The Latest

Finding a job these days isn’t an easy task. You’ve got lots of cover letters to write, you have to tailor your resume for each position, you have interviews to prepare for, and that’s only covering the ‘mandatory’ steps. But what can you do to set yourself apart from other candidates?

Want to learn more about portfolios and having a professional image online? Check out this blog on building a digital resume and increasing your competitiveness in the job market!

Putting together a wardrobe of work-friendly options can be intimidating, especially if your a student or recent grad with a limited budget. Elizabeth provides 10 must-have items to transform your closet without going broke.

As almost anyone whose spent time in an office can attest, some people just do not know how to dress approporately for their workplace or a job interview. We asked SFU students, staff and alumni to share some of their real-life examples of what not to wear.

"The earth does not need us as we need her. I am grateful for this life and that I have the opportunity to stand with my brothers and sisters." Christina found 50 ways to help the planet for future generations.

The E-Word Blog is a series that features a student perspective on SFU’s various engagement opportunities. Follow our blogger Christina as she tries all that SFU has to offer in her effort to become “truly engaged”.

Discover how to best utilize your online presence to grow your career and network!

Interacting with others happens on a daily basis, whether it is at a business meeting, presentation, or an informal conversation with a friend or co-worker.  Mastering this skill can lead to better relationships between co-workers, friends and clients.

Alissa Derrick is from the Wet’suwet’en Nation located in Moircetown, British Columbia. She is currently in her last year here at SFU, working towards a double minor in Criminology and First Nation Studies.

As an Indigenous Student Ambassador Christina was asked to show two potential donors around campus. Joe Shayler representing UA Local 170 and John Mutton, President and CEO of Municipal Solutions were interested in supporting SFU's Indigenous students.

Have you ever asked yourself "Who are the FNSA and what exactly do they do here on campus?" Here is a year in review to enable you to gain a better understanding of this student run organization and what they do here at SFU.

Natalie has lots of experience volunteering, but now she's managing volunteers for the first time. Read how she applied lessons she learned from former managers to make the transition with the SFU Food Bank.

After blogging her way through the interview process, Natalie found another Co-op position, this time right on campus in Maggie Benson Centre, and she's back to share her first days at TFCSE.

On campus, Health and Counseling Services is introducing the Hi F.I.V.E. campaign to eliminate the stigma and prejudice around mental health by: Friendship, Invite conversation, Value everyone’s gift, and Eliminate stigma. 

The First Nations Student Association is hosting an evening with best-selling author Calvin Helin on October 24th at Harbour Center. Attendance is free and open to the public.

I love thoughtful and passionate debate. Especially about things that are important to me and those around me. I consider myself a Canadian citizen and because of that, I practice my right to vote. I posed the question of the Indigenous vote and was met with several interesting and thought-provoking debates regarding the subject.

A career is never set in stone. Read more to find out about career exploration, and how you can use your role as a student to your advantage. It is never too early to start searching...

Are you worried about your career path or worried that it is not following your big plan? Plans are not set in stone and can always change course. Read about happenstance and explore your vast career options!     

I admit I had some misgivings about the Truth and Reconciliation events happening in Vancouver this week. There are so many layers to unravel and so many systems involved that I couldn’t decide where I belong. I took some time to reflect on what the purposes of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are, as well as who I am, in order to make a decision on whether or not to participate.

You may have heard of the recent BC Job Fairs or attended one, but did you know that SFU has its own career fairs on two campuses? Our school holds an annual BIG Fair in September and a Mini BIG Fair in the Spring semester. 

Welcome back everyone…how was your summer?

The RSTC Aboriginal Student for a Day event will strive to match secondary students with SFU students that they can “shadow” for a half day of studies. Volunteers and “shadows” will be matched based upon their academic and vocational interests and aspirations.

Read about Brian's very cool experience at MENVRA designing and building an exoskeleton arm! 

Read about Brandon's experience working in a large manufacturing company and the lessons he learned while working in a big team. 

Do you have a dream job, or even a dream company to work for, but you don't know how to approach it? Co-op advisor, Victoria Cottell shares how to write an awesome letter of reccomendation that is relevant to any job seeker.

I recently came across an interesting argument. It went something like this: It's immoral to study something that is not in demand according to labour market needs and projections. Here's why I don't think that's true.

Have you considered a career in Health Sciences? Here is some advice from recent graduate Cody Caruso on his journey to employment in the First Nations Health Authority. 

Have you considered a career in Health Sciences? Here is some advice from recent graduate Cody Caruso on his journey to employment in the First Nations Health Authority. 

Read about how Parminder fulfils his passions for computing science as he travels from Punjab to Vancouver and attends SFU as an international student. In this blog, he shares with us his experience as co-op student and how that has helped him achieve his career goals!

Read about how SFU students who took part in Co-op work terms at BlackBerry (formerly Research In Motion) – one of the SFU program’s biggest employers – are getting more than a hands-on experience. Many are landing plum positions.

After completing five co-op semesters, Ji Hoon Choi looks back at the choices that led him to where he is today: working, studying, and traveling all at once.

Co-op coordinator, Caroline Wakelin explains the concept of the 20-minute job search. In part three she explains what an information interview is, and how to prepare for one.

In return for a very minimal time commitment, getting involved with volunteer organizations, like the YWCA, can allow you to grow new and marketable skills.

The group, A Tribe Called Red combines traditional powwow music and electronica, to create a unique sound made of both, the spiritual element of drum and voice, as well as the more culturally mainstream sound of electronica.

Saying thank you is simply the manifestation of showing your appreciation, politeness and your overall good manners. Were you aware that it’s strongly recommended to write thank you notes after interviews?

What do we mean by the word "intentionality"? David examines some helpful - and unhelpful - ways the word has become popular, and how the right intentions can be useful in your career and life.

In present day Western civilization, simply taking a walk down a busy street and paying attention is enough to grasp the magnitude of the promotional society in which we live.

In the final entry of her Easter Seals Camp series, Rachael reflects on her summer spent in Squamish, sharing what she learned about herself, and her career path.

In the second of a three-part series, Rachael welcomes Easter Seals campers to Squamish, and offers advice to anyone thinking of spending the summer at camp.

In the first of a three-part series, Rachael begins her summer Co-op at a BC Easter Seals camp. Follow along as she goes through training and orientation, explaining the most strenuous, emotional and inspiring parts of her journey. 

A response to a column featured on page A6 of the Province newspaper on July 31st, entitled First Nations need to quit blaming the past, written by Naomi Lakritz.

Curious about how Pinterest could be useful for your professional development? Check out this blog on how Pinterest can take your career to another level!

Learn the benefits of short term and long term volunteering! Kelly explains how either of these types of experience can become the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!

Have you ever sat and thought about what elements in your life can maintain your sense of sanity or better yet, serenity? Tina provides three tips to help you maintain balance when things get hectic!

The first week is often the most stressful for students on their first, second or even sixth work term. Coming from a successful transition into the workplace on his first co-op work term at BCNET, Samuel shares some of his top tips for the first week.

Naina had the opportunity to put her passion to work at her dream company for her 8-month co-op work term. In the final installment of a two-part series, Naina takes on new responsibilities and opportunities to grow as a marketer.

David follows up on his earlier post on unpaid internships, and asks: How do we determine whether an unpaid internship is moral?

Naina had the opportunity to put her passion to work at her dream company for her 8-month co-op work term. In the first part of a two-part series, Naina shares the learning experiences from her first four months at one of the largest healthcare companies in the world.

Co-op coordinator, Caroline Wakelin explains the concept of the 20-minute job search. In part two she takes you through turning your list of potential contacts into actual contacts, and how to score an informational interview.

My plan was all set, my classes were all chosen and off I went to continue with my education. I didn't talk to anyone working in the field and I didn't know what I might be in for. Big mistake.

Are you a student with financial need looking for the opportunity to participate in research-based projects on campus?  If so, we encourage you to consider SFU’s Work-Study Program. 

SFU Beedie Business student Angie Yu is relocating to China this summer for an International Co-op position with the Embassy of Canada. She recently spoke with International Co-op Communications Assistant, Kiran Dhanoa and shared details about her interview and offered tips for others wishing to find work at an embassy or consulate.

Education is the top field of study amongst First Nation people. Provided are resources for those pursuing a degree in education.

FNSA Board member, Angela Semple has lead the implementation of the Indigenous Student Ambassador program, helping to highlight important Indigenous resources to potential SFU students and part of the Indigenous Recruitment Team.

Randy Jack is from the Cheslatta Carrier Nation. He is now an outreach worker with the Vancouver Recovery Club.Here is a series of question and answers to learn more about his education and career experiences.