when job-seeking after graduating. For Taylor, her unique SFU background comes from her combined SFU Athlete and Co-op work experience. Read on to learn more about why she recommends fellow athletes to join the Co-op program.
Whiteboard interviews can be nerve wracking if you aren't well-prepared to communicate and present yourself in a confident way. Check out this edition of Interview Types to learn more about how you can set yourself up for success in a whiteboard interview.
Still not sure if co-op is for you? Chetachi explains why co-op was such a valuable experience for her and what it was like to work in the corporate world during her Economics co-op work term.
Did you happen to lose your job due to COVID-19? Well, you’re not alone. Here are some tips and resources to help you get back on your feet in no time!
Thinking about doing a co-op term but not sure how to have a successful experience? Starting a co-op term for the first time can be daunting. Here are a few tips to make the best out of your co-op opportunity.
How would you explain co-op to high school students or how would you explain your journey to discover your career path? While a co-op student, Julie was asked to participate as a panelist for high school students visiting Teck Resource Limited. She shares her experience as a panelist and co-op advocate in this Q & A summary.
"So how do you overcome that voice inside your head, telling you that you’re not good enough and that it’s only a matter of time before someone finds out you’re a fake?". Read Josh's story to learn how he overcame the imposter syndrome during his internship as a designer for IBM.
What happens when you are six courses away from graduation but unsure of what to do after? Aleisha reflects on her rationale for extending her degree to do some soul searching and professional development before embarking on her next big adventure, post grad life.
Paul takes us on his journey as a Software Systems student and how a field trip helped to inspire him to greater heights eventually, helping him to land his dream job. His journey highlights the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity given to us as students.
Are you looking for an International Co-op with a not-for-profit organization? Are you torn between finding a job you like and something that pays well? Are you wondering whether you will be able to gain valuable skills and knowledge from working for a not-for-profit? Continue reading this article for more information about how to look for International co-op opportunities with not-for-profits, funding scares, and takeaways.
Considering whether you want to work at a small company or a large organization? Try out both! Enjoying the support and intimate company culture while working at a small company, I was worried about my work going unnoticed and a lack of communication at a large organization. Find out how wrong I was!
After reaching the end of her first co-op semester, Amanda, a Business co-op student, reflects on her experience and shares tips on how to find a position that is best suited to help you achieve your goals.
Ever wondered what it would be like to work with the Royal Canadian Mountain Police? Well, Hayley is here to share with us top 5 lessons they've learnt during their co-op experience with the RCMP!
If you ever wondered what it was like working at a small to a mid-size accounting firm, read on for a few insights from my first co-op work term!
Is working in an unfamiliar industry scary to you? Don’t know what to prepare before working in a co-op? Read on to find out more.
For three years I worked part-time at TD Canada Trust as a customer service representative and eventually a personal banking associate.
What many students may not know is that it can be very disheartening to apply for jobs at first. You may not receive many responses. It feels almost as if all the positions you want have already been filled.