Skip to main content
Beedie School of Business
SFU Co-op Student

flowers on a balcony with the view of the city in hongkong
I think what helped most was the close relationship held by the staff which fostered a rare sense of camaraderie

Launching a career in international business is not for the faint of heart. Making overseas connections, learning new customs, and competing on a global-scale require tenacity, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks.

In one whirlwind adventure, Beedie Business student, Derek Woo, gained first-hand insight into how leading Canadian businesses operate overseas when he left Vancouver for the opportunity of a lifetime. During his four-month co-op position with Canada’s Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Derek had the opportunity to meet and network with Canadian companies abroad, put his marketing and business skills to work, and participate in events including Canada’s 150th, the SFU Alumni Gala, the 5th annual Terry Fox Run, and more.

Derek in HongKong

We caught up with Derek at the end of his journey to hear his reflections on an incredible experience:

“Looking back, it is hard to believe how apprehensive I was when I first walked into the office on September 4th. Since then, however, I experienced many unforgettable moments with the Chamber, such as attending events at the Collier’s International office in Central Plaza, running around the city with a dolly full of chairs and catered canapes, and welcoming the Chief Executive of Hong Kong to our CE Luncheon. As awesome as the experiences were, however, I think what helped most was the close relationship held by the staff which fostered a rare sense of camaraderie - especially for such an influential organization in one of the top financial hubs in the world.”

To learn more about opportunities like Derek’s, visit SFU’s International Co-op homepage.

Derek in hongkong week 1

Follow Derek’s journey as he explores in Hong Kong and shares his experience one postcard at a time. Click here for more images.

SFU Co-op Student

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections, Professional Development, Career Exploration, Seeking, Work Term Extension

author, courtney, smiling
A Second Term in Government: More of the Same?

Having completed my first work term for Health Canada as a Communications Officer Intern, I was eager to try something new, and the government was not where I believed that was going to happen. That is until I was offered a position at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada...

picture of glichelle pondering a though
Surviving Workplace Politics

Ever been peeved with workplace politics? Have you ever been a victim of office politics? One student shares her experiences from the workplace with tips on how to survive.

 

person with their head in a book
Responsibility and Success

One of the most memorable parts of my time in co-op was the collection of accidents, errors, mistakes, and mix-ups that happened in the course of working in the laboratory.

 

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections

RCMP statue
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

Mihai starts their co-op at the Royal Canadian Mountain Police (RCMP) as an Informational Management Specialist Assistant. Read on to find out what they do and how they do it! 

Two elderly people sitting on a couch and browsing on a tablet
Venturing into the Senior Care Sector During the COVID-19 Pandemic

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Naomi headed into into her first Co-op work term as an HR Intern at West Coast Seniors Housing Management. She came of the experience while witnessing first-hand the struggle of the industry and quick responses needed to continue caring for our elderly population.

Mikaela standing in front of her company's logo
Loving the Non-Profit Life

Working at non-profit organizations may have a less-than-desirable reputation among students, especially regarding pay and prestige; and while it may not look as glamorous as working in a big corporate firm, it has a few unique perks to help you gain valuable experience.