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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

 

Picture of Jessica beside a microscope
Blog
Continuing Studies Graduate Wins NSERC Award

Jessica Humchitt, a graduate of SFU Continuing Studies' Aboriginal Pre-Health Program, was recently awarded the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Student Research Award for her work.

VIMAF banner
Blog
Vancouver Indigenous Media Arts Festival

Vancouver Indigenous Media Arts Festival is an Aboriginal-run media arts organization rebuilding the West Coast’s film, video and media arts festival.  The organization endeavours to develop a crucial piece of infrastructure that has been missing from the Aboriginal cultural sector, as well as British Columbia’s creative industries.

an interviewee shaking hands of the two interviewers
Blog
4 Tips on Showcasing Projects in Interviews

Why talk about your work when you can show it?  Good portfolio pieces will help set you apart from other candidates. Here are some important tips from Co-op students, coordinators and employers on showcasing your portfolio during interviews.

conference table with empty chairs
Blog
Co-op Employer Identifies Interviewing Weaknesses

You've always heard about how to prepare for interviews from your peers and your coordinators, but what about from an employer? Kim Steinbart of the BC Forest Service discusses common interview mistakes and provides tips on how to put your best foot forward.

Beat Nation Banner
Blog
Beat Nation: Hip Hop as Indigenous Culture

Beat Nation: Hip Hop as Indigenous Culture is a website that focuses on the development of hip hop culture within Aboriginal youth communities and its influence on cultural production.

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Blog
[Indigenous Employer] Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services Society

Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services Society is a non-profit society providing service to urban Aboriginal children and families living in the Greater Vancouver area. We function across three offices as the largest designated urban Aboriginal agency in Canada. 

Scotiabank banner
Blog
[Indigenous Employer] Scotiabank

We strive to deliver a seamless, consistent and rewarding employment experience globally by developing policies and programs based on shared global principles. 

Duncan Mccue banner
Blog
Indigenous Stories: Duncan Mccue, CBC Reporter & Professor

"I could, and should, expose the sickness that plagues Canada after a century of ignoring the many facets of aboriginal experience. And it empowered me to confront the darkness that I’ve witnessed in our own communities – substance abuse, corruption, and prejudice." Learn more about Duncan's journey...

Picture of Jessica reading
Blog
SFU Opens Up New World for Jessica Humchitt

The Aboriginal Pre-Health Program is a bridging program designed for Aboriginal high school graduates and mature students. The program helps students explore health career options and get the academic prerequisites they need to pursue post-secondary health or health science programs such as nursing, midwifery, or public health. 

Desert
Blog
Travel: A Resume Enhancing Experience

Summer travel offers opportunities to explore, relax, and hang out with friends. Plus, if you are an open-minded and curious person, travel can be a eye opening, resume enhancing experience. Here are some ways that travel might make a difference in your career.

picture of Marcia smiling
Blog
Marcia Tells It Like It Is: Cover Letter Info You Oughta Know

This fictitious and funny article provides you with some insight into important elements to consider in your cover letter. Communication Co-op Coordinator Marcia Shimizu gives the dirt on what not to do when writing a cover letter. 

a frustrated individual with her hands over her head
Blog
A Disappointing Interview Experience

Are you having a difficult time placing a co-op placement? You're not alone! Read about Natalie's disappointment with her second job interview, how she coped with her frustration and the lessons she took away from this experience to improve her interviewing skills and increase her chance at landing a job. 

Indigenous Academia
Blog
First Nations Student Association Contribution Supports ISC Tutoring Program

To support Indigenous students that are in need of additional educational support the First Nations Student Association matches the Office for Aboriginal Peoples contribution of $5000 to the Indigenous Student Centre.

Couple at the beach
Blog
Why Volunteer in the Community at Large?

Laura looks into the top 10 reasons for Volunteering and explores why she chose to volunteer with the Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Center. Read more about what she discovered... 

a man talking on the phone
Blog
Top Tips for Pre-Screen Interview Success

So you applied for a co-op, internship or full-time position and the organization wants to schedule a pre-screen interview with you. Are you scratching your head and wondering what a pre-screen interview is and how you can prepare for it? Here are some must-know tips and questions that can increase your chance of moving on to the next round of the selection process!

an individual searching up a company's social media account on Facebook
Blog
Using Social Media to Ace Your Interviews

Trying to get that dream job? More and more employers are now using search engines such as Google to find out more about potential employees. If you’re not sure if social media is enhancing your online presence, there are some things you can do.

a woman is presenting in front of a group of people
Blog
Lessons from the First Interview

So you went through the workshops, you took BOL I, and you’ve had your one-on-one with your advisor. Now what? Natalie asked herself the same question when she completed all the initial steps of Co-op. Read on to find out more about Natalie's job search and the lessons she took away from her first job interview.

Bunch of students jumping mid air
Blog
5 Things to Tell Yourself Everyday

Every day presents you with numerous opportunities to learn and improve yourself. Here are 5 tips to maximize every moment of your day to live your life to the fullest.

Portrait of Brandon
Blog
Indigenous Stories: Volunteering for Your Passion Can Result in Full Time Employment

"Not only was I gaining experience, but I was making connections to people in my field who were always looking for innovative ideas, ways to create more business, and opportunities to network beyond our respective communities."

Arya from Game of Thrones
Blog
Game of Thrones Goes To University

What would the characters in A Game of Thrones major in, if they went to a modern day university? I focused on the characters that I found most interesting or noteworthy in my reading of the series - you might have some of your own favourites that I don't get to - I invite you to join in with your own opinions!

Portrait of Ann seymour
Blog
Indigenous Stories: Ann Seymour, Aboriginal Health Liaison Social Worker

Never give up. No matter what anyone says? As I say to my kids: “Stand tall, shoulders back and walk proud. You have to beleive in yourself, because you can do it!"

Albert Einstein
Blog
Imagination as a Career Skill

Have you ever thought about how amazing it is that we have the capacity to ​imagine​? What is it that gives me this ability to picture what my future might be like, or for artists to create and portray entire fantastical mental worlds, or for children to spend countless joyful hours pretending to be something or someone else? And what benefit can imagination have on our careers?

Experience
Blog
There’s Always a FIRST to Everything…So B.R.A.V.E. it Out

Do you have anything that you’ve always wanted to do – from baking to backpacking the wilderness to speaking in front of a crowd – but never muster up the courage to try?  If you are even thinking about tackling a “first”, you may be ready to stretch yourself and do something new.

Portrait of Ronil
Blog
Blogging: A Gateway to your Dream Job

Want to add to your portfolio but don't know where to start?  Why not try starting your own blog?  See how this recent Communication graduate landed his dream job while writing about his favourite sports team, the Canucks!  

a computer screen showing the test "Do More"
Blog
Let Your Résumé Do the Talking

Your résumé is your opportunity to demonstrate your skills, strengths, interest in a position and "appeal" to potential employers and express what you have to offer.
 

two women talking and smiling
Blog
How Do Career Professionals Help?

Dave knows full well the value of talking to a career professional (if he didn't he'd be in trouble). It's knowledge that he takes for granted, and every now and then he's made aware of the fact that the knowledge he knows, isn't common knowledge - in fact, most people probably have no idea what they can get from working with a career professional! Read Dave's advice on talking with a career professional, and how it will boast your professional developpment. 

Student working in a lab
Blog
Why Volunteer on Campus at SFU?

Lindsay enjoys helping people achieve their goals and this experience has allowed her to follow and achieve her passion for improving services available to Indigenous students and potentially their overall academic success. Learn more about her experiences.

Armaghan
Blog
Mechatronics Co-op Student Profile: Armaghan Mogouei

Mogouei shares with all women that are thinking of Mechatronic Systems Engineering as an ideal fit, because it allows you to explore various engineering disciplines and industry application. Armaghan Mogouei is following her dreams through her work with Ballard Power Systems.

Brendon Sauer
Blog
Mechatronics Co-op Profile: Brendon Sauer

Fusing the world of Business and Mechatronics, Brendon Sauer has shown that MSE students really can have the bFusing the world of Business and Mechatronics, Brendon Sauer has shown that MSE students really can have the best of both worlds. Read more about his experience at Discover Energy.

Chris Stewart
Blog
Mechatronics Co-op Alumni Profile: Chris Stewart

Chris Stewart is a junior engineer at Brock Solutions. He works in the development of control systems for airport baggage handling systems and has been working with Brock since November 2011. 

Jordan Wapass, Capacity Development Initiatives Officer
Blog
Indigenous Stories: Jordan Wapass, Capacity Development Initiatives Officer

Professor Hunter, my family (Uncle Kelly, Mom and Grandparents) have and have always had great confidence in me. This is where my strength comes from. Like most youth/students (First Nations, Aboriginal, non-Aboriginal), there is a mixture of confusion, fear and excitement about what to do next.

Person at an interview
Blog
Malinda's #1 Resume Tip: Don't Sell Yourself Short!

The content of your resume should allow your reader to step into your shoes and see the value you brought to your previous employers, as this is where your potential worth as a future employee is best expressed. So do yourself a favour, and don't sell yourself short!

Elise and coworkers
Blog
Movin’ on Up: How to Accelerate Your Climb Up the Corporate Ladder | Part Two

Is career advancement on your mind? Whether you are a current student, a recent grad, or have been in the workforce for a couple of years, for many of us, improving our position never seems far from our minds. Read on to find out about how you can move up the corporate ladder as a student.

Janine at convocation
Blog
Convocation Reflections: The Winding Road to Find Where You Were Meant to Be

Janine Roller looks back at her SFU co-op experience while speaking at her convocation. She shares how the path you take may not lead to where you expected to go, but it could end up somewhere better.

Janine Roller at her graduation
Blog
Convocation Reflections: The Winding Road to Find Where You Were Meant to Be

Janine Roller looks back at her SFU co-op experience while speaking at her convocation. She shares how the path you take may not lead to where you expected to go, but it could end up somewhere better.

ronil desai, smiling
Blog
Student Profile: Ronil's Vancouver Canucks Co-op Experience

Ronil landed not one but two co-op placements with The Vancouver Canucks. He shares with us his success tips in landing the back-to-back contrast contract. 

Portrait of Alissa
Blog
Why Volunteer in the Aboriginal Community?

Alissa volunteers because she want to receive experience relating to areas of her studies in Criminology and her to fulfill her passion to help First Nations communities. Each of these organizations allows her to engage with Urban Aboriginal people. Learn more about her experiences.

bruce smiling
Blog
Bruce Dumont: How to Become a Métis Politician

"We lived the Metis life as my father hunted and trapped when he wasn't
 working to keep the family fed. My mother tanned hides, did beautiful beadwork and made clothing and bedding. We danced to the fiddle and sang." Read Bruce's story of how he became President of Metis Nation BC.

Picture of Bruce Dumont
Blog
Bruce Dumont: How to Become a Métis Politician

"We lived the Metis life as my father hunted and trapped when he wasn't
 working to keep the family fed. My mother tanned hides, did beautiful beadwork and made clothing and bedding. We danced to the fiddle and sang." 

SFU Alumni Poster
Blog
Knowing Your Alumni Benefits - Don't Say Goodbye Yet

Many of you will be saying farewell to dear SFU and to the life of a university student in a couple days. Now you are part of more than 118,000 SFU graduates all over the world. Before you say goodbye, know your benefits for being an SFU Alumni and take advantage of them.

LeadImage
Blog
I’ve Got Options?

As a co-op student, it's not a bad idea to explore your options by going to other interviews if you can, even when you have a job offer already. Check out Natalie's experience going for her fourth interview and a potential second job offer!

Cynthia smiling
Blog
Cynthia George Taha | Registered Nurse

"With the uncertainty and changes in healthcare systems for our people and a separate health authority plan that will marginalize our people, I decided to be where my skills and services will be most beneficial." Read more to find out how a girl from Wetsuweten Nation became a leader in the Nursing field. 

rudy smiling
Blog
Rudy Riemer/Yumk | SFU Department of First Nations Studies and Archaeology

"I grew up in Squamish BC, learning from elders and knowledgeable community members about Squamish Nation culture.  Many of my fondest memories are walking to downtown with my grandpa, sitting at my grand uncles kitchen table and going up the river to fish. During these formative years I was always careful to listen to what they had to say." 

Portrait of Rudy
Blog
Indigenous Stories: Rudy Riemer/Yumk, SFU Department of First Nations Studies and Archaeology

"I grew up in Squamish BC, learning from elders and knowledgeable community members about Squamish Nation culture.  Many of my fondest memories are walking to downtown with my grandpa, sitting at my grand uncles kitchen table and going up the river to fish. During these formative years I was always careful to listen to what they had to say." 

Bold Eagle banner
Blog
[Indigenous Employer] Opportunities for Indigenous Youth: Canadian Forces

Bold Eagle is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity that helps to develop valuable skills such as self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork, time management, respect and fitness to list but a few.

Cynthia in her nurse uniform
Blog
Indigenous Stories: Cynthia George Taha, Registered Nurse

"With the uncertainty and changes in healthcare systems for our people and a separate health authority plan that will marginalize our people, I decided to be where my skills and services will be most beneficial." How a girl from Wetsuweten Nation became a leader in the Nursing field. 

Portarit of Bruce Dumont
Blog
Indigenous Stories: Bruce R. Dumont, Metis National Council Minister Responsible for Health

"My father was Cree and French and my mother Cree and Scot with both parents fluent in the Cree language. I come from a family of ten. We lived in poverty as Road Allowance Metis around Sundre, Alberta, after my parents left the Metis Settlement of Kikino, Alberta in 1943 with 4 children in tow. 

"

Portrait of Audrey
Blog
Indigenous Stories: Audrey Tooshkenig, Elementary School Teacher

"Having not graduated from high school, I feared academic inadequacies and had a lot of self doubt about attending post secondary. Fortunately, a dear friend basically took me to an Academic Adivisor to discuss my prospective plans. By the time I left that appointment I knew that I was on my way to my next phase."

True or False picture
Blog
The Nuts and Bolts of International Co-op

This is a myth buster on some of student’s misconceptions about International Co-op. Test your own knowledge with a short true and false quiz and discover the truth about International Co-op!

Guy holding a map that covers his face
Blog
Learn How To "Internationalize" Your Resume

Is applying for a job overseas really that different than applying for one in Canada? It can be - especially when it comes to what you include in your resume. Here are some helpful tips and tricks you will need to customize your resume for an international audience.

william lindsay smiling
Blog
William Lindsay on Persistance

“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence”. Through my life’s experience I can certainly attest to the truthfulness of these words.I hope lessons for others can be found in them. Hence, “Press On” friends and make your own dreams a reality! Read more about William Lindsay's journey and how they overcame life challenges. 

John burrows smiling
Blog
John Burrows | Professor of Law at the University of Minnesota & Author

Read about the history, education and career journey of John Burrows; Professor of Law at the University of Minnesota & Author

Portrait of William
Blog
Indigenous Stories: William Lindsay on Persistance

“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence”. Through my life’s experience I can certainly attest to the truthfulness of these words.I hope lessons for others can be found in them. Hence, “Press On” friends and make your own dreams a reality!

Portarit of John Burrows
Blog
Indigenous Stories: John Burrows, Professor of Law at the University of Minnesota

Time after time the talk would range through philosophy, geology, history, religion, political science and law. The ideas were usually big and they were generously mixed with teasing, wild speculation, humour and tears.

oprah cutting a ribbon with children
Blog
The Wisdom of Oprah

"I was never given any advice. I had to figure it out for myself. But my best advice is to let your passion lead your purpose." - Solid advice from Oprah Whinfrey, and a subject worth considering when following your own passion.

Giving Back with Telus
Blog
Giving Back with Telus

Choosing a company to devote your career to at any stage can be a tough choice. The values of a company matter, so look into what your new workplace values before devoting your time to it.

David and his dad on the beach
Blog
Advice From My Dad - Make Yourself Irreplaceable | Part Two

"Make yourself irreplaceable," he would say, regaling stories of his own young employment at a car dealership. "Take the shifts that nobody else wants, work extra hours whenever possible, be the guy that your boss knows they can always count on." Was this really what my dad wanted me to do with my life?

Two girls holding custom-made SFU book bag and pencil case
Blog
Health Sciences Engagement Improves Lives

After their four incredible months in India, the girls are finally back. This Co-Op inspired them so much so that they have decided to take the initiative to start their own fun-raiser for Destiny Reflection. Read on to find out what they have been doing since they got back and how the experience has changed them. 

Dave and his father sit on lounge chairs at the beach. A straw umbrella shades them from the sun.
Blog
Advice From My Dad: Make Yourself Irreplaceable

In this entry of Dave's Diary, Dave shares another tidbit from his dad. Read all about how Dave learned to bring value to the workplace in an innovative way.

Brandon painting
Blog
Brandon Gabriel | Professional Contemporary Visual Artist

Brandon is a professional Contemporary Visual Artist based in Langley. He grew up in the Kwantlen Reserve and went on to study at Kwantlen University and attained his BFA from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in 2006.