Skip to main content

OLC Home

SPRING CLEANING!

Our team is doing some spring cleaning starting with user accounts. Login using your CAS credentials for instructions. We appreciate your speedy action so we can move onto other new and exciting initiatives over the summer.

Welcome to the

OLC!

BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS

Join the community using your SFU CAS account.

Join the community using your SFU CAS account. Then, complete your registration by clicking on your name located in the top right corner of the page.

JOIN

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Share Your SFU Story 

Have a story to share about your time at SFU? Add your voice to the ever-expanding gallery of community stories on our SFU Stories page! Take about 15 minutes to reflect on your experiences at SFU, including, but not limited to, involvement in clubs, student unions, peer mentorship, and work opportunities. Share your story to educate, inspire, and connect the SFU community. Submissions are welcome year-round, from all years and faculties.

Everyone has a story! What's yours?

SUBMIT

VOLUNTEER STORIES

 

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Join our team

The OLC is looking for volunteers for various positions that have a range of time commitments including content creators, editors, UI/UX developers, and website testers. Positions are open for all students hoping to gain valuable experience in writing, website development and management, task and time management, collaboration, communication, and more. There is no deadline to apply as we recruit year-round!

APPLY
person laughing

NEW VIDEO SERIES

Job Search in a Pandemic

New episodes of Career Conversations from SFU Career and Volunteer Services are released every Tuesday on the OLC. Tune in see your most burning questions about the world of work, volunteering, and career exploration answered by guests from diverse professional backgrounds and organizations across Canada.

Episode 3 features Kristina Lee, Director of the IT Division at Impact Recruitment. You don't want to miss her expert tips for job searching during the pandemic and how you can best show off your soft skills to employers.

Watch
person laughing

NEW VIDEO SERIES

Job Search in a Pandemic

New episodes of Career Conversations from SFU Career and Volunteer Services are released every Tuesday on the OLC. Tune in see your most burning questions about the world of work, volunteering, and career exploration answered by guests from diverse professional backgrounds and organizations across Canada.

Episode 3 features Kristina Lee, Director of the IT Division at Impact Recruitment. You don't want to miss her expert tips for job searching during the pandemic and how you can best show off your soft skills to employers.

Watch

NEW POST

Activism Burnout: An Interview with Registered Clinical Counsellors

In light of the increased visibility of injustices around the world, taking a stand and contributing to social justice is becoming more prominent in our everyday lives. As you learn and advocate about different injustices, you may experience activism burnout with added stressors such as balancing work, personal life, school, and extracurricular activities. SFU Health Peers interview Counsellors at Health and Counselling Services for advice.

Read

NEW POST

Why You Should Consider Submitting an SFU Story to the OLC

SFU Stories on the OLC are short-form, Instagram-style, narrative stories that help to build a welcoming SFU community. No matter how big or small, every story has something to offer. Share your story today!

Read

NEW POST

I’m Starting a Minor Late Into My Degree... Now What?

One of our OLC team members, Brianna Tsang, shares her experience of deciding her minor in her 3rd year at SFU. "The knowledge and genuine connections made throughout this process has been an amazing experience and opportunity to have."

Read

NEW POST

Social Media Addiction & Screen Fatigue: A Survival Guide for Jobs in Social Media

When it comes to social media and digital marketing positions, it’s easy to be blinded by the positives. After all, many Communication majors are fascinated by digital marketing and algorithms— and if you’re a digital native, creating social media content might already be second nature to you. Whether you manage social media for your organization or create external content, there are a few bonuses to consider.

Read

NEW STUDENT PODCAST

On the Spot with the OLC

The OLC team is extremely excited to introduce a brand new podcast titled On the Spot with the OLC. Your hosts, Mehtaab and Terae, discuss important topics revolving around community, engagement, education and overall life advice! Within these 12 episodes, your hosts aim to bring a well rounded perspective to a variety of topics as they believe they can provide insightful knowledge about what it's like to be an SFU student. Please make sure to have a listen!

Listen to Episode 1: Creating Community at SFU

NEW PODCAST ON THE OLC

StudioBytes

Welcome to Studio Bytes! A podcast inspired by the energy of the SIAT Studios and the memories students make in those spaces. This podcast invites Alumni back into the studio and we get to learn about their experiences at SIAT and their lives after. In Episode 2 meet SFU Alumni Marie Cheung who shares her experience at SFU, her life post SFU and her time in Europe

Listen to Episode 2: What is Service Design?

Login to Provide your Feedback!

Did you know that each landing page on the site has a feedback section for logged in users? We use this information to discover and fix issues, consider site improvements and addition of new features. Our tech team is focused on feature improvements this summer, so share your input to direct changes to the OLC.

LOGIN

ABOUT

Our Learning Community

SFU's Our Learning Community has an incredible range of content created by and for the SFU community. This includes diverse and authentic stories, which show a range of inspirational knowledge sharing happening between students, as well as handy tools that help with learning anywhere and everywhere you are.
 
Discover how you can contribute to our ever-expanding learning community.

 

CONTRIBUTE
9200
Members Joined

 

2199
230
Projects Created

 

88
Series Compiled

 

EXPLORE

Recognizing that our SFU community members are versatile storytellers, the new OLC has expanded how you can tell your story. Come take a look by exploring into this brand new range of content curated by our editors; this includes Blogs, SFU Stories, Videos, and Podcasts. And remember, no matter where you are in your learning journey at SFU, we want to hear your story! Learn more on how you can contribute to the OLC.

 

 

EXPLORE
A woman standing with a cardboard box on her head
Blog
How to Navigate Student Mindset Traps

When students enter their first or second Co-op work term, there can be a risk of falling into student mindset traps. These are the habits we pick up as students that are detrimental to our professional performance and development. Read on to learn more about how Bowen learned to avoid student mindset traps after four Co-op semesters working for three different companies.

a phone screen showcasing Amazon stocks rising
Blog
Get Your Side Hustle On: A Student's Guide to Part-Time Work

As she puts it, grad student Srijani Datta has been a student for most of her life. To support her love of academia she has worked as a reporter, tutor, translator, transcriber, and content writer. Develop your own side-hustle with her tips. 

READ

LEARN

SHARE

CONTRIBUTE

Videos

Read

Learn

Share

Contribute

There is so much to explore on the new OLC!

So, browse around and have fun with the new learning and storytelling tools. Found something not working?

EXPLORE

Recognizing that our SFU community members are versatile storytellers, the new OLC has expanded how you can tell your story. Come take a look by exploring this wider range of content including Blogs, SFU Stories, Videos, Experiential Learning Experiences, and Podcasts. And remember, no matter where you are in your learning journey at SFU, we want to hear your story! Learn more on how you can contribute to the OLC.

Let us know button - hidden

THE LATEST

Catch up on the latest and freshest content from the SFU OLC. You're bound to find a fresh new perspective, the most current advice, and recently published stories that are sure to inspire you.

 

 

THE LATEST
Person highlighted in purple indicating they are standing out in the fair
Blog
Standing Out In A Crowded Job Market

Standing out in today’s job market is definitely a tough task. But, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a number of ways you can make yourself stand out to potential employers. Read on to find out how.

Lightning
Blog
4 Reasons Why Lightning Round is Awesome

So it’s mid-March and you haven’t got a Co-op job for the summer yet, exams are approaching, and you're getting worried you'll never land a job. Co-op coordinators Heather Keeping and Marcia Shimizu offer up tips on how to excel during lightning round, and why it's actually awesome.

two women having a chat over some juice at a coffee shop
Blog
Informational Interview Basics

As Natalie nears graduation her focus has shifted to landing a post-grad job. In the next instalment of her Road to Graduation series, read up on the basics of setting up and attending an informational interview.

a group of students talking to each other
Blog
Networking Basics

Networking is essentially building relationships with professionals in your industry. As time consuming and challenging as it can be, it’s important to focus on, especially when you are on the hunt for a job. Natalie continues her Road to Graduation series with her networking tips.

two women sitting across from each other in conversation
Blog
Preparing for Informational Interviews

Natalie continues her Road to Graduation series with tips on how to prepare when a professional finally grants you an informational interview. Follow her tips and make the most of the opportunity.

Group of TEDx individuals
Blog
SFU Student Engages With TEDxKids@BC

Learn all about one student's involvement with TEDxKids@BC, a non-profit that seeks to engage passionate youth to change lives. Towards the end of this year, the TEDxKids 2014 Conference will take place right here in Vancouver, so don’t miss this chance to come attend this awe-inspiring event!

graduation ceremony with a focus on an individual
Blog
Taking Control of Your Success after Graduation

Wonder what resources are available to help you transition from university to the world of work? Wonder what you can do to prepare for the workforce after you graduate from SFU? Read on to discover the resources and strategies available to prepare you for the transition from ‘Backpack to Briefcase’!

Aboriginal Front Door Society Banner
Blog
Volunteer Opportunities in Downtown Eastside

SFU Molecular Biology & Biochemistry student Ryan Danroth volunteers with Aboriginal Front Door Society (AFDS) as Harm Reduction Coordinator. They are currently looking for volunteers at AFDS.

a girl smiling in the office
Blog
Take Action & Welcome Opportunities

Applying for a volunteer opportunity, a job, or graduate school, are all forms of taking career-related action. But what if you don’t have enough time to tackle these aspects of your life individually? That’s where the miniBIG Fair 2014 comes in – read more to find about this very useful, one-day event.

Kim looking into a folder
Blog
Why You Should Volunteer in Your First Year (Or Start NOW!)

First year is an important time in any university student's development. Kim discusses why she feels it is also a great time to get involved with volunteering!

Austin working
Blog
The Co-op Life of a Mechatronics Systems Engineering Student

Curious about what wonders a mechatronics engineer can do? Read about Austin's Co-op journey and find out for yourself! 

Students posing with a mascot
Blog
Engagement Can Help You Find A Major...and Vice-Versa!

Kenny takes a look at how engaging with yourself can help you contribute to your community and shares a few tips on how to define your major and your field.

Bolivia
Blog
Jeff Lemon's Bolivia Experience

Jeff took Bolivia by storm, working with the Centro Integral de Desarrollo Economico Comunitario (CIDECO), as part of the Bolivian CED Project. Find out more about how his International experience impacted his career journey.

Picture of Marianne
Blog
Major Grant Helps Preserve First Nations Languages

Of Canada’s 60 First Nations languages, 30 are found only in B.C.  According to Marianne Ignane, director of SFU’s FNLC, these languages are in a state of decline, which is why she has made it her life’s work to find ways of preserving and teaching these languages.

Snapshot of the workshop
Blog
SFU Reaching Out to Aboriginal Youth

SFU instructors and students are engaged in a variety of community activities that are making a difference to Aboriginal children and youth.

Side by side picture of SFU and Jenna walsh
Blog
Indigenous Initiatives Librarian: Jenna Walsh

Indigenous Initiatives Librarian Jenna Walsh has been working with Aboriginal communities and SFU students, staff and faculty to determine how best to enhance and develop the library’s services for Aboriginal students.

Portrait of Elizabeth
Blog
Getting Familiar with Adobe Creative Suite

Within the first week of my second work term, it became apparent just how much I would be working with Adobe Illustrator. I felt I should be an expert when I was, in fact, still a beginner. How would I rise to the challenge, and become more familiar with the Adobe Suite while on the job?

Kelvin Redvers
Blog
Kelvin Redvers; Award-Winning Aboriginal Filmmaker and Television Producer

Kelvin Redvers is a multiple award-winning Aboriginal filmmaker and television producer. Attending Simon Fraser University in Vancouver on full scholarship, Redvers continued film work on both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal topics, continually achieving success at film festivals in Canada and abroad. Read Kelvin's story to learn more about his climb to success.

Women's Centre
Blog
Community Within Campus: The SFU Women’s Centre

Erika outlines some of The Women's Centre's projects as well as some past and upcoming events. Check it out to learn more about one of SFU's oldest campus amenities.

a robot facing up to the camera
Blog
Beat the Robots

Are you in the middle of looking for summer work? Have you applied for countless jobs online but have not been short listed once? Your misfortune could be caused by ATS ‘robot’ systems. Read on for tips and tricks to fight back against ATS systems. 

Portrait of Kim Hornemann
Blog
CRA Student Ambassador Blog

Kim Hornemann shares how a science loving high school student ended up in SFU's French co-hort program and working for the Canada Revenue Agency while still in University.

yellow themed flatlay of scissors, papers, and pencils
Blog
All About Resumes: Content & Style Tips

Whether it is one or two pages, everything from content to design of the resume should be in harmony, enabling you to showcase the great skills you have to offer.

4 students talking with each other
Blog
How to Shine When Working in a Team

“How in the world will I be able to add value to this team?” This was my initial (and pessimistic) reaction upon hearing that I would be working with 9 other individuals in the Donor Relations & Events team at the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.

Image of the Author
Blog
P2L Alumni Spotlight: Michael Thorburn

In the first instalment of a new series on Passport to Leadership alumni, Trisha interviews SFU Political Science student Michael Thorburn to find out how the P2L program affected his SFU experience.

A guy sitting by the edge of the water
Blog
A Retrospective

I thought it might be fun to revisit some of my favourite articles from the past four-ish years, with a brief excerpt from each. I hope you get as much out of remembering them as I have!

SFU Vancouver library
Blog
Seven Reasons You Haven't Landed A Job Yet

You think you’re doing everything you should be, but is there something you’re missing? We collected seven simple reasons why you haven’t landed a job yet.

Sfu graduates sitting beside each other during convocation ceremony
Blog
Five Tips From an Almost Graduate

Natalie has shared her experiences as a Co-op student, but now that she's completing her final semester at SFU she takes a look back at her educational journey, and offers five tips for other students.

a group of SFU students looking at a notebook
Blog
8 Tips for a New and Improved Resume

Resumes are tough, they’re one of the first things an employer sees from you, and they need to represent your skills and abilities. That’s why we’ve put together eight tips to help you create a resume that presents the best of you and helps you land that coveted job.

aerial view of two people sitting side by side looking at a laptop screen
Blog
7 Reasons You Haven’t Landed a Job Yet

Whether you’re looking for your first post-grad job or are in the middle of a Co-op seeking semester, it’s easy to get discouraged when applications go out and responses don’t come in. You think you’re doing everything right, but is there something you’re missing? We have 7 simple reasons why you haven’t landed a job yet.

David waving goodbye
Blog
Saying Goodbye At Work: This Time It's Personal

Leaving a position, an organization, and a field - especially one as positive as I've been in these last 4 or 5 years - always inspires mixed emotions. Excited, terrified, iinspired, sad, nostalgic - all are a part of saying goodbye. Here's why.

tsatia smiling
Blog
Working with SFPIRG

Tsatia Adzich recently became a board memeber for SFPIRG, the Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group. She shares how it's opened up a new community for her, and how they relate to her work with Indigenous communities.

Women on the phone while working on her laptop
Blog
Don't Attend Office Hours? Here's Why You Should...

Attending office hours makes for a more engaged student. As a final year undergraduate student, Kenny shares why you should attend more of your professors' office hours!

Picture of a volunteer fair
Blog
3 Reasons Why You Aren’t Volunteering…And Why It’s Important That You Do

Everybody has a reason for not volunteering, but Emily breaks down a few and shows that they aren't as valid as you would think!

a man talking on his phone
Blog
Reestablishing (Old) Relationships

How do you reestablish old relationships you’ve lost touch with? Everyone changes, but the memories we have with people of years past are still there. This is an article on rebuilding broken networks and reconnecting with past personal and professional relationships.

Picture of portfolio
Blog
Print and Digital Portfolio Tips for Every Job Seeker

Whether you’re looking at event planning or public relations, a portfolio can be a significant, helpful resource in your job search. Here are some tips on creating and organizing your portfolio, whether in print or digital format. 

Individuals at the Food Bank
Blog
Student Profile: Bhavina Patel

Overwhelmed with so many volunteer opportunities, or not sure where to start? You can ALWAYS go local! Check out one student’s initiative to help those close to her through the Surrey Food Bank.

Mike smiling
Blog
Captain Michael F. Harris

“Our Native Bows and Arrows today, are now Education, being clean of Alcohol and Drugs, Respect for Self and all Creator gives us, Non-Racist attitudes, Good hard work in attitude and job at hand, Love and Caring for Mother Earth and all Beings, through God Our Creator. Aho." - Michael F. Harris

Office at Microsoft
Blog
Career Change: Try Something New!

How can you get into a different industry than what you studied? Emy Sun studied electronics and later got a job at Microsoft as a software engineer. Find how how she made the transition and what it took to make it happen.

Jodie smiling
Blog
Jodie-Lynn Waddilove: Indigenous Journey Story

Maclean's Magazine named Jodie-Lynn as "One of Canada’s Top 100 Under 30 to watch in the new millennium.” Her career as a lawyer has been nothing but inspirational.

Michelle smiling next to the words; Indigenous Journey Stories
Blog
Michelle Martinson

Despite dealing with the challenges of being a full time mom, I did manage to do some upgrading and a few courses while my kids were little. In 2014, I intend to run for president of the British Columbia Nurses Union.

Portrait of Dorcas Yeung
Blog
Why Working for SFU Was My Best Decision

My impression of co-op was that it was supposed to be a way in which to explore the challenging world outside of school; consequently, working at my school felt comfortable, and limited. At this point, after a rewarding four months, it is impossible for me to think of my experience as limited.

Rant banner, Culture
Blog
CUYSTWI Rant Video Contest

Are you an Aboriginal youth between the ages of 16 and 24? Do you have something on your mind you want to share? Learn more about the CUYSTWI and how you can enter.