The Latest

SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB).  In this article, the eighth in the series, Kayla explores Namibia and gets stuck several times in the sand dunes.

Ever wonder what exactly makes a good impression when it comes to business? With my new job under my belt, I’ve networked and met several influential individuals.  Upon introducing myself, shaking hands and getting to know these people, I have come to realize that there is a certain business etiquette that everyone that hopes to make a good impression should know.

Transitions! Sleeping to waking, travelling from home to work and back again and switching from task to task are some of the more common every day transitions that people experience.  Most aren’t life-changing and take place on a regular basis, so we tend not to think about them when they occur.

SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB).  In this article, the seventh in the series, Kayla shares her weekend travels around Botswana.

SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB).  In this article, the sixth in the series, Kayla discusses the reality of HIV/AIDS in Botswana.

Kristen Ryan worked as a taxpayer services agent for Canada Revenue Agency. Read more about what a typical day looked like during her co-op term.

I’m going to share a secret with you, internet: I’m a big Kate Beckinsale fan, and have been since the first Underworld movie came out in 2003.  So, when I found out that the 4th Underworld movie - New Dawn – was being filmed at SFU , and that Kate was in a starring role, I got pretty excited (as many of my coworkers can confirm). 

SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB). In this article, the fifth in the series, Kayla swims the Delta, meets elephants and chased by a hippo.

SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB). In this article, the fourth in the series, Kayla shares some of the challenges of the pace of life in Botswana.

Career Friends is a group of four Alumni who were having troubles staying on track in their job-hunting journey's post-graduation. Career Friends held regular meetings for accountability, and to confront and change bad habits. Read Samantha's story of why she decided to create Career Friends, and how it helped her job prospects.

Marilyn Brennan shares her experiences and adventures while working on a Co-op term for Treaty and Aboriginal Rights Research Department (TARR) at Fort St. John. In Part 4 - Marilyn reflects on her many unique cross-Canada travelling experiences during her Co-op work term.

Marilyn Brennan shares her experiences and adventures while working on a Co-op term for Treaty and Aboriginal Rights Research Department (TARR) at Fort St. John. In Part 3 - Work Excitement, Marilyn plans the Aboriginal Day Celebrations and gets firsthand experience dealing with government policy.

Marilyn Brennan shares her experiences and adventures while working on a Co-op term for Treaty and Aboriginal Rights Research Department (TARR) at Fort St. John. In Part 2 - Adventures, Marilyn shares with us her first work-related road trip to Doig River First Nation.

Marilyn Brennan shares her experiences and adventures while working on a Co-op term for Treaty and Aboriginal Rights Research Department (TARR) at Fort St. John. In Part 1 - A Beginning, Marilyn reflects the challenges arriving in a new city to begin her Co-op term.

Join our series of Co-op Alumni interviews. Each profile contains valuable reflections, tips and career advice. Meet John Zhang, Manager of Business & Portfolio Planning, General Motors China and SFU Business Co-op graduate.

The Co-op Japan program is more than a way to add an international job to your resume; it can also be a trip of self-discovery.  Two co-op students share their memorable experiences in the Land of the Rising Sun.

SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB).  In this article, the third in the series, Kayla explains her role in helping vulnerable children attend school.

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.

Trying to decide if going on an International Co-op Placement is right for you?  Follow these words of advice so you can make a well informed decision.

One of the perks of working internationally is travelling internationally! Read more about Communication Co-op student Carlie Thauvette as she and some other Co-op students take a break from their work term at CIBT to travel to some of the cities outside of Weifang, China.

Working internationally allows you to immerse yourself in places unlike anywhere you've ever known. Cleo van Wyck, SFU Arts & Social Sciences Co-op student, details her experience volunteering in the heart of the Philippines.

Communication Co-op student Carlie Thauvette arrives in Weifang, China to start her fist week at CIBT. Read more about Carlie's experiences settling in and getting into the swing of things living and working in China.

Carlie's homesickness inspires her to bring in some good ol' Canadian Holidays during her work term in China.  Come join her group of scary ghosts and sparkling angels to help her feel more at home.

She has travelled and worked in countries around the world. Now, follow Carlie as she reflects on her experience teaching English in Thailand and as she begins her work term at CIBT School of Business and Technology in China.

When you are looking for a job, sometimes a cover letter, resume, and interview are not enough.  Sending a thank you letter to your interviewer might just make or break your chances of getting the position.

Trying to decide if going on an International Co-op Placement is right for you?  Follow these words of advice so you can make a well informed decision.

Robin's work term with KPMG was filled with exciting clients, top-notch teammates, and continuous learning in a challenging and changing business arena. They decided to article with KPMG during the Auditing busy season which runs from January to April. The busy season is always daunting, and in particular, starting a Co-op work term during one was terrifying. Read Robin's experience to learn more about KPMG!

Many are aware of the multitude of benefits Co-operative Education has to offer. However, some fail to consider the less obvious but equally important advantages.  Co-op is a significant means of determining where you belong and where you fit in the world of work.

Working internationally can open new career doors, offer opportunities to travel, and even lead to a permanent position - just ask Safia Kassam, SFU Kinesiology Co-op student.

SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB)  In this article, the second in the series, Kayla shares her experience of heat stroke in the Kalahari Desert.

SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB). In this article, the first of a series, Kayla shares her insights, experiences and reflections of working in a Hospice with HIV/AIDS patients in Gaborone, Botswana.

In this article, SFU Psychology graduate Ravi Bansal shares her experiences of participating in the Hellenic Studies Field School in Greece. Ravi’s travels encouraged her to become involved in the SFU community, opening up an opportunity to attend the Education without Borders conference in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

SFU Co-op student Neil Nunn may be the one grain of rice that can tip the scale toward improving the earth. His determination shines through both of his self-directed work terms: first with Nechako Reforestation in Prince George and most recently working in Ghana with a local community school.

Neil Nunn, a third year Geography student specializing in environmental studies is passionate about environmental, developmental and social justice issues. In this article, the second of a series, Neil discusses the issue of deforestation and shares his co-op adventures at a community school in Ghana.

Neil Nunn, a third year Geography student specializing in environmental studies is passionate about environmental, developmental and social justice issues. In this article, the second of a series, Neil discusses the issue of deforestation and shares his co-op adventures at a community school in Ghana.

Neil Nunn, a third-year Geography student specializing in environmental studies is passionate about environmental, developmental and social justice issues. In this article, the second of a series, Neil discusses the issue of deforestation and shares his co-op adventures at a community school in Ghana.

Monica Hartanto spent a semester studying at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.  Read about here experience here, and get tips on how you can study abroad too!

The Canada Prospects Youth Research Team crossed the country to discover what job seekers like you need to know about employment in Canada. Read on to learn the answers to your most common questions.

What is it like to go on an international exchange?  Bachelor of Arts graduate, Azmeet Dhillon shares how her time in Mexico positively changed her personal and professional goals. 

Ly Viet Vu recently completed his undergraduate degree in the field of Computing Science.  Ly shares how his term with Co-op Japan altered his career path, providing him with the confidence to relocate to Viet Nam and establish his own business.

There are sufficient amount of tips regarding resume writing, but then came along electronic résumés.  Now we have to worry about both methods? Don't panic; here are some shortcuts to e-improve your resume.

If you're interested in an international Co-op internship experience, you'll be happy to hear that there are resources available to help you finance your trip.  International Co-op Coordinator Amy Lee answers questions about the International Co-op Award.

School, work, home. That’s considered the typical routine of a young adult – they go to school for higher education, work to stay in school, and relax at home.  If only life were as simple as that. Drama in the form of harassment and discrimination is a reality for many people including students.  Can you recognize harassment and discrimination?

From weekend getaways to the Alps, to challenging engineering work for Daimler, Sanaz Jahanbakhsh had an amazing experience on her international co-op term in Germany. Read on to find out more about the work placement that put her time-management, communication skills and travel savvy to the test.

On her 6 month international co-op term, based in Sindelfingen, Germany, Sanaz Jahanbakhsh worked on a sophisticated electro-engineering project for Daimler. Find out how her work has contributed to an effort that will save lives on the road.

Workplace safety is a critical topic for new workers. This article contains useful information on Occupational Health and Safety regulations in BC, and important tips on how to stay safe and healthy in an office environment.

SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB)  In this article, the first of a series, Kayla shares her insights, experiences and reflections of working in a Hospice with HIV/AIDS patients in Gaborone, Botswana.

Make a great first impression at your new workplace by following some of the tips provided by Co-op staff. It’s your time to shine so make this work term your best!

Like most grads, I wanted to see the world after I finished my degree. But with student loan debt and not a lot of savings, I knew that I would have to work and travel in order to fulfil my dream of seeing the world!

The cover letter has changed dramatically.  There is no longer one style of cover letter, today there are three different types.  Read on about each distinctive type and learn how to choose the most suitable style to stand apart from the competition.

Like Indiana Jones experiencing a Co-op adventure, I’ve been collecting everything valuable from school projects to work assignments. With all the adventures I am undergoing, there should be some organization of my collections.  But how?

Adam Keizer, an Environmental Science major, was one of the nominees for the 2006 SFU Co-op Student of the year.  In the following article, Adam provides a personal account of his experience on a Co-op term in the rocky tundra of the far north, housed in a camp with only thirty other people.

“Get paid to travel” seems like one of those weird internet scams that you probably shouldn’t click on. But as an au pair abroad, I wasn't paying for accommodation or food, I was meeting other young people, and I was receiving a weekly paycheque!

While life in Kootenays may bear the reputation of being laid back, Co-op student Adam Brayford finds that within the realm of emergency communications, the province's warmer region is abuzz with activity.

Interviewing frequently with TV, radio and print news media, seeing the province’s most beautiful locations by plane or helicopter, taking part in a job where the stakes are high and the responsibility is great: Highlights of the BC Forest Service Co-op experience. Check out a day in the life of a Fire Information Officer.

Co-op has sent me touring the province of BC in a branded Toyota Prius, pouring my creativity into written works at SFU Burnaby, and soon, it will send me to Southeastern BC where I will practice Media Relations. For me, this has resulted from fully taking advantage of all the services SFU Co-op has to offer. Read on to hear my tips on having a successful Co-op experience.

Ever thought about creating your own volunteer position? Francisco has some tips and strategies on how to do just that in this installment of “Diary of a Volunteer”.

Not only does China have a fantastic reputation for employing many Simon Fraser University co-op students each year, this global giant has a culture steeped in superstition and lore.

Do you have a specific country you would like to live and work in? Is there a specific language that you would like to learn? If you have specific international intentions, a self-directed International Co-op is  likely the best fit for you. Read on to find out how you can begin searching for a self-directed work term.

The OLC happily presents the following as Craig Vandermeer’s first interview with the OLC after his return from Uganda Fall Semester 2010. Having finished his undergrad at Carleton University with a degree in Political Science, he is continuing his education here at SFU in the International Studies Master’s program.