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First Weeks on the Job

Valentine’s Day at the office with some of the team! Left to Right: Claudia, Laurie, Kimberly, and Kiara
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Round 2: The Takeaways of Working at SFU for Two Co-Op Terms

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.

Vanshita standing in front of a wall with the SAP logo
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You've Landed a Big Co-op…Now What?

Bzzt! You're staring down at the offer letter you've received from your dream company. Usually, this is where the chapter ends or the curtains fall on a very happy ending. No one prepares you for what comes next and if you're anything like me (an international student), you're even further removed from any immediate sage advice from your loved ones. Worry not! As someone who steered her own ship amidst stormy seas, I'm here to offer some do’s and don'ts that might just save you.

A laptop and a book at a desk
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8 Valuable Lessons I Learned from Working an Office Job

Working in a full-time position in an office involves a lot of online communication and file management, thus staying organized is the key to success. In my job specifically, my main tasks were replying to emails and messages on social media as well as posting on the platforms, creating a monthly newsletter, designing promotional graphics, and updating webpages. But no matter the occupation, whether you’re a worker or a student, these tips may help you stay organized and be effective.

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What did I do to Extinguish my Co-op Nerves?

This was it. I finished writing my resumes, successfully passed the interview process, and accepted the job offer with cheers of joy. I told my mother with a large grin on my face, but in the midst of my excitement, my smile slightly lowered, and a wave of nervousness washed over me.

man standing in front of sign that says "KPMG"
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5 Quick Q&As with a Master of Economics Co-op Student

Meet Ata Malfuzi, an SFU Master of Economics Co-op student. In this quick Q&A, learn a little about his current role at KPMG. Keep on reading as Ata gives some insight into what the hiring process was like, what he's looking forward to the most, and some tips for students who are beginning their co-op journey. 

the author portrait
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Do, Learn, and Grow: Valuable Lessons from Company Values

"Learn. As students, we hear this word a lot in school, but what does that really mean in the working environment?" Read on as Travia delves into her personal experience of growth in the workplace.

An image of the author with his co-workers in front of Allocadia's company logo
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How to Get Over Imposter Syndrome at Your Co-op

A lot of students going through their co-op terms have the same fear – as a student, how should one cope transitioning into an office environment with smart and experienced professionals? The simple answer to this issue is to be confident!

an SFU student wearing her graduation gown
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Being Qualified-ish

Have you ever felt that you are not qualified enough for a job you just got? Privilege explains why it is more than alright to be a newbie and what you should understand about your position to take the best from your co-op term.

Linda smiling against a white backdrop looking into the distance
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Four Mistakes You Are Likely to Make During Your First Co-op Work Term – And It’s Okay!

Mistakes happen, but do you learn to them?  Linda identifies some common mistakes made by Co-op students on their first work term.

A photo of the author
Blog
The First 100 Days of Co-op

Congratulations! You got the job offer, but now what? The first 100 days of a new job are critical for your future success --  whether that means leading a project or simply showing your team that you are an eager learner. This blog will show you how to make the most of your first 100 days on the job. 

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What to Do if You've Made a Bad First Impression

First impressions are given a lot of stock in the professional world. But what do you do if you've made a bad one? Learn how to recover gracefully with these tips. 

Circular image of author on the left with the blog title printed in white beside it. Author's image and text are displayed on the background image of an Apple PC and keyboard on a wooden table.
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From Classroom to Office: 3 Ways to Ease the Transition From Student to Staff at SFU

So you’ve just landed your Co-op position at SFU. You’re excited, and eager to get going – but somewhere along the way, you might notice that working at your home school and studying there can be an entirely different experience. Sally Arang shares her tips on how to make the transition from a student to an employee of SFU as seamlessly as possible. 

International Co-op In France
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Finding a Balance Between Work and Life During an International Co-op

International Co-op positions provide the opportunity to discover the world while developing professional skills and contacts. But there’s a conundrum: all work and no play or no work and all play? Read Mallory's blog on how to find balance between work and life during your international co-op!

Author's front profile. He is wearing a blue half-sleeves shirt and black square framed glasses. He is standing in front of a blue building and some foliage.
Blog
A Humbling First Experience

On the first day of school, your hearts racing, sweat is forming across the forehead and you're nervous beyond belief. Now imagine attending school as a co-op student on your first work term at Mediated Learning Academy - That's exactly how Andrew felt. Read about his experience with MLA!

Woman at an airport
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Taking the Leap: Moving Across the Country for Co-op

Not everyone can say that they’ve had their movie moment. Luckily enough, it happened to Pauline, and it happened in the exact way she dreamt it would. But, what she didn't prepare for is the reality after saying yes. 

A skateboarder ramping off an incline to do a trick
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5 Keys to “Ramping Up” and Quickly Adjusting to a New Co-op

Noah did his co-op at PMC-Sierra. In this article he introduces the engineering term “ramp up” and identifies five ways to get up to speed when you start a co-op.

Image of a fish swimming in water
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A Fish on Land: Adjusting to a Company’s Work Culture

Nervous heart palpitations, a piercing adrenaline rush, and a case of the stutters; like many Co-op students on their first day at work, I had just been asked to present an introductory speech in front of my colleagues.

Candice smiling with a view of Barcelona in the background
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Living and Working Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

Are you looking into working abroad for your co-op?  Business student, Candice Woods shares what she learned in her co-op and how to combat homesickness based on her experience working in Barcelona, Spain for her co-op.

Image of Miranda
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Avoid Sucking During Your Work Term

When trying to get hired, I hardly considered the prospect of actually working. I was more concerned with building professional resumes and appearing impressive at interviews. Upon landing my first co-op, however, I suddenly realized that I would need to perform in a strange, new environment – one I knew nothing about!

Christie Atkins at HydroOne
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Advice from a Corporate Communications Guru

Starting a new co-op position can be stressful and overwhelming at first. Communication Co-op student, Christie Atkins, shares workplace transition advice from her mentor, Melissa Fast.

SFU Burnaby Campus
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My First day on the Job at TFCSE in SFU

After blogging her way through the interview process, Natalie found another Co-op position, this time right on campus in Maggie Benson Centre, and she's back to share her first days at TFCSE.

A close-up of a t-shirt often worn at camp, outlining the steps to the camp song
Blog
Orientation and Training

In the first of a three-part series, Rachael begins her summer Co-op at a BC Easter Seals camp. Follow along as she goes through training and orientation, explaining the most strenuous, emotional and inspiring parts of her journey. 

Portrait of Samuel
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The Triumphant Transition: Tips for the Exciting First Week

The first week is often the most stressful for students on their first, second or even sixth work term. Coming from a successful transition into the workplace on his first co-op work term at BCNET, Samuel shares some of his top tips for the first week.

a closeup of a woman concentrating in her work space
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The Office Culture: What School Doesn’t Prepare You For

There are many things school doesn't teach you about working in a corporate environment. Check out 3 areas Natalie wants you to pay attention to when you are on your job and tips to help you improve your work performance.

Image of the Author
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Top Ten Tips for Co-op Work Term Success

John Grant, an SFU Communication Co-op Alumus has five work term experiences in his portfolio and shares his top ten tips for completing a successful and fulfilling Co-op work term.

one person at the head of a table leading a meeting with 7 other members
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Top Ten Ways to Wow Your Boss

You impressed your boss during your job interview, but now it’s time to really show what you are capable of. A good business relationship with your boss is one of the components of a positive work experience. Here are the top tens ways to dazzle your new employer.

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What To Do: Your First Week On the Job

You’ve applied for the job, gone through the interview, been selected, and now you’re ready to begin your first week on the job! But are you? Read John's tips on how to prepare for your first weeks on the job!

People shaking hands
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Top Ten: Best Ways to Make a GREAT Impression

The Co-op advisors at SFU are in the unique position of hearing from both employers and students about what makes a successful work term. Paulette Johnston has a list of ten simple ways to get off on the right foot.

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