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Scroll through and catch up on the latest 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. Content is created by the SFU community.

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Changing Times: Stories to Inspire Hope and Resilience

 

Kaylla
Staying Productive While Working Remotely for a Health Authority

Working from home is a common reality for many Co-op students in the past year. Working from home while working for a Health Authority in the thick of the pandemic is a tremendous experience Kaylla went through last year. Take a look at how she learned to stay productive in these uncertain times.

The Latest

 

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Blog
Writing an Effective Cover Letter

A cover letter is your chance to show enthusiasm for a particular job position and a complementary marketing document to your resume. Like the resume, a cover letter should stand out, be easily readable, relevant and avoid any spelling mistakes!

a girl focusing on her computer screen working
Blog
Time Management On the Job

Having a difficult time completing your tasks on time at school or work? Natalie has 3 must-know time management tips to help you manage your time better and work more productively. 

a group of people talking to each other in the workplace
Blog
Working for an International Company

Working for an international organization has its perks and challenges. Check out what Natalie thinks are the most interesting aspects of working for a global company and how she overcomes the challenges she encounters on the job.

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Blog
Communication Portfolios

Hear what this co-op student had to say about the Communication Co-op's annual "Get the Edge" event. This year's focus was all about portfolios! Read on to see what communication professionals have to say about the importance of having a portfolio and creating a personal brand.

Image reads, "Rejected" in red block letters, with a large X over the word "resume"
Blog
Five Reasons Why Your Résumé Might Get Tossed Out (and Other Resume Don'ts)

Your résumé is your first chance to impress a potential employer. A few avoidable mistakes, however, might force a potential employer to toss out your résumé in the “NO” file. What are the most common mistakes applicants make with their résumés? Avoid these common pitfalls to increase your chances of getting an interview!

A graphic of a future city
Blog
The Resume of the Future

What will the resume of the future look like?  Considering how many other things have changed in the world of career development, it's kind of surprising to me that many of the conventions that apply to resumes and cover letters seem to be alive and well.

a older man and a women sitting at a table having a conversation
Blog
Resume Tips from the BC Public Service

Getting your foot in the door with an organization isn’t always easy, but there is help. If you’re looking for a position with the BC Public Service, they’ve offered up some resume tips to help hopefuls get to the next stage of selection.

empty notebook
Blog
Writer's Block: A Bitter Blankness.

Blank. That's pretty much all I've experienced whenever I've sat down in front of a computer screen with the intention of writing a blog post. What is this experience?  What happened to the sense of flow I had gotten so used to every Friday morning - that carefree time warp of productivity I seem to have taken for granted?

two people shaking hands
Blog
Acing the Job Interview

You submitted a stellar resume and landed an interview. Great! Now you have to ace the interview. At the interview, you will want to make a good impression, so make it count!  Here are some tips to give yourself an edge!

Chee Mamuk symbol
Blog
Chee Mamuk Aboriginal Program

“We have many strengths as Aboriginal people. We can use these strengths to raise awareness and prevent HIV/AIDS and STIs.” – Melanie Rivers, Chee Mamuk Aboriginal Program

a group of interviewers interviewing a candidate
Blog
Nailing Interviews | Part Two | In the Interview

We last left off during the pre-departure training for the grand mission known to everyone as an interview. Catch up with the trainees as they go into their next campaign - the actual interview.

a flatlay of a piece of paper with a pencil and a pencil sharpener
Blog
Put Your Cover Letter at the Top of the Stack

While it may take a while to master it, keep working on your cover letters and continue to try new things. Writing cover letters is an art -- the only way to get good at them is through practice.

a woman smiling with her work screen in the background
Blog
How To Make Your Resume Stand Out

Your resume represents many things. It is a slice of your life that highlights to an employer the most relevant things you’ve done, experiences you’re proud of, and the skills you’ve acquired. Still, writing one can be tough! Fortunately, there's one thing that can help you write an amazing resume: the job posting!

JP story logo
Blog
FREE Jobpostings: Aboriginal Issue

Aboriginal inclusion in the workplace is a crucial part of the overall discussion that is taking place around diversity and inclusion in the current Canadian jobs scene. At Jobpostings, we commend those companies that support workplaces where everyone— especially those within the Aboriginal community—can be their authentic selves.

First Nations Logo
Blog
[Indigenous Employer] Chee Mamuk, Aboriginal Program

“We have many strengths as Aboriginal people. We can use these strengths to raise awareness and prevent HIV/AIDS and STIs.” – Melanie Rivers, Chee Mamuk Aboriginal Program

image of a stethoscope
Blog
Pre-medical Symposium

Are you a non-traditional student who is considering medicine? If so, we would like to invite you to attend our symposium.

LYNX logo
Blog
LYNX: Aboriginal Student Career & Employment Program

The LYNX Aboriginal Student Career & Employment Program provides an opportunity for Aboriginal Students from various universities in Western Canada to connect directly with potential employers.

a meeting between three women with a focus on one
Blog
The Dirty Dozen Interview Questions

Needless to say, we all want to succeed while being interviewed. Yet it seems no matter how much we prepare, we always come across at least one question that stumps us. Part Three, the final portion of our multi-part series explores the last four of the 12 most commonly asked, commonly-feared interview questions.

man standing on rock looking at sky
Blog
Finding Your Passion: Doing What You Love

70,000 hours. To do what? Well, according to Gillian Watters, director of programs at KEYS Job Centre in Kingston, Ontario, 70,000 hours is the amount of time you will spend at your job over the course of a lifetime.  Read on to find out how you can spend 70,000 hours doing what you love.

a woman smiling at the paper she's holding
Blog
How-To Succeed & Have Fun On the Job

Natalie wanted nothing more than to do well at her first co-op placement. Here are some things she picked up to make her work term fun and more successful! 

the back of two women staring at a laptop screen
Blog
What to Expect During a Site Visit

I had no idea what to expect for my first co-op site visit, did you? In this blog post, I reflect back on what happened during my first site visit, to help prepare you for what might happen at yours!

A photo of Mike with his colleagues
Blog
Want to Work for the Non-Profit Sector? 4 Reasons Why You Should!

People often overlook the non-profit sector, as an option to carve out a career, yet the sector can offer a lot of rewarding opportunities that may not be available in the public or private sector.

A photo of a man standing in the middle of a field
Blog
5 Reasons Why Volunteering is Splendid and How it Can Reverse the Signs of Aging.

Find out the 5 reasons Alex has for why volunteering is splendid! Figure out ways to get great experience and skills for your resume that won't cost you a dime. Also discover how volunteering can reverse the signs of aging...

Letter with a pen
Blog
3 Mistakes & 3 Tips - Cover Letters

It's been an hour, and there's nothing but a blank screen staring back at you. The job posting closes in another couple hours, and you need to submit a cover letter to go with your resume. But where oh where do you start? Here's 3 things to avoid, and 3 tips for writing your next cover letter!

Diary of a Marketing Co-op: Stand Your Ground
Blog
Stand Your Ground

In this segment of Diary of a Marketing Co-op, I look back at the need to be assertive to meet never-ending deadlines and how to balance this with the ability to know when to go with the flow.

Bull attacks
Blog
OLE! Targeting Resumes and Cover Letters

This is the time to grab the bull by its horn.  Learn to target your resume and cover letter to win your dream job.   

person using apple pen to write on ipad
Blog
Three Mistakes and Three Tips: Cover Letters

It's been an hour, and there's nothing but a blank screen staring back at you. The job posting closes in another couple hours, and you need to submit a cover letter to go with your resume. But where oh where do you start? Here's 3 things to avoid, and 3 tips for writing your next cover letter!

A photo of a studio
Blog
Quarter-Life Crisis: It's Real

It's no secret that young people entering the workforce today are facing very different challenges than generations past. "Quarter-life crisis" emerged to describe the experiences many young people were going through as they struggled to establish themselves in adulthood. But what does this phrase really mean?

Graduation ceremony
Blog
Convocation! 3 Things to Think About When Graduating

The world is your oyster. How many times have you heard that already? In two days, you will have walked across that stage with your parchment in hand: a result of your four to five (or more) years of hard work. While we will leave all the emotional, heartfelt speeches to the esteemed speakers on stage, we decided to write a congratulatory and advice piece for those that will be receiving their diverse degrees, as well for students who will be graduating in the near future.

Business man with his arms up looking at the sky
Blog
Business Career Management Corner: Professionalism in the Workplace

Landing the job is only the first step. Once you arrive for work you not only need to make a good first impression, but create a lasting professional reputation.

three people wearing professional attire standing side by side
Blog
5 Tips for Making a Successful Transition from School to Work

Students are often hoping to quickly graduate and find the job of their dreams, but school and work can be extremely different and the gap can be fairly difficult for some to adapt to. Here are five tips to help you prepare for the work force! 

a closeup of a woman concentrating in her work space
Blog
The Office Culture: What School Doesn’t Prepare You For

There are many things school doesn't teach you about working in a corporate environment. Check out 3 areas Natalie wants you to pay attention to when you are on your job and tips to help you improve your work performance.

Image of the Author
Blog
Top Ten Tips for Co-op Work Term Success

John Grant, an SFU Communication Co-op Alumus has five work term experiences in his portfolio and shares his top ten tips for completing a successful and fulfilling Co-op work term.

a girl networking with her colleagues
Blog
Top Tips for Workplace Transition and Performance

Are you starting your first co-op work term soon? Here are some top tips to help you transition from school to work smoothly and successfully and improve your work performance and professionalism.

A patterned background of Adobe's symbol
Blog
Conquering my Fears of the Adobe Creative Suite

Finding it hard to find a co-op job that doesn't require any web or design skills?  Read on if you're interested in learning how this co-op student conquered her fears and learned how to make the most of her work term using the design skills she learned in just a few short weeks! 

SFPIRG Logo
Blog
Decolonization Workshop Series

SFPIRG is offering a series of Decolonization Workshops this fall: Decolonization 101, Beyond Residential Schools, Resistance and Resiliance in BC and Matrilinealism  The workshops are open for anyone who is interested. 

picture of the community hall
Blog
Citizenship, Business and First Nations: Finding a Way Forward

Net Impact as part of their mission statement as emerging business leaders is to make a positive environmental, social and economic impact in the Vancouver community by advocating responsible and sustainable business practices.

Dennis as a freshman with his friends
Blog
Must-know Tips For A University Freshman | Part Two

Making the transition from high school to university can be exciting but difficult, check out some useful tips and advice from a senior student so you can make the most out of your first year at SFU!

workplace environment with a bunch of people sharing a work space
Blog
Natalie's First Day at Allied Vision Technologies

Are you starting your first day at work soon? Getting anxious because you don't know what to expect? Read on to learn more about Natalie's experience and her tips on making the most out of your first day.

one person at the head of a table leading a meeting with 7 other members
Blog
Top Ten Ways to Wow Your Boss

You impressed your boss during your job interview, but now it’s time to really show what you are capable of. A good business relationship with your boss is one of the components of a positive work experience. Here are the top tens ways to dazzle your new employer.

FNSA Logo
Blog
First Nations Student Association at SFU Orienatation

The First Nations Student Association was part of the Orientation for the first time ever in the history of SFU this year a great step in the right direction for not only the FNSA but the SFU Orientation program as well.

UNBC logo
Blog
UNBC to Lead National Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network in Western Canada

The University of Northern British Columbia is partnering with the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), government ministries, and regional research centres across Canada to develop the Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network (UAKN) and research the policies and issues that affect Canada’s city-dwelling aboriginal population.

Someone singing
Blog
Coast Salish Singing

Karen went to the Coast Salish singing workshop for several reasons. First she was aboriginal, new to SFU and thought it would be fun. Also she would be able to meet some other aboriginal students. Find out more about Coast Salish Singing...

A poster of the Big Fair
Blog
Do's and Don'ts for the Big Fair

Check out this list of "do and don't" tips for the upcoming SFU Big Fair!

Dennis as a freshman with his friends
Blog
Must-know Tips For A University Freshman | Part One

Making the transition from high school to university can be exciting but difficult, check out some useful tips and advice from a senior student so you can make the most out of your first year at SFU!

Elizabeth and coworker smiling beside each other
Blog
Seeking Approval

The latest entry of the Diary of a Marketing Co-op series looks at the need and importance of aquiring endless rounds of approvals, and what it can teach you.

Two women shaking hands
Blog
Top Ten: Best Ways to Make a GREAT Impression

The Co-op advisors at SFU are in the unique position of hearing from both employers and students about what makes a successful work term. Paulette Johnston has a list of ten simple ways to get off on the right foot.

out of focus image of a binder and man in the background with the tagline: .... first week on the job?
Blog
What To Do: Your First Week On the Job

You’ve applied for the job, gone through the interview, been selected, and now you’re ready to begin your first week on the job! But are you? Read John's tips on how to prepare for your first weeks on the job!

People shaking hands
Blog
Top Ten: Best Ways to Make a GREAT Impression

The Co-op advisors at SFU are in the unique position of hearing from both employers and students about what makes a successful work term. Paulette Johnston has a list of ten simple ways to get off on the right foot.

jason looking up at the sky
Blog
Why Absurd And Illogical Ideas Matter

Einstein glorified human experience as the ultimate knowledge for a very good reason. From a very young age, our brain has been setting up patterns to categorize and organize our experiences. However these patterns, which create many of our societal norms, actually inhibit our creativity. This is where absurd and illogical ideas come in – yes, that person in meetings with "strange" ideas may very well be the next Einstein.

AFN logo
Blog
Assembly of First Nations A Call to Action

Investing in First Nations is not only a benefit to the social, cultural and economic well-being of First Nations communities, it is also a long-term and sustainable stimulus plan for Canada’s economy. Statistics Canada has predicted that Canada will face a labour shortage by 2017 as baby boomers retire and there are fewer workers to replace them.

A photo of Canadian 2-cent coin
Blog
Paying For University: How Far Will You Go?

As long as the fundamental issue of unequal access to university exists, there will continue to be students who elect to go to less than glamorous lengths to pay for school. Recently, the adult entertainment industry commented that they might look to the universities as a means to recruit exotic dancers. Where is the problem coming from, and where do we draw the line at what we would do to pay for school?

two interviewers engaged in a conversation
Blog
The Dirty Dozen Interview Questions

Needless to say, we all want to succeed while being interviewed. Yet it seems no matter how much we prepare, we always come across at least one question that stumps us. Part Two of this three-part series explores the 12 most commonly asked, commonly-feared interview questions...so read on!

Facebook logo
Blog
Ten Tips on Interview Prep from Employers via Facebook

I’m preparing to present an interview workshop. So, of course, I’m procrastinating on Facebook. I thought it might be a good idea to get fresh perspectives from Facebook friends who also hire students. 

picture of lighting with the caption: lightning round tips
Blog
Tips for Co-op Lightning Round Success

While it is a stressful time in the semester with exams and final projects upcoming, it doesn’t need to be for Co-op students. A large number of students are placed during Lightning Round and it’s a great time to find out about positions you may not have previously considered.

a man standing up giving a speech and asking questions
Blog
The Best Question You Can Ask

"How did you get to be where you are?" It's such a delectable question. Dave thinks that's because it's an invitation to tell a story, and we inherently love stories. It's also a tiny risk, as the person so questioned might decline the invitation. Here is Dave's story navigating, understanding and exploring this question. 

Roune Lake Treatment Centre Logo
Blog
[Indigenous Employer] Round Lake Treatment Centre: "Where Culture is Treatment"

Round Lake Treatment Centre is funded by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through grants provided by First Nations & Inuit Health Branch and Interior Health Authority. Round Lake provides residential addictions treatment for persons in recovery. Find out how to become part of their team.

Girl sleeping on a book on the grass
Blog
Relax and Recharge for the Fall Semester!

You just came back from your summer vacation. Or for many students, you are enjoying the short break after completing your summer semester’s final exam. Now it’s a good time to think of ways you can relax and recharge for the fall, as this busy schedule with various obligations and commitments can take a toll on your body.

Letter P
Blog
The "3 P’s" of Interviewing

Get ready for your interviews by remembering the “3 P’s”: Professionalism, Passion and Preparation.

a candidate smiling at her interviewer
Blog
Behavioural Interviews

This series will help you prepare for almost any type of interview format that you might come across. In this edition learn about one of the most popular interview types you'll come across: Behavioural interviews.