Skip to main content

FAS Surrey Co-op

SFU Staff
Communication, Art + Technology › Communication › Media Relations
Co-operative Education › Local Co-op
Digital Design and Communications Assistant - Faculty of Applied Sciences & School of Interactive Arts and Technology

The new sustainable energy engineering campus in Surrey
“My favourite part about my job is all the amazing, passionate, and supportive people I get to work with who share my vision of a better future.”

What companies did you work at and what tasks/projects did you work on at each of these co-op jobs?

Kia: “ I am currently working at ACCIONA, a global sustainable infrastructure firm, and the world's greenest utility provider and the 1st carbon-neutral infrastructure company. My role in the Bids and Tenders department involves supporting various pre-construction business development activities such as drafting RFQs and RFPs. I have also completed a previous co-op in the electronic production space at Algo Communication Products.”

Danielle: “I worked at an automated accounting software company called Beanworks where I was a Backend Software Engineer. A major project that I got to work on was to redesign an existing software that was used to transfer data from existing accounting software to the Beanworks cloud. I learned a couple of programming languages while developing the software such as C#, WPF, and XAML, while understanding the high-level structure of the entire program from the backend to the API and UI. For my last co-op terms, I will be working with Metro Vancouver to work in their Liquid Waste Services department to give guidance and direction for future site upgrades and maintenance."

What was your favourite part about co-op? 

Kia: “My favourite part about my job is all the amazing, passionate, and supportive people I get to work with who share my vision of a better future.”

Danielle: “My favourite part about co-op is the ability to try specialties before going into the industry. The SEE program explores many different applications within sustainable engineering such as energy storage, wastewater systems, and sustainable buildings. With three co-op terms to complete, there is potential to try three different fields of engineering. Then by the end of your co-op career, you will have most likely found a field that you really enjoy. For example, I started in a programming co-op and my final work terms will be in water management, which is where I hope to continue my career post-graduation.”

How did the co-op experience help you in your career journeys?

Kia: “Completing multi-disciplinary work on billion-dollar jobs has promoted my professional maturity, view on the engineering discipline and global community as a whole, as well as provided me with invaluable skills.”

Danielle: “The co-op program has helped me in my career journey by giving me the necessary experience before entering the industry. I originally thought that I would not use my coding skills for future positions that required mechanical engineering. To my surprise, my programming skills gave me an edge when applying for my upcoming co-op term. Since I had a preferred skill for this job from my previous co-op, I was able to stand out in the interviewing process. I believe having experience such as understanding the general workflow of an office environment or collaborating in cross-department projects are also just as important in future career prospects.” 

How did the co-op program help you throughout your co-op journey? 

Kia: “The co-op programme offers employers a low-commitment way to get fresh ideas from a new generation of thinkers and also allows students to try out different industries to get a feel for what life will be like after graduation. Working has really helped me stay motivated to finish my degree and inspired me when it comes to market demands/industry practices when tinkering with my own projects.”

Danielle: “Initially, I did not know what type of jobs were available specifically in the realm of SEE. After telling the SEE Coordinator Tyler the general area I wanted to pursue, he was very active in recommending me to companies that aligned with my career path. When I wanted to work internationally, I was fully supported and his ability to help me readjust when the Covid-19 pandemic happened was very helpful for seeking my final co-op semester. The entire SEE co-op team is incredibly supportive and hard-working. Wendy, Harriet, and Tyler are a fantastic team who work diligently to secure co-op positions from different companies that are specifically tailored to SEE.”

    Beyond the Blog

    Author

    FAS Surrey Co-op

    SFU Staff
    Communication, Art + Technology › Communication › Media Relations
    Co-operative Education › Local Co-op
    Digital Design and Communications Assistant - Faculty of Applied Sciences & School of Interactive Arts and Technology
    visibility  492
    Aug 20, 2021

    Posts by Author

    Nick Spanos
    Blog
    SIAT Co-op Student Nick Spanos on Working as a Producer in the VR/AR Industry

    This week’s SFU Surrey Co-op features Nick Spanos, an Interactive Arts and Technology student who has a background in design and project management. Nick had the opportunity to work as a Producer Intern in XR Immersive Tech for his 8 month co-op placement.

    a potrait of Isabelle at SFU Surrey
    Blog
    SIAT Co-op Student: Behind the Scenes at SFU Surrey

    Are you a SIAT Student? Interested in doing your Co-op at SFU? Hear from one of our senior SIAT students - Isabelle Louie, on her contribution to SFU Surrey Campus Administration.

    a potrait of Karina in her workplace
    Blog
    Karina Ibrayeva: Making the World’s Water Data More Usable and Accessible

    Meet Karina Ibraveva, a SIAT Co-op student who's working with Aquatic Informatic as a Junior UX/UI Designer. Learn more about her journey in Co-op by clicking on the link below.

    You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections, Workplace Success, Work Term Wrap Up

    Matt and his friends in India
    From Foreigner to Family: My Co-op Term in India

    Matt learned the true meaning of an international experience while working in India with SAP Business Objects. The OLC sat down with Matt upon his return to discover how he went from being an unknown foreigner to part of India's big family during his short stay there.

    Changing grades
    Get an 'A' on Your Performance Review

    Want to ace your performance evaluation at the end of your work term? Don't just do your job... excel! Make a positive impact and get amazing reviews from your employers.

    a man writing notes
    Bon Voyage: How To Ensure Smooth Sailing As You Wrap Up Your Co-op Work Term

    With work terms winding down to a close, most co-op students can’t help but reminisce warmly about friends made, skills gained and career opportunities uncovered while on the job. During this time, it is important to take advantage of a few tips for smooth sailing as you wrap up your work term.

    You Might Like These... Returning to SFU

    the author conducting a water sampling in Katzie Slough, holding a sample bottle and smiling at the camera
    Who, What, Where, When and Why? Working for a Non-Profit

    To anyone out there considering working for a not-for-profit organization, I want to share the lessons I learned at Watershed Watch with you. 

    a surprised woman with her hands over her eyes
    Goodbyes Can be Surprising!

    After spending eight months with TFCSE Natalie details the final days of her Co-op experience, and the many surprises she came across as she said her good-byes to volunteers and coworkers.