A few days before the Christmas break of 2021, I received an email that would jumpstart my Co-op journey leading me into new experiences, connections, and so much more! I'm not sure if many people would be able to say this, but wow, am I ever happy that I checked my email that day.
My first Co-op term was with Central Communications and Marketing, or C&M for short, located at the Burnaby campus. C&M deals with university-wide Communication and Marketing including websites, digital screens, social media, e-newsletters, and events calendars.
I was a part of the Website team specifically but had many opportunities to work alongside others from various teams. In my position, I would accept requests from other departments, so I was able to build connections and learn from those outside of C&M! During my term, there were other Co-op students who worked in the same office who I was able to collaborate with on different projects including content creation for the SFU social media accounts.
Travelling to the Burnaby Campus as staff and not as a student was a very exciting and fulfilling experience. I connected with those who I might not have spoken with as a student just attending classes, and I was able to see the behind the scenes of web design, social media, and university-wide communication!
The next term, I went back to study, but as the following semester rolled around, I made my return to SFU to begin another Co-op term where I would be working with the SFU Vancouver Admin team.
I was beyond excited to start another term but slightly hesitant to be working on a campus I had yet to explore! I knew I would have to make changes and adapt to a new environment during these next months, but I was more than ready to be challenged.
In my position with SFU Vancouver, I have been handed many tasks that vary from things I already know, to others that are brand new. I have been introduced to the world of event planning and student engagement, and I have also used my nurtured web skills to help with the redesign of the SFU Vancouver website! Being a part of the “behind the scenes” campus engagement team comes with a lot of responsibility, but there is never a dull moment! The opportunity to work at SFU’s Vancouver campus has also allowed me to explore the amazing cityscape that surrounds the office, which is definitely a perk of working downtown! Similar to my experience with Burnaby, it has been rewarding to travel to the Vancouver campus as staff with brand new professional relationships.
One very important lesson that I can take away from my Co-op journey so far is that change IS good. I’ll be the first to admit that change can be hard but finding unique ways to adapt to the challenges faced only leads to positives including personal and career growth.
To all future Co-op students; check your email and take chances! Both will open doors, lead you to an abundance of opportunity, and leave you with more experiences and memorable moments one could ask for.
