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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.

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OLC!

BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS

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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.

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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

 

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

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
11360
Members Joined

 

2227
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 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.

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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
The new sustainable energy engineering campus in Surrey
Blog
What Is Sustainable Energy Engineering Co-op Like? Hear From Two Senior Students!

Curious about what Sustainable Energy Engineering co-op is like? Hear from two Senior SEE students, Danielle Arciaga & Kia Brownridge about their co-op experiences as they near graduation. 

Open laptop on the centre of wooden table, in between a notebook and pencil, a cell phone, and a cup of coffee
Blog
3 Reasons to Consider an 8-Month Co-op

In the process of searching for a Co-op job, you may be thinking “an 8-month co-op seems so long, so a 4-month position is probably the way to go”. Read on for Marilyn's reasons why an 8-month Co-op can be so much more rewarding. 

Two elderly people sitting on a couch and browsing on a tablet
Blog
Venturing into the Senior Care Sector During the COVID-19 Pandemic

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Naomi headed into into her first Co-op work term as an HR Intern at West Coast Seniors Housing Management. She came of the experience while witnessing first-hand the struggle of the industry and quick responses needed to continue caring for our elderly population.

A women smiling at the camera
Blog
Yulia Dmitrieva: Working with Fuel Cell Systems While On Co-op

MSE co-op student, Yulia, describes her interesting job as a Mechanical Engineer at Cellcentric. Cellcentric is a fuel cell organization whose mission is to “bring together 30 years’ worth of extensive experience in developing safe and efficient world-class fuel cell systems. By using hydrogen in our fuel cells, we create energy without emitting anything but pure water.”

Sharon and Olivia standing in front of the vaccination clinic
Blog
Taking Their Shot: How SFU Health Sciences Students Are Supporting Fraser Health Vaccination Efforts

SFU health sciences students Sharon Kular and Olivia Tomlinson have been working as co-op students to support vaccination efforts in the Fraser Health Authority this summer

The author standing in front of the SAP logo
Blog
Five Co-op Work Terms: What I Learned Along the Way

Five co-op work terms might sound like a lot, but it was definitely a valuable journey for Winnie. Read on to learn more about Winnie’s Co-op journey as she transitions from her student life to work life, her takeaways from these positions, and her final thoughts on the Co-op program

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.

Girl standing next to sign that says "Schneider Electric", pointing at sign.
Blog
What it’s Really Like Working at a Multinational Fortune 500 Company

As a Marketing and Communications Intern at Schneider Electric’s Solar Business, I’ve gotten the opportunity to work with so many professionals around the world. Don’t worry, it’s not as stressful as it sounds. In this blog, I'll talk about some of the things I've learned while working for a multinational Fortune 500 company.

A women with glasses is smiling and sitting at a park
Blog
Alex Hoang: Working as a Software Developer in the Mental Healthcare Sector

Ever wonder what it would be like to work as a software engineer in the healthcare sector? If so, read about Alex Hoang's co-op experience at Greenspace Mental Health. Greenspace Mental Health “is a web-based platform that helps mental health therapists easily measure and monitor patient progress” and during her co-op, Alex has been mostly maintaining and adding new features to Greenspace’s web platform. 

Priyanka
Blog
Co-op Student Graduating This Fall Recognized for Her Work Fostering Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

SFU co-op student Priyanka Krishna is a winner of the IMPACT 2020 student story showcase presented by the Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon (ACE-WIL) for her work in fostering equity, diversity and inclusion. Read on to learn more about her work and what she is most proud of.

Illustrated people using Zoom platforms in a variety of ways
Blog
You Too Can Host a Zoom Meeting!

Have you ever wanted to host a Zoom meeting of your own? With a bit of practice, Sinead shows how you can easily learn this versatile tool and pull off virtual meetings and events with confidence.

A young women with glasses is smiling in the camera.
Blog
Kayla Wu: Working as a UX/UI Designer in the Financial Sector

SIAT co-op student, Kayla Wu, describes her interesting job as a UX/UI designer at Remitbee. Remitbee is a financial organization whose mission is to “Spark the financial revolution by connecting people and money - across borders, currencies, and cultures and is currently looking to hire 15 co-op students for the Fall 2021 semester, so SFU co-op students seeking for a co-op placement this term are highly encouraged to apply.

Laptop on table next to copper mug, surrounded by string lights
Blog
Supporting Students (and Myself) during the Pandemic while on Co-op at SFU Health & Counselling

Searching for Co-op and wondering what it’s like working for SFU? How about working for SFU Health & Counselling (SFU HCS) during the pandemic? Read as Christy recounts her Co-op experience at SFU HCS and how it has helped her enhance well-being while helping other students.

Arua standing in front of window, looking at camera
Blog
Conquering Unexpected Industries Through My Co-op Journey

Throughout this past year, I got to try out a variety of roles working in completely different industries. While all of my positions were marketing-related, each of them tackled a different aspect of digital marketing, challenging me to grow personally and professionally. In this article, I describe my entire Co-op journey and the things I learned along the way. 

A man smiling at the camera
Blog
Brandyn Chew: Working in the Maritime Security Sector as a 3D Designer

This week’s SFU Surrey Co-op featured student is Brandyn Chew, a SIAT student who has been doing some super interesting 3D design work at his co-op job. Brandyn is currently working at OSI Maritime Systems Ltd which is “a leading provider of integrated navigation and tactical solutions designed for naval and maritime security operations.”   

Thea sitting on grass with her laptop
Blog
Applying Lessons From my Co-op Experience to my Health During a Pandemic

Thea translates the knowledge she gained from her Co-op work term as a Student Obesity Medicine Assistant, and with the added contextual challenge of the pandemic, shows how she uses these tips and tricks to improve her personal health. Read on to learn more about her clever advice and see how you can easily incorporate them into your daily life.

Nicole giving a thumbs up while showing her desk computer
Blog
4 Reasons Why Administrative Work is Essential

While an often overlooked role, administrative work provides multiple opportunities for growth and skill development. Read on to learn from Nicole how the Co-op position she wasn't originally looking for (but found anyways!) taught her how to appreciate the Front Desk.

Oil painting of clocks piled up
Blog
Across Time Zones: Lessons in Time Management and Navigating Corporate Culture

Shumail had finally landed her first Co-op position as a corporate actuarial intern but there was a catch: the job was in Toronto, she was working remotely from home in Edmonton, all while attending SFU in Vancouver. Read on to learn how she learned key lessons in time management and corporate culture while navigating the work from home life

Erica Standing in front of greenery, smiling
Blog
How a CMNS Student Ended Up in Healthcare During a Pandemic

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the perfect job sector for a Communication student? Social media? Probably. Marketing? Most definitely. Healthcare? Read about Erica's experience jumping into a job at Vancouver Coastal Health - during a pandemic no less!

A young women with a mask is standing in her work cubicle with a computer behind her.
Blog
Isabel Chan: Working in the Healthcare Sector as a Designer

Interactive Arts & Technology student, Isabel, describes her exciting co-op job that included reimaging Fraser Health Career's social media visual presence.

iPad, notebooks, camera, and graph over a neon background
Blog
3 Skills You Can Leverage to Land Your Dream Digital Marketing Co-op

If you’re like me and obsess over Instagram aesthetics, peruse like-minded communities on Twitter, or aspire to be TikTok famous, then you’ve probably considered a digital marketing career at some point and are ready to make your debut in the industry. Here are four Do-It-Yourself skills that will spice up your resume, helping you to leverage your digital marketing talents before your search for your Co-op opportunity!

Engineering blueprints and diagrams
Blog
Working at ExxonMobil as a Mechatronics Major

Shahid, a recent Mechatronics alumnus, never thought he'd find himself working at an Oil and Gas company such as ExxonMobil. After all, how do mechatronics connect to the Oil and Gas industry? As it turns out, much more than Shahid anticipated! Although starting out nervous and unsure, Shahid quickly rose to the occasion and found joy in every aspect of his work. Read more to find out about Shahid's position, and what he learned while on an out-of-town co-op in Ontario!

picture of Bill
Blog
Shifting Co-op Experiences: From Office to Home

Over Bill's five terms of Co-op experience, the past two (in Summer and Fall 2020) have provided a rather unique experience. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bill was given the opportunity to work remotely from home and found himself needing to adapt to a very different work environment in terms of task planning and time management. In this blog, Bill hopes to share some of these experiences as well as some challenges that he faced while working remotely

person looking through binoculars
Blog
5 Tips on Seeking Your Next Co-op

Seeking semesters can be difficult; especially in a pandemic. Samuel, a Business co-op student, experienced this difficulty while searching for their position as a Product Strategy Intern with SAP. Although emotionally turbulent, Samuel was able to persist through their seeking semester and experienced a number of learning opportunities that has shaped their perception on job seeking. Read Samuel's 5 Tips for Seeking Your Next Co-op to learn how to make the best out of your seeking semester. 

An man wearing a green jacket and white t-shirt  is smiling at the camera with trees in the background.
Blog
Patrick Pacunana: Taking Ownership and Flourishing in a Design Co-op Job

Interactive Arts & Technology student, Patrick Pacunana, describes the exciting projects he has been working on as a UX/UI designer at the Vancouver-based startup, Ensightful. 

picture of "VentureLabs" doorway entrance
Blog
3 Reasons You Should Consider a Co-op With a Smaller Company

Unsure of what to expect for your upcoming co-op? Megan wasn't either! Megan, a Business Co-op Student, worked at SFUVentureLabs for 4 months as a Program Administrator Assistant. Previously working in a large government office, Megan was nervous coming into a small sized company for the first time. But, there was nothing to fear as Megan strengthened a lot of skills and learned more about their career path. Read Megan's story to learn more about why you should work for a smaller sized company!

Marcus smiling
Blog
Finding Your Silver Lining: The Successes and Challenges of Working During a Global Pandemic

Starting your first Co-op work semester can be intimidating. “Will I get along with my coworkers?” or “Will I be good at my job?” are some questions that everyone asks themselves. In February, Marcus Fujiwara, a Solutions & Services Co-op at Allocadia found himself asking “Will my position be terminated?” and “How do I work from home?” amid the global pandemic. Read on to learn about his attempt at finding a silver lining in the most uncertain of times.

Stone carvings
Blog
5 Paid Internships Available for Canadian Indigenous Students

Gaining work experience while still in university is a great way to prepare for life after graduation. Here are 5 organizations that offer internship programs for Indigenous students.

Scrabble Tiles spelling out the phrase "origins are usually messy"
Blog
Starting Your First Co-op at a Start-up Company

Being part of a start-up company can be scary enough, but doing it as a Co-op student who is brand new to the industry can be absolutely terrifying. This is what I learned about working for a start-up over the last 10 months as a Communication & Multimedia Associate!

Examples of Esports
Blog
An Interview with Derian Chow: Developing a Varsity Esports Program at SFU

Stephanie Greaves, Co-op Coordinator for the SFU School of Interactive Arts & Technology, interviews Derian Chow about his Co-op position as an Esports Project Coordinator.

A sad woman hiding her face in her hands
Blog
How my Co-op Job Stopped me from Apologizing (Especially When I Really Don’t Need to)

See how co-op student Marielle Juan learned how to break the cycle of over-apologizing from her first Co-op job experience. 

Illustration of three black women with mountains in the background
Blog
What About Blackness?

Unpacking the reality of the Black student experience in Canada. In this article reposted from The Peak, Linda shares why representation matters, how solidarity can be found within community, and the importance of ending Anti-Black racism in Canadian education institutions.

A young women with blonde hair and glasses smiling
Blog
Megan Holmes: Working in the Aerospace Sector as a MSE Co-op Student

This week’s SFU Surrey Co-op featured student is Megan Holmes, an MSE student who has been doing some excellent work at one of her dream companies, MDA, a Canadian aerospace company. One of the exciting projects she is working on is upgrading the Canadian CP-140 Aurora aircraft’s radar surveillance system. Read on to learn more about Megan’s experience!

Two people facing each other from the knee down
Blog
Four Benefits of Being Part of a Mentorship Program

Does the word mentor scare you? Maybe you don't know what the word Mentorship even means! These are thoughts Bessie had before signing up for a mentorship program at their Co-op workplace. Read Bessie's article on the benefits of working with a mentor!

A road sign that says Slow Down
Blog
4 Tips for Making the Most of a Slow Day at Work

Every job has its slow days every once in a while. Sometimes, all that free time can make you feel bored and unproductive. Ray shares 4 things he's done in the past during his Co-op work term to most of a slow day at work.

person typing on a laptop
Blog
7 Tips for Remote Facilitation Amidst a Global Pandemic

Congratulations! You’ve landed your first Co-op work term. But wait! There’s a catch (or two): you’re in the middle of a global pandemic, and you’re expected to lead a team in this new and not-so-improved virtual setting. Read Bita’s tips to feel more confident while conquering your very first Co-op in a position of leadership, all the while working remotely.