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SPRING CLEANING!

Our team is doing some spring cleaning starting with user accounts. Login using your CAS credentials for instructions. We appreciate your speedy action so we can move onto other new and exciting initiatives over the summer.

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OLC!

BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS

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Join the community using your SFU CAS account. Then, complete your registration by clicking on your name located in the top right corner of the page.

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Share Your SFU Story 

Have a story to share about your time at SFU? Add your voice to the ever-expanding gallery of community stories on our SFU Stories page! Take about 15 minutes to reflect on your experiences at SFU, including, but not limited to, involvement in clubs, student unions, peer mentorship, and work opportunities. Share your story to educate, inspire, and connect the SFU community. Submissions are welcome year-round, from all years and faculties.

Everyone has a story! What's yours?

SUBMIT

NEW VIDEO SERIES

Multilingual SFU

SFU students (graduate and undergraduate,) staff and faculty share their multilingual experience and welcome you to multilingual week at SFU. Do you have a multilingual story to share? Add it to the OLC.

Watch

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Share Your SFU Story 

Have a story to share about your time at SFU? Add your voice to the ever-expanding gallery of community stories on our SFU Stories page! Take about 15 minutes to reflect on your experiences at SFU, including, but not limited to, involvement in clubs, student unions, peer mentorship, and work opportunities. Share your story to educate, inspire, and connect the SFU community. Submissions are welcome year-round, from all years and faculties.

Everyone has a story! What's yours?

SUBMIT

Changing Times: Stories to Inspire Hope and Resilience

 

Image of Priyanka Das
Blog
Discover Your True Self: 7 Tips to Develop Unwavering Self-Belief and Authenticity
Digital Resource Assistant

Take chances as you never know what opportunities may arise. Meet Priyanka Das, a Beedie Co-op student who’s working with SFU’s Communication and Marketing department as a Digital Resource Assistant. Learn more about how she landed her current co-op and other opportunities such as the CEOx1Day finalist by being authentic and believing in their abilities.

VOLUNTEER STORIES

 

FEATURED

Chinmayee's Picks

Chinmayee's Picks

OLC has things to help students go pro. Having been part of the OLC's technical team and coming from a tech background myself, I tend to skim through tech-related articles first, diving deeper into the ones that pique my interest. I've compiled a list of my favourite finds from the OLC website, considering them valuable assets for fellow students.

Jared's Picks

Jared's Picks

Working as an editor for the OLC has been such a positive learning experience and has help me connect with so many unique and engaging stories. I would like to share some of my favourite pieces that I had the pleasure of working on. Yes, their grammar and spelling is great and their writing voice is very personal but each of these had something special.

Serena's Picks

Serena's Picks

It's been an amazing four months as a Copy Editor here at the OLC. I've had the chance to work on a variety of content, and it's been quite a journey. The OLC is a unique space where students can explore and contribute to a wide range of topics. Choosing my top picks was tough with so much good stuff, but here are three pieces that really stood out to me.

FEATURED

Hustle Culture

Hustle Culture

When should you stop and take a break? How much work is too much work? In this episode of Diving Into the Everyday, join us as we explore what is hustle culture, looking at its rise in exposure, and why a person may feel this pressure to participate.

Experiencing A New Culture In Mexico

Experiencing A New Culture In Mexico

I learned a lot more about myself – new interests, being more adaptable, future ambitions, etc. It was one of the most unique and remarkable experiences in my lifetime.

7 Ways to Have a Successful Meeting With Your Supervisor or Team

7 Ways to Have a Successful Meeting With Your Supervisor or Team

If you are struggling to facilitate or actively participate in meetings, you are not alone, as many students share the same struggle in school projects, student clubs and the workplace.

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NEW VIDEO SERIES

Job Search in a Pandemic

New episodes of Career Conversations from SFU Career and Volunteer Services are released every Tuesday on the OLC. Tune in see your most burning questions about the world of work, volunteering, and career exploration answered by guests from diverse professional backgrounds and organizations across Canada.

Episode 3 features Kristina Lee, Director of the IT Division at Impact Recruitment. You don't want to miss her expert tips for job searching during the pandemic and how you can best show off your soft skills to employers.

Watch
person laughing

NEW VIDEO SERIES

Job Search in a Pandemic

New episodes of Career Conversations from SFU Career and Volunteer Services are released every Tuesday on the OLC. Tune in see your most burning questions about the world of work, volunteering, and career exploration answered by guests from diverse professional backgrounds and organizations across Canada.

Episode 3 features Kristina Lee, Director of the IT Division at Impact Recruitment. You don't want to miss her expert tips for job searching during the pandemic and how you can best show off your soft skills to employers.

Watch

NEW POST

Activism Burnout: An Interview with Registered Clinical Counsellors

In light of the increased visibility of injustices around the world, taking a stand and contributing to social justice is becoming more prominent in our everyday lives. As you learn and advocate about different injustices, you may experience activism burnout with added stressors such as balancing work, personal life, school, and extracurricular activities. SFU Health Peers interview Counsellors at Health and Counselling Services for advice.

Read

NEW POST

Why You Should Consider Submitting an SFU Story to the OLC

SFU Stories on the OLC are short-form, Instagram-style, narrative stories that help to build a welcoming SFU community. No matter how big or small, every story has something to offer. Share your story today!

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NEW POST

I’m Starting a Minor Late Into My Degree... Now What?

One of our OLC team members, Brianna Tsang, shares her experience of deciding her minor in her 3rd year at SFU. "The knowledge and genuine connections made throughout this process has been an amazing experience and opportunity to have."

Read

NEW POST

Social Media Addiction & Screen Fatigue: A Survival Guide for Jobs in Social Media

When it comes to social media and digital marketing positions, it’s easy to be blinded by the positives. After all, many Communication majors are fascinated by digital marketing and algorithms— and if you’re a digital native, creating social media content might already be second nature to you. Whether you manage social media for your organization or create external content, there are a few bonuses to consider.

Read

NEW STUDENT PODCAST

On the Spot with the OLC

The OLC team is extremely excited to introduce a brand new podcast titled On the Spot with the OLC. Your hosts, Mehtaab and Terae, discuss important topics revolving around community, engagement, education and overall life advice! Within these 12 episodes, your hosts aim to bring a well rounded perspective to a variety of topics as they believe they can provide insightful knowledge about what it's like to be an SFU student. Please make sure to have a listen!

Listen to Episode 1: Creating Community at SFU

NEW PODCAST ON THE OLC

StudioBytes

Welcome to Studio Bytes! A podcast inspired by the energy of the SIAT Studios and the memories students make in those spaces. This podcast invites Alumni back into the studio and we get to learn about their experiences at SIAT and their lives after. In Episode 2 meet SFU Alumni Marie Cheung who shares her experience at SFU, her life post SFU and her time in Europe

Listen to Episode 2: What is Service Design?

Login to Provide your Feedback!

Did you know that each landing page on the site has a feedback section for logged in users? We use this information to discover and fix issues, consider site improvements and addition of new features. Our tech team is focused on feature improvements this summer, so share your input to direct changes to the OLC.

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ABOUT

Our Learning Community

SFU's Our Learning Community has an incredible range of content created by and for the SFU community. This includes diverse and authentic stories, which show a range of inspirational knowledge sharing happening between students, as well as handy tools that help with learning anywhere and everywhere you are.
 
Discover how you can contribute to our ever-expanding learning community.

 

CONTRIBUTE
11112
Members Joined

 

2226
231
Projects Created

 

92
Series Compiled

 

EXPLORE

Recognizing that our SFU community members are versatile storytellers, the new OLC has expanded how you can tell your story. Come take a look by exploring into this brand new range of content curated by our editors; this includes Blogs, SFU Stories, Videos, and Podcasts. And remember, no matter where you are in your learning journey at SFU, we want to hear your story! Learn more on how you can contribute to the OLC.

 

 

EXPLORE
a phone screen showcasing Amazon stocks rising
Blog
Get Your Side Hustle On: A Student's Guide to Part-Time Work

As she puts it, grad student Srijani Datta has been a student for most of her life. To support her love of academia she has worked as a reporter, tutor, translator, transcriber, and content writer. Develop your own side-hustle with her tips. 

A person flexing
Blog
Just Like Bunko: Learning Strengths

Everyone has weaknesses. But its focusing on your strengths that grant you success in life.

A woman standing with a cardboard box on her head
Blog
How to Navigate Student Mindset Traps

When students enter their first or second Co-op work term, there can be a risk of falling into student mindset traps. These are the habits we pick up as students that are detrimental to our professional performance and development. Read on to learn more about how Bowen learned to avoid student mindset traps after four Co-op semesters working for three different companies.

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LEARN

SHARE

CONTRIBUTE

Videos

Read

Learn

Share

Contribute

There is so much to explore on the new OLC!

So, browse around and have fun with the new learning and storytelling tools. Found something not working?

EXPLORE

Recognizing that our SFU community members are versatile storytellers, the new OLC has expanded how you can tell your story. Come take a look by exploring this wider range of content including Blogs, SFU Stories, Videos, Experiential Learning Experiences, and Podcasts. And remember, no matter where you are in your learning journey at SFU, we want to hear your story! Learn more on how you can contribute to the OLC.

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THE LATEST

Catch up on the latest and freshest content from the SFU OLC. You're bound to find a fresh new perspective, the most current advice, and recently published stories that are sure to inspire you.

 

 

THE LATEST
Three people in Deloitte tshirts
Blog
Finding Delight at Deloitte

Endless mountains of food? Check. Colleagues to play Pokemon Go with? Check. A pile of daunting audit work to get through? Check. Was it worth it? Read Wee Nie Tham's article to find out about their experience at Deloitte, in Malaysia!

Man standing in front of room giving a presentation while his audience raise their hands up to answer a question
Blog
3 Steps for Cultivating Leadership on Your Resume

The term leadership has become a buzzword when describing one’s abilities and skillsets, but leadership is an imperative skill that can give you a competitive edge. Matthew offers three ways to convey this skill to employers when looking for work. 

photo of author smiling while holding a pipette and a test tube, working in a lab
Blog
The Proverbial Foot in the Door | Part One

Feeling stuck on the outside of the job market looking in? Need experience for a job but a job for experience? Read how one Master of Resource Management candidate made his way out of “the trap”.

Photo of author standing in front of the Canadian flag
Blog
Working at BC Housing as a Co-op Student

Ever wonder what it’s like to work for a crown corporation? Read on to see what it has been like for 4th year Business student, Kathy Lee, who is completing an 8-month co-op term as an Engagement Assistant with BC Housing.

A photo of Natasha Kothary
Blog
How to Be Taken Seriously In a Professional Environment When You Look Like a Child

Going into your new Co-op position, the last thing you want to hear is, “Are you even old enough to be working.”  How do you get the point across that you’re a capable professional with a lot to offer? Natasha has you covered. 

Photo of Alexandra Lukac
Blog
In the Absence of Clarity, Take Action

Fourth year, Kinesiology student, Alexandra Lukac, shares how taking action allowed her to navigate her co-op journey. 

Jennifer To
Blog
Laser Beams and Spinal Hygiene

Jennifer landed their first ever co-op placement as a Chiropractic Assistant and Laser Technician. Now, you may be asking what exactly is a ‘Laser Technician’ and how are lasers related to chiropractic? Moreover, what on earth does hygiene have to do with our spines and why is this important for rehabilitation? Read on to find out!

Tatum Miller coaching hockey
Blog
Early Departures: A Canadian Co-op Experience in China

My passion for hockey has brought me to China to coach hockey for the summer. From Ottawa to China, SFU Co-op has helped me explore my interests and expand my learning while giving me skills, practical work experience and an opportunity to travel.

Six people posing for a photo at Fusion Festival
Blog
Fusion Festival

Imagine visiting Japan, India, Ireland and many other iconic countries all from the comfort of a local neighborhood park. Fusion Festival, allows thousands of locals and out of province guests to experience different cultures, art, musical extravaganzas right in the heart of Surrey. 

Decision
Blog
To Extend Your Co-op or Not: A Guide for Making the Decision

As a co-op student, one of the toughest decisions you will make is whether to extend your contract or to go back to school. In this blog, I provide a detailed guide to help you decide whether to extend, or not to extend.   

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Blog
Using Social Media as Your Portfolio

Do you know absolutely nothing about social media? Want to ensure that you are on the right track to proper social media management? If you answered yes to either or both questions above, have no worries! Keep on reading to learn how to use social media to your advantage. 

Feyijimi Folarin at his work space
Blog
My Evolution Through Co-op

Before my first co-op, I had a similar resume to most of my classmates. We had all taken the same courses and worked on the same projects and labs. After co-op, I had a unique set of skills and experiences that differentiated me from my classmates which made me stand out to future employers.

Photo of Anna Wolff
Blog
Finding That Work Culture Fit

Before hitting submit on that job posting, you may be asking yourself: “Would I blend well with the culture and dynamic of this organization?” For Anna, this question was the ultimatum that steered her away from pursuing a more structured marketing position. Instead, she accepted an opportunity with Silverstring Media. Here, she found her niche creating illustrations for independent media that strongly aligned with her own values and beliefs.

A photo of the author in a field
Blog
How to Approach the World

On my first day of work, I woke up too early, rehearsed too much, and imagined too many scenarios which didn’t end up happening. I thought, “What if the students don’t listen to me? What if they don’t like my lesson? What if they don’t like ME!?” Looking back at my experience teaching English in South Korea, it’s funny to think that I began my new life plagued with all of these worries. 

Nathan Boey
Blog
How Asking Good Questions Can Advance Your Career

As a co-op student with little experience, it sometimes seems like all you are doing is asking questions. That is why it is important to make sure you are asking good questions. What are good questions? They are evidence of your thought process, ability to think outside of the box, and knack for problem solving. Read this article to learn more about what makes a question good, and how to make questions your competitive advantage.

The ICBC employees
Blog
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)

Interested in a career with a company who values your identity and culture?  A company who’s committed to a diverse workforce, while offering unique opportunities and professional growth.  A company who supports and encourages employees from a shared background and culture to help drive understanding, empathy and change.  If so, ICBC may be right for you.

Three people looking at a computer
Blog
[Indigenous Employer] ICBC

Interested in a career with a company who values your identity and culture?  A company who’s committed to a diverse workforce, while offering unique opportunities and professional growth.  A company who supports and encourages employees from a shared background and culture to help drive understanding, empathy and change.  If so, ICBC may be right for you.

The author inspecting a machine in the Tesla factory
Blog
The Manufacturing Challenge

It is not hard to produce a perfect car. The difficulty lies in manufacturing 100,000 cars exactly alike. Read about the challenge of manufacturing modern luxury vehicles at Tesla Inc. 

Mila Luong and elementary school students on Halloween
Blog
Let Me TaLK to You: Self-Discovery & Cultural Adaptation

Do you want to challenge yourself? If so, TaLK may be the right opportunity for you. Read about Mila's story on how the TaLk program transformed her perspective

The title of the blog printed on a brown background
Blog
Quick Guide to Staying Fashionable in the Office

Working in an office doesn't necessarily mean that your fashion choices will be narrowed down to a monocromatic palette and clothes that make you seem significantly older than you actually are. Be creative with patterns, try a new hair style, maybe even bring back a vintage look. Harlene has you covered for all your workplace fashion needs with her quick guide on how to look great while still looking professional in the workplace.

The author at work
Blog
CA Technologies Revealed: What it’s Like to be a Co-op Student at One of the Most Innovative Companies

If I won’t be doing software engineering what will I be doing? A co-op term spent migrating a decade’s worth of data.

Photo of Mahsa Athari
Blog
Provincial and Regional Health Authorities – Two Unique Experiences

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work for a provincial or regional health authority? I turned my curiosity into two 8-month co-op terms with Provincial Health Services Authority, and Fraser Health Authority. This is my co-op story.

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Blog
Tackling the Application Process in the Federal Public Sector

Are you in the process of applying to a federal government co-op position but are unsure of what to expect or whether you’re on the right track? Check out these tips that Christie, a fourth year Criminology co-op student, has to offer after dedicating four of her work terms to various agencies within the federal public sector.

Image of the back of the head of an interviewee getting interviewed by a woman and a man.
Blog
The Interview Basics: 5 Simple Steps to Help You Prepare

Job interviews can be nerve-racking but with planning and preparation anyone can master the basic steps for interview success. Here are five tips to help you get ready. 

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Blog
Don’t Sell Yourself Short: Take The Time to Discover Your Career Paths

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Well, that may not be an easy question to answer. From an early age, Lisa had always envisioned becoming a doctor, but that quickly shifted after staring her first year at SFU. If there’s one piece of advice she could give you, it’s that University is not the fabled be-all and end-all of your career path.

Natalie
Blog
The Panel Interview: 5 Things You Should Know

When you think of an “interview”, do you normally think of a one on one interview? That’s what I used to think of.  However, as a co-op student you might experience panel interviews.  Read on to find out what you should know before a panel interview.

Image of author standing beside another woman. They are standing in front of a black and white background which has the text "Diversity means..." written on a white with black ink.
Blog
Should You Do a Co-op Term with the Feds? (The Answer is Yes)

Emily recounts her co-op term working with the Feds at Service Canada.

Image of Author. Se is smiling at the camera and is wearing black shirt and black coat. The title of the blog is printed on the left of her image.
Blog
7 Ways Internships are Like All You Can Eat Buffets

Working in many different Co-op positions can be analogous with sampling everything at an all you can eat buffet. You see some things that really catch your eye, and some things you know you absolutely won’t like. But the fact of the matter is, you probably won’t know exactly what every single dish will taste like until you opt in to trying it. With Co-op, it’s much the same – you probably have an idea of what you want to do, but trying something entirely new might surprise you and pique your interest for future career options.

A man staring at a laptop screen. He looks frustrated and has a cardboard piece in his hand with the word help written on it.
Blog
Writing a Resume When You Have NO Experience

How do you begin writing your first co-op resume when you have no work experience? First, know that with a little creativity you can create a competitive first draft. Learn how with these tips.

Image of Author. She is standing in front of a black grilled fence while smiling at the camera and wearing a white shirt and black coat.
Blog
Diary of a Job Fairy: My Co-op Term at the CRA

Some people dream of having a career in the public service but what is it like to be the person making those dreams come true? Go behind the scenes with Rebecca and read about her experience working as a Staffing Assistant at the Canada Revenue Agency!

South Korea
Blog
The Best of Studying Abroad in South Korea

Are you on the fence about studying abroad? Fourth year business student, Vivyn Zhou shares how an international exchange in South Korea impacted her, and why you should consider applying too.

Image of the Author
Blog
Design Zero to Design Hero

Design – a word that has likely resonated with Communication Co-op students at some point. As the field of communication evolves, so do the skills that employers are looking for. Graphic design is becoming increasingly sought after, but where do you begin if you don’t have any prior knowledge? Ryan has you covered with his tips on how to go from design zero to design hero in your next job search! 

LinkedIn profile loading screen on a smart phone
Blog
How to Build a LinkedIn Profile in 2 Hours

Why should you bother spending 2 hours to make a LinkedIn profile? In this blog, Joanne talks about about her experience using LinkedIn and LinkedIn Learning to build her online presence. Li