[SFU OLC Blog] A Q&A with a MA Econ Co-op Student

Zafer Rabin Saba

SFU Student Graduate

Arts + Social Sciences › Economics

/ 14 July 2022 /

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Do practice interviews as soon as possible, preferably earlier in the term. As the term progresses and exams come up, it becomes difficult to manage both coursework and Co-op applications.

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself? What is your educational background, major/program, etc.?

I am an MA Economics student at SFU. I previously completed a double major in Industrial Engineering and Economics at Koc University.

2. What is your co-op job and how is it going?

I am currently on my first work term in the Market Risk Measurement team at Scotiabank. It’s been great so far, the team is working on very interesting problems and everyone in the team is very helpful and approachable.

3. What are you or were you looking forward to the most in this position?

I looked forward to doing technical work in the financial industry. I enjoy applying mathematical modelling and programming to the finance sector, and this position is allowing me to improve in these areas while also contributing to the team.

4. What would you say to an employer who is considering posting with SFU’s MA Co-op Program?

I believe that SFU is an underrated university, and that employers should give SFU students more of a chance! The Economics Department at SFU is especially strong, it is currently ranked 5th in Canada but it is very difficult to find SFU alumni even in big companies.

5. What would you want to tell students who are going into or searching for their first co-op?

I would recommend having their application package ready and do practice interviews as soon as possible, preferably earlier in the term. As the term progresses and exams come up, it becomes difficult to manage both coursework and Co-op applications.

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Zafer Rabin Saba

SFU Student Graduate

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