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Welcome

Being one of OLC's classic storytelling tools, blogs are crafted by SFU Community members which include the everyday student as well as expert voices. This is where we share touching stories, resourceful advice, and insightful knowledge with each other. In keeping with the OLC vision, the following blogs are created by and for students, so why not contribute to the OLC today?

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INTERNATIONAL

 

Changing Times: Stories to Inspire Hope and Resilience

 

Kaylla
Staying Productive While Working Remotely for a Health Authority

Working from home is a common reality for many Co-op students in the past year. Working from home while working for a Health Authority in the thick of the pandemic is a tremendous experience Kaylla went through last year. Take a look at how she learned to stay productive in these uncertain times.

The Latest

 

THE LATEST
Tanishvir's Workspace at KPMG
Learning and Growing on the Job

Learning and growing on a co-op term is expected to happen. Read about Tanishvir's first co-op term as a Staff Accountant and how his co-op term is changing his future. 

Jordan standing outside the WIL offices.
Don't Just Survive, But Thrive: Balancing Being a Co-op Student with Other Responsibilities

SFU Co-op student Jordan talks about his time working for Work-Integrated Learning while balancing other commitments. 

Nick Spanos
SIAT Co-op Student Nick Spanos on Working as a Producer in the VR/AR Industry

This week’s SFU Surrey Co-op features Nick Spanos, an Interactive Arts and Technology student who has a background in design and project management. Nick had the opportunity to work as a Producer Intern in XR Immersive Tech for his 8 month co-op placement.

2 people sitting at a table and looking at their laptops
How to Battle Your Imposter Syndrome at Your Job – and Win!

Welcome to your first Co-op job! You showed your stuff at your interview and wowed your future employers with your knowledge and experience. You come into your first day and that’s when you realize: you don’t know anyone at all, and everyone looks more knowledgeable and more mature than you. Keep reading to see a few tips that Claire has for you to battle your imposter syndrome and win!

picture of a girl and illustration of a computer and girl on a pink background
5 Tips I've Learned as Digital Communications Specialist on Video Editing

Video editing can be hard. And while this video won’t turn you into an editing master, it can hopefully provide you with some information to make the job easier. Being a third-year Communication student with a passion for creating, Brianna Tsang shares 5 tips and tricks that she has learned throughout her 8-month Co-op placement with FCAT (Faculty of Communication Arts and Technology) as a Digital Communications Specialist.

A room with two laptops.
Vanquishing the Social Stigma on Mental Well-Being

At dire times like this, it is about time we acknowledge the fact that many people experience issues with their mental well-being, but we should not be demoralized as there are also ways to combat them!

A headshot of Kayli Jamieson
Meet Kayli Jamieson: Communications honours student and undergraduate research assistant

In this Q&A, undergraduate student Kayli Jamieson talks about her experience as an Honours Communications student and her current role as a research assistant focusing on disinformation. 

Person wearing a raincoat sitting above an empty road
Coping with Loneliness

There's always a chance to be lonely at university, especially if you're just starting out. Read this piece written by the Health Peers about how to embrace it and reach out. 

a potrait of Isabelle at SFU Surrey
SIAT Co-op Student: Behind the Scenes at SFU Surrey

Are you a SIAT Student? Interested in doing your Co-op at SFU? Hear from one of our senior SIAT students - Isabelle Louie, on her contribution to SFU Surrey Campus Administration.

person in yellow sweater typing on laptop
How to Boss Your First Work Term and Get an Extension

Landing your first work term can be a lengthy and challenging task, but the work doesn’t stop when your get that offer letter. Navigating your first day, and even first term can be tricky. Continue reading to see four tips that helped me make the most of my first work term and helped me turn my 4-month placement into an 8-month one so hopefully, you can too.

A man lying on top of three cars.
My Co-op Journey at Tesla, Snapchat, and YVR

SFU Communication student Clayton Wong reflects on his co-op journey and how his co-ops at Tesla, Snapchat, and YVR Airport shaped his career path. 

A picture of a woman talking a selfie in front of a mountain range
Starting a Fitness Journey

Everyone's fitness journey is different! Read about SFU Recreation's Audrey Heath journey with fitness! 

A man writing on a see-through whiteboard.
Finding Your Unique Path To Success

It’s easy to feel burnt out and demoralized when looking around at your peers and contemporaries, but following your path comes with success that feels uniquely yours.

Three students walking down a hall with backpacks on.
Surviving Senioritis

The last couple of semesters of university can feel like forever, especially when you’re losing motivation to continue the journey. Here are some of my tips on how to stay focused and inspired before graduation. 

girl smiling in front of a white background
A Q&A with a Co-op Alumnus

Today we’re talking to Rifayat Raisa, who graduated in April 2021 from the MA Economics program. During her time at SFU she was able to complete a co-op with Policy Reporter as a Research and Reporting Assistant. With this role she was able to break into the health economics industry and is still with the company today. Continue reading to have a look into her experience with co-op and what she’s learned along the way.

Girl looking at laptop screen
Finding Community While Returning to Work In-Person

Finding community in your workplace is just one way to enrich your overall working and learning experience. Creating relationships with colleagues, and friendships in the community not only benefits your work life but can reflect a positive personal life as well. Whether this looks like sharing inside jokes with a co-worker, a meaningful conversation with a peer, or a meal with community, these are just some ways to grow your social circle.

A bunch of people working at their computers.
Working at Alida as a Business Administration Major

The software industry can be intimidating for your first co-op but it can also be a great way to gain a wide skill set that can be applied throughout many industries.

Man sitting on a chair smiling at camera
5 Quick Q&As with an MA Econ Co-op Student

Today we’re talking with Masood Abdinejad, a master of economics student in his second year, who’s currently doing a co-op work term at Natural Resources Canada. Learn about his co-op experience as an international student working in a federal government role.

The front steps of the Academic Quadrangle at SFU.
How I Did My Remote Co-op with the OLC

The OLC loves its co-op students! Nazanin, our Tech Co-op student, reflects on her time here and what her strategies for success were. 

A person browsing their computer.
Working from Home: What I Learned in an Online Co-op Placement

Working from home the last few years has had a steep learning curve. Read on to see how Victoria, a Master's student at SFU, spent her online co-op term and the pros and cons of remote work. 

People working in the office
Growth Opportunities in Not-for-Profit Organizations

After entering the workforce eight years ago, how did I just find out that non-for-profits provide the best learning opportunities for students and professionals looking to diversify their skills? Overtime, I have worked for family businesses, not-for-profits, and corporations, but I always found myself growing and learning more while working for a not-for-profit. 

Image of a camera
Shooting a Photo That Best Represents You

Must shoot your own headshot? Don’t fret! These tips from a professional photographer will make finding a location, picking good lighting, and shooting a photo a breeze.

Person standing in the sunset holding up the sun.
Working for the Sun: 3 Tips for a Strong Interview

The day before an interview tends to be the most anxiety-inducing, especially as a Co-op student. Maybe it’s because you really want that specific position, have little professional experience or generally have social anxiety in new and uncomfortable situations. With a little reflection on my interview process, I came up with three tips to hopefully calm your nerves before, during and after your next interview.

2 people sitting at a round white table on their laptop
Behind the Scenes of an Interview: What I Learned While Hiring My Co-op Replacement

Whether you’re like me and have been doing Co-op for a while now, or just have had your fair share of job interviews, then you probably think you know everything there is to be prepared for one. However, I will tell you right now that, unless you have actually conducted a job interview, you most likely do not. Continue reading for some insider tips on Co-op interviews that I feel everyone should know.

A picture of the sky during sunset.
Self-Learned Tips for Mental Well-Being

Sharing tips for good mental health practices is essential for building both a helpful community and a better future for yourself. Read SFU Health and Counselling's tips for being more present in the moment. 

Image of 3 students sitting outside of SFU Burnaby Campus Library
The Library: More Than Just for Studying

Want a little more out of your university experience? Here’s why studying at the library is the best way to make the most out of your time at SFU academically and socially.

A person running down the road next to a field.
Turning a Run into Fun: Taking Your First Step

Running is a drag. Here’s some ways to keep yourself motivated and healhy as you continue on your New Year’s resolutions. 

A yellow road sign with an arrows going left and right on the side of the road
Finding My Way With Co-op

Your path to discovering your career won’t look like someone else’s. This is an important lesson that I've learned during my Co-op journey that has motivated me to explore all the possibilities of what a future career could entail. Keep reading to learn about how I've continued my Co-op journey and more about how I've continued to learn about myself during this experience. 

A man with a beard laying on a blanket
120 Hours: How to Survive COVID Quarantine Creatively

So you or someone you've been in contact with has been exposed to COVID. Here are a couple of ways to pass the five-day quarantine and not go out of your mind during it. 

Picture of someone's back while they're looking at the sunset
Finding The Right Fit With a Counsellor

Counselling has a lot of benefits, but it is a human relationship, and sometimes a counsellor you meet may not be the right fit - and that's okay.