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SFU Co-op Student

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You’ve met so many wonderful people, and have learned and grown so many skills in such a short amount of time. You’re continuing to grow so much as a person, and I’m so proud of that.

Dear Past Self,

Welcome to adulthood! You’re just starting university, and you’re feeling absolutely terrified of what the future holds for you, but I want you to know you have nothing to worry about. There are going to be some awkward and even mortifying moments, both in and out of school, but you’ll be okay! Dead-silent Zoom breakout rooms, the stress of co-op job interviews, and more are in store for you. None of it is going to kill you. I know you’re scared to fail, but don’t be afraid to take chances and make the most of the opportunities that are presented to you. You may have no clue of what you want to do with your life, but that’s okay. When the chance to do Co-op comes, don’t hesitate, since it will be one of the best things you do during university. It will be scary, and it’s a lot of work, but you’ll be one step closer to finding your dream job (and you’ll meet some pretty cool people along the way). You can do this!

Dear Present Self,

First of all, I’m so proud of you for making it to where you are now. After quite some time of confusion and lack of direction, you’re finally on your way! There have been some bumps in the road, and there’s still a long(ish) journey ahead of you, but you’ve learned so much. After three whole years of university, you’re finally finishing your first Co-op semester at the end of your fourth year. I know you’ve always been stressed out about taking too long to finish your degree, but I’m starting to realize that it actually might not be the end of the world. Your time doing Co-op so far has made such a difference to you as a student, an employee, and as a person.

You’ve learned how to communicate better, juggle tasks and responsibilities, and get high quality work delivered ahead of time. You’ve met so many wonderful people, and have learned and grown so many skills in such a short amount of time. You’re continuing to grow so much as a person, and I’m so proud of that. Your job right now is amazing, and even though there have been some days where you’re just not happy with yourself or your work, there isn’t even a minute where you regret applying to Co-op. Now, however, it’s time for some tough love.

Let’s be honest: you’re not the most responsible student, and your procrastination is something that has really been holding you back. Every time you start things last-minute, you’re only hurting yourself; although that may be exactly why you keep doing it. During Co-op you’ve done so well in trying to kick all of those bad habits from the past 3.5 years, but you need to make sure you carry what you’ve learned through this co-op, through the rest of university, and eventually, through the rest of your life. Sounds easy enough, right?

Dear Future Self,

I’m going to keep this short since I don’t know you yet, but I’m so excited to find out what you’re like. I hope you’re continuing to use all of the things you learned during your very first Co-op, and that you’re doing better than ever. I wonder if you’ve discovered your passion yet, and if you’re still in touch with all of the people who have helped you get to where you are, but I guess I’ll have to wait to find out. I hope you’re doing well, and I can’t wait to meet you!

SFU Co-op Student
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn
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Aug 25, 2021

Posts by Author

Emma standing in front of the pond at SFU Burnaby
Blog
A Co-op Student’s Guide to Media Relations

Like many Communications students, I came into the School of Communication very interested in media; both studying it and working in it. I found it harder and harder to pinpoint where I could fit into it professionally as I learned more about it. What do you do when you’re interested in media, but not sure you want to work directly in media?

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Tips for Effective Social Media Marketing

When promoting events and news on social media on behalf of a club, service, or business, the main goal is to get as many eyes as possible on the content. One of my tasks in my 8-month Co-op position was to post updates on their social media accounts, which includes job postings, upcoming events, and special announcements. Over these months, I was able to find useful strategies and tools to help me manage these profiles effectively and efficiently.

Co-op students standing outside around a sign that says "SFU"
Blog
Event Planning 101: 3 Tips for Planning an Event even Gen-Z’s will Enjoy

Coming into this Co-op position as an Outreach, Promotion, and Engagement Coordinator for SFU’s School of Communication, I was not expecting to gain any sort of event planning experience. Creating an event for our incoming students for Fall 2023, was a brand-new concept that flourished this semester.

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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...

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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.

 

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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.

 

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Working in Germany with the International Paralympic Committee

Written during Liz's time at her international Co-op with the International Paralympic Committee, learn how it was a dream come true as it helped her grow both professionally and personally.

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Why Work At a Start-Up? My Co-op Term at Tradable Bits

After doing a co-op for a start-up, Margaret Leong shares 6 reasons why you should do it too! Read the article and find out why working at a start-up can be so rewarding. 

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My Co-op Experience: Be Open to the Unfamiliar

Are you having a hard time landing that ideal Co-op job? But, what is ideal? Explore Jeanie’s experience this summer at the YWCA Health + Fitness Centre.  She shares her experience about how a job description might not stand out at first, but can lead to a stand-out placement.