Skip to main content

Prospective

girl standing beside SFU sign
Blog
Starting or Continuing Your Co-op Journey: A Letter to Current and Future Co-op Students

If you are a current Co-op student, someone who’s about to begin their work term, or someone who’s thinking about possibly joining the program, this one is for you! I remember going into my first Co-op work term and finding comfort in reading about other students’ Co-op experiences. Not knowing what to expect can be scary, so being able to have a snapshot into what others have experienced or learned can offer some insights.

Stone carvings
Blog
5 Paid Internships Available for Canadian Indigenous Students

Gaining work experience while still in university is a great way to prepare for life after graduation. Here are 5 organizations that offer internship programs for Indigenous students.

A head shot of Julie
Blog
Career Guidance For Rookies: A Q & A with a Coop Student

How would you explain co-op to high school students or how would you explain your journey to discover your career path? While a co-op student, Julie was asked to participate as a panelist for high school students visiting Teck Resource Limited.  She shares her experience as a panelist and co-op advocate in this Q & A summary. 

A picture of Olivia Chan
Blog
How My Student Club Involvement Scored Me My First Co-op- Recruiter Perspective

Joining a student club is an excellent way to develop transferable skills! Olivia shares how her campus involvement not only helped with skill development and securing a co-op position, it eased the transition and helped differentiate Olivia from her peers. In her own words: "If you want to be one step closer to finding your dream co-op, I suggest starting with community involvement!"

Mik Ho photo is one of the photo spots in Korea
Blog
Real Talk: Is an International Co-op Worth It?

You have seen the emails, read the posters, heard the presentations. The question remains, is International Co-op worth it? Is it worth the planning, cost, and time off-school? Well, you will have to continue reading to find out.

the author with her colleagues looking at a laptop
Blog
Is Co-op Worth It?

To do or not to do? In this article, Thuy An talks about the pros of the co-op program and how it can benefit your future career. 

Gloria and her manager smiling
Blog
Working With a Disability

Disclosing a disability to an employer can be daunting at any point in your career but particularily as a student new to the workplace. Gloria Cheung, shares how she was able to not just survive but thrive with a little bit of support from her employer. 

Dumbells, a tea kettle, eye mask
Blog
The Job Hunt: Self-Care

Looking for a great job can be taxing on your mind and body. Srijani Datta, shares tips on how to keep it together during a long and difficult job hunt.

Mark smiling for the camera in a metropolitan area
Blog
Why Co-op Makes a Difference: Instead of Chasing, I’m Being Chased

Have you ever wondered if extending graduation to take part in co-op is really worth it? Find out by checking out Mark's final co-op reflection as he looks back on four co-op terms. 

the author against an SFU backdrop
Blog
Step by Step: Building Job Experience as an International Student

It isn’t always easy to get your first local job as an international student. However, there may be some short-cuts that you didn’t know about. Siyu Liu, a fourth-year business student, has  advice for fellow international students on how to build local work experience

Sign board that says "this way" with arrows
Blog
The Art of (Not) Having It All Figured Out

Choosing a career is not about selecting an archetype (like ‘lawyer’, or ‘doctor’, or ‘teacher’), but about exploring who you are, what your skill set is, and what type of career will be a good fit for you. In this blog, I talk about letting go of the pressure to have it all figured out, and to instead embrace different ideas and explore different options to find a career that fits. 

Jaclyn
Blog
Join Co-op: Your Future Self Will Thank You

Have you found yourself thinking about joining the co-op program but aren’t yet sure if it’s worth your time or the best bang for your buck? Let Jaclyn help you get off that fence and convince you why the co-op program is worth your while. 

Emily
Blog
4 More Misconceptions About Co-op You Need to Burn Right Now

Emily Taylor, senior Communication Co-op student, debunks 4 more misconceptions about joining Co-op in part 2 of our series. As Emily Taylor, a senior Communication Co-op student says, "Reality check: a degree doesn’t guarantee a job. Vancouver communications, marketing and writing jobs aren’t waiting for you in the stands at Convocation. You’ve got to hunt for them, and Co-op is your open door. "

Mark Thompson head shot
Blog
Making the Most of the Co-op Experience: The Case for a Diversified Co-op Portfolio

Ever wonder what type of factors you should take into consideration when seeking out Co-op placements? Mark reflects on his rewarding Co-op journey to make some recommendations on how to best take advantage of the Co-op program!

Trina
Blog
Student Success Story: Trina Setah

"In all of my years, I worked to be well known, respected and network with many people.  Those networks proved to be worth-while as I worked my way up the ladder.  It pays to make good connections that has strategically helped me out when I needed them." 

Tanya
Blog
Risk Takers and Novelty: Demystifying the Barriers of International Co-op and Exchange

Consider the benefits of doing an international co-op and exchange.

Jill in scuba diving gear on a boat
Blog
“I Never Dreamed About Having a Job Like This!”

Read about Jill's summer co-op with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, where she spent her time scuba diving, documenting algae and invertebrate species, hanging out with sea lions and possibly having the best summer ever!

Emily
Blog
Think Co-op Isn't For You? 4 Excuses You Need to Burn Right Now

As Emily Taylor, a senior Communication Co-op student says, "Reality check: a degree doesn’t guarantee a job. Vancouver communications, marketing and writing jobs aren’t waiting for you in the stands at Convocation. You’ve got to hunt for them, and Co-op is your open door. " Read on for compelling evidence of how Co-op can benefit you - regardless of what you've been led to believe!

A photo of the author smiling
Blog
Should You Stay or Should You Go? 8 Gifs to Help You Decide!

Having trouble deciding to whether stay local or move abroad for your co-op placement? Read through SFU Communication Co-op student Samantha's tips on how to make an educated decision when it comes to going abroad for co-op!

People attending a conference
Blog
The 3-Minute Co-op Competition: Day Two

On October 7th and 8th 2013, WIL hosted SFU's first Three Minute Co-op Competition. 31 students presented on their Co-op experience, competing for cash prizes. Read a recap of the final 15 presenters.

Dennis as a freshman with his friends
Blog
Must-know Tips For A University Freshman | Part Two

Making the transition from high school to university can be exciting but difficult, check out some useful tips and advice from a senior student so you can make the most out of your first year at SFU!

Connie and a colleague
Blog
Start Your Career with Co-op

Ever wondered if Co-operative Education is right for you? Are you unsure if it’ll help you find the right job? Having doubts if Co-op can help you with your career path? Well think again!

A photo of four people smiling
Blog
Four Tips For A Successful Co-op Experience

Co-operative Education can be an excellent way of enriching your academic experience and narrowing down your potential career options. Employers increasingly cite real-life or internship experience as one of the most desirable qualities in applicants.

an ice hockey game with the view of the rink
Blog
From Intern to Web Coordinator

Do you worry about making the transition from a student to a full-time employee? Well stop fretting and read on to find out how SFU alumnus Karen Sum transitioned from a Canucks intern to a full-time Canucks.com website coordinator.

Kamil on the phone, looking at the camera
Blog
Survival Guide 101: Keys to Office Survival

Welcome to Office Life 101. A wealth of friendly advice for the first time or inexperienced co-op student, and some advice as to what is required of you to not only survive, but to flourish in an office environment.

person sitting beside a gold lamp, writing something down in their journal
Blog
What Learning Objectives Can Do For You

A successful Co-op work term can involve many factors, one of which is developing and working towards meeting your learning objectives. Developing a learning objective helps you to think about what you want to accomplish during your upcoming work term and begin developing a plan for how you’ll achieve success.

Co-op students jumping in the air
Blog
The Co-op Connection Helps Retention

In this blog post, Heather shares with us why co-op is an important experience for all students, whether it be to further career aspirations or to gain future employment opportunities. 

Subscribe to Prospective Subscribe to Prospective