Co-operative Education

Have you ever felt that you are not qualified enough for a job you just got? Privilege explains why it is more than alright to be a newbie and what you should understand about your position to take the best from your co-op term.

Are you wondering what skills you might need for a job in CMNS? Co-op student Amy unpacks five essential skills for your future CMNS career you might want to develop.

Classes only make up half of the university experience; the rest is what you make of it.” Join Emily as she depicts her experience outside of the classroom with co-op, study abroad, and semester in dialogue.

Is messing up at work one of your greatest fears that keeps you up at night? Taylor talks about how to deal with mistakes in the workplace. The end of the world can eventually turn into a valuable experience worthy of mentioning in your resume.

“Business courses helped me with workplace etiquette, while Communication courses allowed me to develop different perspectives.” Human Resources student Tabraiz reveals the hidden benefits of applying to jobs outside of your major and gaining a unique, mix-matched skillset.

“Should I ask my boss what to do, or am I being annoying and asking them too many questions?” Leo emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear line of communication with your supervisor and not being afraid to ask for clarification.

Ever wondered what your interviewers were thinking? Amanda takes us behind the scenes of an interview process and shares how to prepare for trick questions, ways to leave a strong first impression and techniques for highlighting skills and experience. 

“Co-op is the tricycle of professional life: you’re getting rewarded and gaining vital skills, but you’re supported, have a chance to experience all aspects of your role, and have time to figure out what works for you and what you’re ready for. There is no better way to prepare for life after university." Read about Monique's co-op experience here! 

When you go from smooth sailing to being submerged beneath a tidal wave of work, it can be easy to feel a little lost at sea. Before jumping overboard, consider Sabrina's tips for tackling a stormy situation and arriving safely to shore. 

"Discomfort isn't bad - it's just stepping outside of your comfort zone." From embracing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, to seeking out constructive feedback, Magali offers ways to survive and succeed in a new work environment.  

"When you work at a start-up, literally anything can happen." Anmol takes us into a world where content is born out of chaos, and the landscape is dynamic, creative and challenging.  Becoming an integral part of a new company and seeing your creations make an impact can be one of the most rewarding experiences.  

Mysteries, money management and meditation: how do you spend your commute? Sarah recommends ways to make that daily bus ride feel a little shorter and add extra pep to your work morning. 

My university experience has been a roller coaster to say the least. From moving to a brand-new city without knowing anyone to embarking on multiple co-ops in finance related roles, I discovered who I wanted to become and the path I needed to take to get there.

Read on to learn about Jacky's valuable co-op experience that transformed his self-doubt into professional development at Telus!

So maybe you did not land your dream co-op job.  Don't despair - Rutendo explains how an unexpected position might just be a huge blessing in disguise.  

Mechatronic Systems Engineering student Guninder Malhi, shares how experience gained through an SFU research position allowed him to build the skills necessary to kick start a career. 

How do you want to live at the end of your life? Seerit Hara shares her interview with her co-op supervisor at Langley Memorial Hospital about the importance of advance care planning. 

Engaging with our communities provides opportunities to connect, grow, and give back. Jasleen shares how her co-op with the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue lived up to SFU's reputation as Canada's most engaged university. 

Tony Cheng's experience with CanCap Pharmaceutical served as a reminder that personal growth is often about taking initiative, having gratitude, and getting out of your comfort zone. 

Mimi's co-op as a UX Designer at the City of Surrey provided opportunities to improve user experience by creating digital solutions for city services through user-centered design. Read her story, here. 

"Have you ever asked yourself these questions – Why should I volunteer? Is stepping out of my comfort zone really going to benefit me?  If you have, then you are on the right page!"

When Taylor Nguyen imagined working at a large bank, she pictured cubicles, formal attire, and stacks of documents. What she found instead were opportunities to learn and create in a fun and collaborative environment. 

Fahad Faruque discusses highlights from his co-op semester in quality assurance at PepsiCo. 

Beedie Business student, Christopher Pun shares what he's learned about the art of giving and receiving feedback in the workplace. 

Sometimes self-doubt can get the better of us. Read Alyssa's article to find out how they were able to overcome feelings of doubt and transform them into self-confidence. 

Here are 5 common thoughts paired with affirmations to combat those negative, self-deprecating feelings so you can succeed and reach your full potential. Because these pesky thoughts are only holding you back!

On placement with Partnership for Sustainable Development in Kathmandu, Nepal, Health Sciences students Isabelle and Elisabeth decided to extend their contribution to a community in need and enrich their learning experience, by raising resources for a Free Health Camp.

It is not hard to produce a perfect car. The difficulty lies in manufacturing 100,000 cars exactly alike. Read about the challenges Ryan learned about while working at Tesla, helping to manufacture modern luxury vehicles. 

Venturing out into adulthood can be a challenging experience. At the same time, it can be very eye-opening. For Emily, completing a co-op term in Toronto was the perfect opportunity for independence and adventure. 

Of the many career paths to try, research is an opportunity to apply lessons learned in the classroom to the real world. Matthew Malinab shares how a co-op with FAISAL opened his eyes to new career possibilities. 

Moving away from home and starting a new job is both exciting and scary. This fall, Hannah began her first co-op term in Ottawa. Here she shares the ups and downs and why she would do it again in a heartbeat.

Patients across BC should expect to receive excellent care from our health system, and it usually delivers. Rasha Syed shares why the best way to assess the healthcare system is to hear patient experiences. 

Disclosing a disability to an employer can be daunting at any point in your career but particularily as a student new to the workplace. Gloria Cheung, shares how she was able to not just survive but thrive with a little bit of support from her employer. 

When Sara began her co-op search she was set on Silicon Valley but soon realized a little local experience was needed. A semester working for International Services for Students at SFU gave her the skills and experience to more confidently pursue her dreams. 

From concept to implementation, launching a start-up can be both exhilarating and demanding. Mechatronic System Engineering students, Hitesh and Devpreet share their start-up journey with Venture Connections and TechE@SFU. 

From concept to implementation, launching a start-up can be both exhilarating and demanding. Mechatronic System Engineering students, Hitesh and Devpreet share their start-up journey with Venture Connections and TechE@SFU. 

Bored already?  Hitting a plateau at work can be discouraging – but it doesn’t have to be.  Follow Lauren’s experience of turning a roadblock into an opportunity for growth.

Interested in a career with the federal government? Kate McMurchy shares tips on building new connections and making the most of your co-op. 

Getting a great job without experience can be tough. Business Co-op Program Manager, Tanya Behrisch explains how to graduate with not just work experience but more than a year of relevant experience, all while completing your degree. 

Thinking about joining the co-op program but hesitant at the idea of having to pay tuition?!? Tanya Behrisch explains the costs and benefits of co-op and the advantages of investing in career development while you are a student. 

Mistakes happen, but do you learn to them?  Linda identifies some common mistakes made by Co-op students on their first work term.

In the last part of this two part series, criminology student Julia Apeles shares her experience working as an Information Managment Specialist with the federal government. 

Hazel Cheung discusses the importance of creating work-life balance and an awesome office culture while on co-op with the RCMP.

Shonnah talks about her co-op experience with MTU Maintenance.

Maggie Quinn discusses her experience of working with a remote team as a Junior Regional Recruiter with Kal Tire. 

Are you curious about what impact your employer has on the larger world? Reading about it is not enough! Get up, get out, contribute and see for yourself!

Considering a Co-op position in downtown Vancouver? Find out the perks and challenges of working in Vancouver’s bustling business district.

There are many things to consider when deciding on your co-op, here are some tips to ensure you have the best co-op experience!

"I’d be hard-pressed to say I have my life figured out – I really don’t."  Ryan shares what his Co-op journey has taught him and some tips for anyone who is currently doing Co-op.

Fahimeh Karimi talks about her research co-op with the BC Children's Hospital.

Finding a co-op is no easy feat! Read on to see how Emily managed to find hers. 

Follow Sheldon's Co-op journey as a Mechatronic Systems Engineering student and find out what patience, perseverance and sheer tenacity can do to help you land a co-op at Tesla.   

Do manners even matter? We think so! Business Co-op Program Manager, Tanya Behrisch shares why manners still count and are the finishing touch for young professionals starting out their careers. 

A willingness to take risks is often what separates the successful from the very successful. But why is risk so relevant and how can you build up your tolerance for making the bold decisions that will lead to better careers? SFU's Business Co-op Manager, Tanya Behrisch shares why the ability to take risks matters.