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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!

Read

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
11267
Members Joined

 

2227
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 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.

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 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 picture of Aslam sitting in front of a window.
Podcast
Building Community

READ

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
A clock
Blog
Six Months To Graduation: Now What?

It’s a new year with many new hopes and dreams. I know what I am thinking about – graduation.  Just imagine the moment of wearing the graduation gown and hearing your name called before crossing the stage. Cameras and chants abound, validating your achievements after years of study. Still, we might ask ourselves, “What's next?” Never fear, chaos theory of careers is here! 

Two girls motivating each other
Blog
Top 3 Tips To Motivate Yourself

There are many instances where we have to do things that we hate doing. Because of this, we often do a sloppy job. Learn how to motivate yourself to do something you do not like doing!

a boy wearing a volunteer shirt
Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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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Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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.  

a girl staring out her window while working on a laptop
Blog
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
Blog
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.

a work space with the PC screen depicting time
Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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. 

BladeRunners logo
Blog
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.

Picture of Beverly
Blog
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.

different countries flag against the sky
Blog
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.

Banner of Dennis Chan Volunteer Spotlight
Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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.
Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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
Blog
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.

beautynight poster
Blog
Fostering Dignity and Community With Beauty Night Society

Find out about Lauren's interview with Caroline MacGillivray, founder and Executive Director of Beauty Night. She gets the scoop on why Beauty Night Society would be great to volunteer with and how you can get involved.

Picture of millennium bridge
Blog
Learning to Say No

Career Peer, Alix, talks about how getting involved is great but also how saying "no" is great too. Learn about when you should consider turning down an opportunity, even an exciting one.

three students smiling side-by-side
Blog
4 Workplace Success Tips to Advance Your Career

Have you secured your next co-op placement? Do you want to get the most out of your work experience while making a lasting, positive impression on your managers and colleagues? Here are 4 quick tips to create a personal and professional brand for yourself to advance your career.

A mother hugging her child
Blog
To Work, Or Not To Work: A Mother's Dilemma

You have recently welcomed a new baby into the world. Before you know it, you are faced with the dilemma: to work, or not to work? There is a misconception that women can be committed either to their career or to their kids, but not to both. Read on to find some factors  women consider when making this difficult decision.

Fractured Land banner
Blog
Fractured Land: The Story of Our Nation at a Crossroads.

Our journey making the film has taken us to places of largely unseen beauty - from Caleb's traditional territories, where he’s fished and hunted moose his whole life, to Maori lands in New Zealand, where he sought to learn how Indigenous law could be blended with the current legal system in order to protect our sacred ecosystems

Banner of Scouts Canada
Blog
Leading Children with Scouts Canada: A Volunteer Experience on Burnaby Mountain

Kerri give the scoop on volunteering with Scouts Canada, more specifically Scoutsabout! Read on to find out why this was a meaningful experience for her and how you can get involved in a similar program!

Picture of a mascot with people in the background
Blog
Spotlight on a Loaned Representative

Averyl Bancroft spent her co-op workterm as a Loaned Representative, as well as one of the United Way's Care-y mascots! As part of the United Way Spotlight series she shares her experience about the Loaned Rep program taking her out of her comfort zone.

a group of colleagues sitting around the table talking to each other
Blog
Oh the Holidays: The Time to Keep Working…Socially.

Time flies and before you know it, you’ll be attending a lot of holiday parties, activities and social functions. Surprisingly, these holiday gatherings provide the perfect opportunity to be networking, building relationships, learning about diverse jobs, and starting career conversations that could assist you in getting a head start on your future career exploration and work search.

Aleks
Blog
Communicating With Culture in Mind

A co-op placement at VACFSS allowed Aleks Besan to learn about the progress being made within the world of child welfare, family preservation, and social work. She reflects on this rewarding experience and her work in Communications.

Interview
Blog
Interview Woes

So you have been shortlisted for an interview, what do you do next?  Take a deep breath, gather your thoughts and do some research!  Preparation and confidence are key, but what happens when this isn't enough?