Skip to main content
SFU Student Graduate
Arts + Social Sciences › Political Science

Student standing next to a sign at an outdoor event
Tell us a bit about your background. What program are you in?

I am a MA student in the Department of Political Science. I graduated in April from the French Cohort Program in Public and International Affairs – I completed a double major in French and Political Science through this program.

What are your day to day tasks like at your co-op position?

Since I am doing both student recruitment and planning student life activities, the tasks I have change over time. For example, sometimes I am in high schools giving presentations about options in French at SFU or I am consulting students on their university experience or even meeting community partners. I love having variety in my day.

What made you realize that this position is a great fit for you?

Throughout my undergraduate program, I did a lot of volunteer work with the goal of promoting French-language opportunities for both Francophone and Francophile students in the university. SFU’s Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs supported my initiatives and guided me towards success. Now that I work at OFFA, this position has allowed me to continue supporting the presence of the French language at the university and support others who wish to do the same.

What was the workplace culture like?

Everyone has been so wonderful! My opinion is important to them and I feel comfortable expressing myself. I find that they really value communication and taking the time needed to complete high quality work. They also really value and work-life balance and taking care of yourself.

What was the onboarding process like for you as a co-op student?

My supervisor and colleagues were very supportive and welcoming to me when I first started. I already knew most of my colleagues beforehand since OFFA and the French Cohort Program are so closely tied together, so this made the adjustment easier for me. They made sure that I took the time to understand everyone’s role, but also who they are as people, which was something I greatly appreciated.

What did the employer do to help you feel comfortable in your position?

They checked in on me quite often to see if I had any questions or concerns which I found helped me feel more comfortable. They also made it clear that I could always ask for help and that no matter who, the door is always open.

SFU Student Graduate
visibility  331
Dec 13, 2022

Posts by Author

Emma standing in front of the pond at SFU Burnaby
Blog
A Co-op Student’s Guide to Media Relations

Like many Communications students, I came into the School of Communication very interested in media; both studying it and working in it. I found it harder and harder to pinpoint where I could fit into it professionally as I learned more about it. What do you do when you’re interested in media, but not sure you want to work directly in media?

A phone on the home screen where the apps for Twitter, Facebook and Instagram can be seen
Blog
Tips for Effective Social Media Marketing

When promoting events and news on social media on behalf of a club, service, or business, the main goal is to get as many eyes as possible on the content. One of my tasks in my 8-month Co-op position was to post updates on their social media accounts, which includes job postings, upcoming events, and special announcements. Over these months, I was able to find useful strategies and tools to help me manage these profiles effectively and efficiently.

Co-op students standing outside around a sign that says "SFU"
Blog
Event Planning 101: 3 Tips for Planning an Event even Gen-Z’s will Enjoy

Coming into this Co-op position as an Outreach, Promotion, and Engagement Coordinator for SFU’s School of Communication, I was not expecting to gain any sort of event planning experience. Creating an event for our incoming students for Fall 2023, was a brand-new concept that flourished this semester.

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections, Professional Development, Career Exploration, Seeking, Work Term Extension

author, courtney, smiling
A Second Term in Government: More of the Same?

Having completed my first work term for Health Canada as a Communications Officer Intern, I was eager to try something new, and the government was not where I believed that was going to happen. That is until I was offered a position at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada...

picture of glichelle pondering a though
Surviving Workplace Politics

Ever been peeved with workplace politics? Have you ever been a victim of office politics? One student shares her experiences from the workplace with tips on how to survive.

 

person with their head in a book
Responsibility and Success

One of the most memorable parts of my time in co-op was the collection of accidents, errors, mistakes, and mix-ups that happened in the course of working in the laboratory.

 

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections

Toronto Landscape
My Transition to Toronto: A Guide for Students Going Away for Co-op

Planning upfront saves you from last minute hustles. This article will prepare you for co-op in a city outside Vancouver where new opportunities and variable threats are waiting.

man sitting outside in front of sign that says "mnp tower"
A Q&A with a MA Econ Co-op Student

Meet Ian Ho, an SFU Master of Economics Co-op student. In this quick Q&A, Ian shares a bit about his co-op experience. Keep on reading as Ian shares with us his most valuable less, some highlights from his work term, and tips for those going into their first co-op. 

A photo of the author
So You Want to Be a Public Servant: Getting Hired into the Federal Government

Jobs in the federal government are well-paid, interesting, and a great springboard for your career. They are also very hard to get. Diana shares these six tips that could help you land your dream job in the Federal Government.