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

NEW VIDEO SERIES

Multilingual SFU

SFU students (graduate and undergraduate,) staff and faculty share their multilingual experience and welcome you to multilingual week at SFU. Do you have a multilingual story to share? Add it to the OLC.

Watch

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

Changing Times: Stories to Inspire Hope and Resilience

 

Image of Priyanka Das
Blog
Discover Your True Self: 7 Tips to Develop Unwavering Self-Belief and Authenticity
Digital Resource Assistant

Take chances as you never know what opportunities may arise. Meet Priyanka Das, a Beedie Co-op student who’s working with SFU’s Communication and Marketing department as a Digital Resource Assistant. Learn more about how she landed her current co-op and other opportunities such as the CEOx1Day finalist by being authentic and believing in their abilities.

VOLUNTEER STORIES

 

FEATURED

Chinmayee's Picks

Chinmayee's Picks

OLC has things to help students go pro. Having been part of the OLC's technical team and coming from a tech background myself, I tend to skim through tech-related articles first, diving deeper into the ones that pique my interest. I've compiled a list of my favourite finds from the OLC website, considering them valuable assets for fellow students.

Jared's Picks

Jared's Picks

Working as an editor for the OLC has been such a positive learning experience and has help me connect with so many unique and engaging stories. I would like to share some of my favourite pieces that I had the pleasure of working on. Yes, their grammar and spelling is great and their writing voice is very personal but each of these had something special.

Serena's Picks

Serena's Picks

It's been an amazing four months as a Copy Editor here at the OLC. I've had the chance to work on a variety of content, and it's been quite a journey. The OLC is a unique space where students can explore and contribute to a wide range of topics. Choosing my top picks was tough with so much good stuff, but here are three pieces that really stood out to me.

FEATURED

Hustle Culture

Hustle Culture

When should you stop and take a break? How much work is too much work? In this episode of Diving Into the Everyday, join us as we explore what is hustle culture, looking at its rise in exposure, and why a person may feel this pressure to participate.

Experiencing A New Culture In Mexico

Experiencing A New Culture In Mexico

I learned a lot more about myself – new interests, being more adaptable, future ambitions, etc. It was one of the most unique and remarkable experiences in my lifetime.

7 Ways to Have a Successful Meeting With Your Supervisor or Team

7 Ways to Have a Successful Meeting With Your Supervisor or Team

If you are struggling to facilitate or actively participate in meetings, you are not alone, as many students share the same struggle in school projects, student clubs and the workplace.

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
11112
Members Joined

 

2226
231
Projects Created

 

92
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 person flexing
Blog
Just Like Bunko: Learning Strengths

Everyone has weaknesses. But its focusing on your strengths that grant you success in life.

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. 

A picture of Aslam sitting in front of a window.
Podcast
Building Community

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
Thought plus Action banner
Blog
Volunteering Wisely

Your time is very valuable and while volunteering can be an amazing experience and very beneficial for your career, it is important to look for and choose the best volunteer position for you.

David in traditional clothing during a powwow
Blog
David Neel, Jeweler and Artist

David Neel of the Kwakiutl tribe has been making Native design jewelry for 25 years. He descends from a family of first nations aritsts, including: Ellen Neel, Mungo Martin and Charlie James. A multi-media artist, David Neel makes rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets, in addition to Canadian Aboriginal art, such as masks, totem poles, paddles, bentwood boxes and paintings under the David Neel Studio. Here is an interview with him about his jounrey to become an independently employed artist and jeweler.  

Adrian staring off into the distance
Blog
Adrian Starblanket

Adrian Starblanket shares his life story that takes him from Foster Care to homelessness to 4 recording albums and University.

Garwill Law: Wayne smiling
Blog
Wayne D. Garnons-Williams, BA, LLB, MPA

Garwill Law founder Wayne Garnons-Williams describes how he came to be inspired to practice law, and adds advice on how to hang out your own shingle.

Indigenous research institute logo
Blog
John R Welch

The Indigenous Research Institute  promotes research in areas related to Indigenous peoples read about on of its Researchers and his work.

OAP logo
Blog
SFU Aboriginal Strategic Plan | Part Two | What Has SFU Done Lately?

Indigenizing SFU's 2013-2014 year in review. How well has the University done to implement the 10 pillars and what is exactly has been done?

LinkedIn Banner
Blog
Top 10 LinkedIn Tips for Your Job Search

Most co-op students and other job seekers know – or learn quickly – that sitting at a computer is not the most effective route to land you your dream job. But social media is a huge part of our everyday lives! Are you making the most of it – with the right tools – to elevate your job search?

Three people laughing outside.
Blog
Your Holiday Office Party Guide: Top 5 Things To Remember

If you end up working a fall co-op, there is a good chance you will be invited to attend your company's Christmas party. Here are Natalie's top 5 tips on how you can maintain your professionalism while still having fun at office holiday parties.

Get Involved Banner
Blog
How Volunteer Experience Can Help Land You a Co-op Placement

Have you ever wondered if volunteer experience can be a more valuable experience in a hiring manager’s mind? Have you ever wondered about hidden benefits that go with volunteerism? If yes, this article is for you. Find out what makes volunteering distinct on your resume, and how it can help you land a co-op!

Lea demonstrating an experiment
Blog
A Goodbye to Science Shows

From chemical reactions that hit the roof of our lecture halls, to trips to remote regions of Northern BC, this is an account of some anecdotes and experiences of my first co-op term, working for Science AL!VE in the summer of 2014, teaching children about the field of study that I love myself.  This is the last part of the "Science Al!ve Insider" series.

Shoreline of a water body at sunset
Blog
Science Here, There, Everywhere

From chemical reactions that hit the roof of our lecture halls, to trips to remote regions of Northern BC, this is an account of some anecdotes and experiences of my first co-op term, working for Science AL!VE in the summer of 2014, teaching children about the field of study that I love myself.

Qualcomm
Blog
My Co-op at Qualcomm Research Silicon Valley

Evgeny Vinnik is a PhD student at the School of Computing Science.  In this article he shares about his experiences during his internship with Qualcomm Research Silicon Valley during the summer of 2014.

Natalie playing golf.
Blog
Gearing Up for the Green: Tips for Networking at Golf Events

Natalie is in her fourth year at the Beedie School of Business pursuing a BBA with concentrations in Marketing and Human Resource Management.  She shares how to network during golf events. 

3 children standing against a white background with seagulls edited onto their heads, hands and shoulders
Blog
Not Raspberry Pie, but Raspberry Pi

From chemical reactions that hit the roof of our lecture halls, to trips to remote regions of Northern BC, this is an account of some anecdotes and experiences of my first co-op term, working for Science AL!VE in the summer of 2014, teaching children about the field of study that I love myself.  This is part 2 of a 4 part series.

The author is sitting in a chair and smiling for the camera
Blog
How to Survive in a Fast-Paced Office Environment

Fast-paced office environments can be very stressful! Business student Christine shares her tips on how to manage in this kind of environment, based on what she learned at Appnovation Technologies.

City view
Blog
3 Tips for a Successful Internship Away from Home

The beauty of working in a city away from home is that as much as it provides you with opportunities to advance your career, it provides you with even more opportunities for personal growth.

Outline of the world's continents in the background with square images of multiple individuals displayed on it to show networks between them.
Blog
Networking Opportunities at SAP

Did you ever think about taking advantage of networking opportunities at your workplace while you are on your co-op?  Business student Helen Bowman discusses the networking opportunities she was able to take advantage of during her co-op at SAP.

Aerial view of Apple Park, the corporate headquarters of Apple Inc., located in Cupertino, California. The roof is covered in solar panels.
Blog
Reflecting on a Summer in Silicon Valley | Part Two
Ian Brown shares both his experience working at Tesla Motors and Edwin Chand’s experience working at Apple, and their general thoughts about going to California to intern for co-op. This is the second part of Ian’s and Edwin’s adventures, where Ian describes his observations about interning in California.
Lea sitting on a bench on the docks having lunch with three other people
Blog
Who Here Thinks Science Is Cool?!

From chemical reactions that hit the roof of our lecture halls, to trips to remote regions of Northern BC, this is an account of some anecdotes and experiences of my first co-op term, working for Science AL!VE in the summer of 2014, teaching children about the field of study that I love myself.  This is part 1 of 4 of the "Science Al!ve Insider" series.

Books about Toastmasters
Blog
Toastmasters: Speak Up for Your Career!

Do you want to become a better communicator and leader? Do you want to gain confidence in public speaking? You may want to consider SFU’s own Burnaby Mountain Toastmasters Club, an opportunity for the general public to gather together and prepare for interview settings, job and career development, and general group environments. 

Tesla's headquarters in Palo Alto
Blog
Preparing for a Summer in Silicon Valley | Part One
Ian Brown shares both his experience working at Tesla Motors and Edwin Chand’s experience working at Apple and their general thoughts about going to California to intern for co-op. Ian and Edwin are both recently graduated from engineering, and share their perspective on relocating to California for a co-op position. In this article, Ian describes the preparation and going to California.
An email graphic
Blog
Improving Your Email Communication Skills: The Importance of Specificity

Email communication is a critical skill in many jobs. Business student Helen Bowman shares tips on how to efficiently and effectively communicate through email, based on what she learned during her co-op at SAP.

A photo of the author
Blog
How to Research a Company: What to Look For

“ALWAYS do research on the company you are interviewing with.”

Marena and two co-workers
Blog
Marena Brinkhurst

Read about Indigenous Research Institutes scholar Marena Brinkhurst and her work in Interdisciplinary and intercultural approaches to community-based land-use planning.

Kirsten
Blog
Not Your Typical Science Co-op

As a Biomedical Physiology major, Kirsten always imagined a co-op placement in a lab research of some sort or a hospital. However, working as a admin assistant at a physiotherapy clinic has changed this thought dramatically. Read about Kirsten's co-op journey to find out more! 

Clubs day at SFU
Blog
Be A Leader in Your Club!

Already involved in a club? Why not take it a step further and become a club executive! Loren goes through 4 reasons to consider taking on a leadership role in a student club or association. 

A woman jumping at sunset
Blog
Margaret’s Co-op Experience: Two Job Positions with One Stone

Find out how Margaret takes on a challenging co-op experience in unfamiliar territory as a student kinesiologist with CBI Health. 

Image of Miranda
Blog
Avoid Sucking During Your Work Term

When trying to get hired, I hardly considered the prospect of actually working. I was more concerned with building professional resumes and appearing impressive at interviews. Upon landing my first co-op, however, I suddenly realized that I would need to perform in a strange, new environment – one I knew nothing about!

Outdoors
Blog
How to Apply the Skills from our Volunteer Experiences to Future Careers

As a follow up to Kim's article, "Employability Skills You Can Gain Through Volunteering," read how those three key employability skills could be applied to a future career! Let us know: How would these skills apply to your own dream job?

Large white clock cropped to show the hours 12 to 4
Blog
5 Steps to Effective Time Management
Public Relations Intern Kelly shares 5 strategies to accomplishing deadlines and effective time management.
A photo of the author against a blue backdrop
Blog
Success in Failure

At first, the news was so devastating and heartbreaking ...

a girl jotting down notes in front of her computer screen
Blog
Finding the Right Job

Are you a Computing Science Co-op Student and wondering what the right job is for you?  How do you decide what the right job is for you, especially when software is becoming a huge part of every industry? Dylan breaks down “finding the right job”. This is part four of four.

Road sign with a question mark
Blog
Back to the Future: Career Edition

If given the opportunity to go back in time, based on what I have discovered interning at SFU Career Services, I would offer my younger self three pieces of advice. Hopefully you can also learn from my experiences and have a smoother transition. 

a flatlay of different ingredients
Blog
The Ingredients of an Effective Engineer

How do you go from coursework to real-world projects? Dylan shares how his courses and co-op have helped him to be a better engineer.  This is part three of four.

Picture of puzzle pieces
Blog
Three Strategies to Make Any Employer Want to Hire You

Are you thinking of getting a job but don't know where to start? Have you been sending out hundreds of resumes but never heard back from anyone? Check out these 3 simple strategies that will make you look so good that any employer will want to hire you.

2 men having a conversation at a table
Blog
Interviews

Are you a Computing Science Student about to be interviewed?  Dylan shares interview tips, personal anecdotes, and learn how to prepare yourself for your next interview.  This is part two of five.

five people smiling from the Love Your Neighbour club
Blog
Love Your Neighbour

This week's SFU Club of the Week is the SFU Chapter of Love Your Neighbour. Here's a spotlight on this club that has expanded to offer local and international opportunities for students.

the author's portrait
Blog
Meet Dylan

Meet Dylan, a fourth-year computing science student at Simon Fraser University with over a year of co-op experience spanning two large companies: SAP and Electronic Arts. He shares his unique perspective on Computing Science Co-op and offers advice for students on topics such as interview techniques and software engineering tips.  This post is part one of four.

Hand pushing a button
Blog
A Push To Commit

Not sure what career path you want to take? Computing Science Co-op Student, Cody Santos, was not sure either.  Read about his first co-op term at Mobidia and what he learned because of his experience there.