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Professional Development

professional development

The following authors share their experiences internationally, with Co-op and volunteering while using incredible resources and opportunities that assisted their professional development. They will teach you how you can develop professional workplace skills such as communication, time management and critical thinking.

Two woman having a conversation over tea
Blog
Making Space for Women’s Voices: Confronting Gender Inequity and Bias

The gender wage gap is an example of an inequality that women have to face in life. However, the gender wage gap is only one example of the many inequities women face in their careers. So, in honour of International Women’s Day, SFU Career Peer Advisors have collaborated to compile a list of recommended career resources aimed towards reducing gender-related employment gaps and empowering those who self-identify as women.

A pen over a paper with the Fraser Institute logo
Blog
Employer Feature: An Interview With The Fraser Institute's Senior Manager, Development Events

Meet Danielle Fleck, the Senior Manager of Development Events at Fraser Institute. In this quick Q&A, Danielle discusses the benefits of having an intern at the organization, the growth of the interns they hired and how the organization made the interns feel comfortable in their position.

Row of students standing at SFU Surrey
Blog
Why Adding Pronouns on your Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn Profile Matters

Learn how and where you can add your pronouns to your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profiles! 

Laptop on a desk next to a plant
Blog
Learning on the Job without an Expert to Guide You

I was the only communication person in my department; there were no experienced communicators to work closely with and learn from. I thought this situation would limit my room to learn, but surprisingly I gained valuable experiences and exercised skills that I didn't expect.

Anik standing outside in front of trees
Blog
A Q&A with a MA Political Science Co-op Student

Meet Anik Ahmed, an SFU Master of Political Science Co-op student. In this quick Q&A, Anik shares a bit about his co-op experience. Keep on reading as Anik shares his co-op's workplace culture, his employer and how he got the unique experience of travelling to Victoria.

George standing outside, next to a British Columbia sign
Blog
Interview with an Arts Co-op Student: Advice to Future Students

Meet George Gayed, a Political Science student minoring in international studies with a concentration of international security and conflict. In this quick Q&A, George discusses his work in his different positions, goes over highlights and the most valuable things he has learned.

Liam standing with a notebook and a construction uniform
Blog
A Technical Writer’s Guide to the Galaxy

In the sentences that follow, you will learn five very, very important tips that, if heeded, will prepare you for a career in technical writing. If these tips don’t quite have the effect I’m suggesting, it’s not my fault–you probably did something wrong.

Fatima standing in front of mountains
Blog
WHERE Are They Now: An Interview with a Former Master's Co-op Student

Many times, our co-op students graduate from our program, and use these experiences in future positions. Today, we will be interviewing a former student of ours, Fatima Sajid to see where she is now after graduation. Read about how her onboarding processes went, the skills she learnt and how her employers helped her develop said skills.

Judith
Blog
Working in the Gaming Industry? Here's What I Learned as a Community Manager!

The gaming industry is faced paced and requires you to be on the go, but that's exactly why I love it.

Windmills
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What to Expect from an Energy Systems Research Co-op Work Term

I’ve spent the last eight months working an SFU research group on fulfilling projects focused on identifying barriers and opportunities to vehicle electrification in BC. What is research work like, and should you consider pursuing a research position?

Oliver, next to a computer with work on his desk
Blog
Captain’s log: a Co-op Students Guide to Navigating Their First Work Term

I will be going over my transformation from a bumbling Co-op student to a full-fledged Marketing Coordinator and give tips on how you too can navigate through your first work term.

Girl looking into the screen sobbing
Blog
Interview Tips from an Extremely Anxious Cry Baby

I made such great progress throughout the years that Little Nadya would definitely be in awe (and in worry because she’ll need to go through all those interviews). So, how did I do it? It wasn’t easy or comfortable, but that’s how you progress. Here are my tips for overcoming, or at least coping, with extreme interview anxiety.

Picture of a student
Blog
Becoming a Sponge at Work

Having thoughts about Co-op, here's an article of business co-op experience that might just be the right motivation for you.

desk
Blog
Different Interest: How I Combined my Skills With my Co-op Job

Have you ever had multiple interests and skills that seem to be unrelated to each other? Cara, a BBA and IAT joint major student, shares her experience with incorporating marketing and graphic design skills in her Co-op journey

Nicole standing next to construction material while wearing a construction uniform
Blog
Fish out of Water: Finding my Place in the World of Construction

There is a certain level of confidence you surround yourself with when going into your second work term. Suddenly, you’re not junior anymore and you have some legitimate experience on your belt. That experience can be used as almost a protective shield when going back into the workforce, especially when there’s a new element introduced. It’s no longer remote.

Student standing next to a sign at an outdoor event
Blog
A Q&A with a MA Political Science Co-op Student

Meet Aliyah Datoo, an SFU Master of Political Science Co-op student. In this quick Q&A, Aliyah shares a bit about her co-op experience. Keep on reading as Aliyah shares her day to day tasks, the onboarding process and how she has felt about the experience.

students group study
Blog
Changing Majors: You Are Not Alone

The thought of changing your major can be daunting, but it can be so rewarding when you take the leap.

Balloons floating in the sky
Blog
How my First Co-op Position Inspired me to Dream

As an undergraduate student who decided to switch my degree from Psychology to Communication on a whim, I was very nervous about my future career path, especially since I felt like I was the only person that had no big dreams in life. Therefore, I decided to apply to Co-op to start piecing together my goals and ambitions.

Elvis standing in front of Simon Fraser University holding a camera
Blog
How to Optimize Workflow and Develop Excellent Time Management

My role as a Communications Assistant has it’s ups and downs especially during busy seasons of the school year where many events run consecutively one after the other. Time management and efficiency are nothing new for us students because we constantly must meet deadlines and make sure we balance work with school

Photo of Claire Adams
Blog
Emerging Leader Claire Adams Brings Creativity and Passion to her Grassroots Community Work

Urban Studies master’s student Claire Adams is dedicated to helping transform the way self-identified women experience urban spaces and participate in civic processes, and she has been recognized for this work with the Urban Studies Alumni Award for Community Engagement.

Amy sitting on a sofa, with the SFU VentureLabs logo behind her
Blog
Big Benefits of Smaller Companies

After 12 months of Co-op terms at 3 very different companies, I am closing out this major piece of my undergrad...All of these placements combined have given me a great foundation and transferable skills, but I also learned equally valuable things about different work environments. I encourage anyone still in Co-op to not overlook the very real benefits of smaller organizations.

man sitting at office desk holding dog
Blog
Why Co-op is the Most Important Thing You Can Do as an International Student

Being an international student from Bangladesh, I always felt that I did not have the necessary network to succeed in the Canadian workforce even though I feel strongly about my ability to work hard and grow. I felt anxious when looking at my peers who have been working in a job since the age of 16 whereas I was just getting started. This is when I was introduced to SFU Co-op. 

desktop computer on a wooden desk with plants in the background
Blog
8 Keys to Master the Art of a Hybrid Co-op

So, you've just started your first hybrid Co-op term and you have no idea what to expect or how to navigate a hybrid model of work within the corporate sector. Things may seem a little overwhelming! Here is the good news - there are 8 keys that I have picked up through my own trials and tribulations in a hybrid Co-op term.

girl with safety hat, vest, and glasses standing in front of construction site
Blog
There’s Nothing Scary About a Steep Learning Curve

I was determined to find a position during my Co-op search to anywhere I thought was interesting. When I saw PCL had an opening, I applied, even though I didn’t know anything about construction. While I had no experience in construction marketing, I was still intrigued and applied. Continue reading to learn about my experience in taking the challenge of diving into a new industry. 

person typing on laptop which is on white round table
Blog
The Perfect Cover Letter That Will Get You Hired

I can write a solid resume, interview well, and make sure that my online presence is on point. The one thing that’s always been a struggle? The dreaded cover letter. Continue reading as I highlight some of my top tips to selling yourself and securing that interview.

Photo of Daniel Furlot
Blog
Making an Impact During My Work Term Extension

Beedie student, Daniel Furlot, shares their experiences with making the most out of an eight-month Co-op term by being aware of areas of improvements within the company, and making a pitch to facilitate positive change.

A person on their computer at a work desk with a landline phone on the side
Blog
The Unteachable Skills

Beedie student, Alex Beechney, shares his experience in learning essential life skills such as decision-making, communication, and working under pressure during his Co-op work term at ACD Systems. 

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