Convocation

Recently graduated, Jien Hilario reflects back on university, career choices, convocation and her blog series I Am Able. 

Whether you’re in your first or sixth year, explaining what you intend to do with your degree can be as frustrating as it is… well, frustrating. In this article, Abby Zaporteza sheds light on skills and opportunities, intrinsic to liberal arts. 

Each semester, thousands of students transfer to SFU from colleges and universities across the Lower Mainland. Communication student Alex Caw reflects on his experience learning to navigate bigger classes and a bigger campus, as well as his advice for prospective students thinking of making the leap.  

Practical experience isn't always gained in the classroom. Sure there are labs and projects, but nothing tops a real workplace environment. If you’re second guessing participating in co-op because of delaying your graduation, this post is for you! 

SFU alumnus, Eric Cai provides his insights and reflections of the journey to work after graduation, discussing challenges faced and goals reached along the way.

Whether you’re a first-year or a fourth-year, you likely have thought about what life will be like after you graduate, and you'll likely have heard some scary things. I'm here to tell you, with some hard work and patience, you don't have to be afraid of the future...

Moving through your work term, it is valuable to consider what you will take from your co-op experience that will benefit your future career. Kimberly Blair recommends keeping three things in mind: portfolio, contacts, and resume.

Moving away from home is a life changing experience. It is a combination of exciting and scary, happy and sad, and everything in between. Throw in a new city and a new job and everything just intensifies. One of the first questions that come to mind are what do you do and where do you start?

Kenny takes a look at how engaging with yourself can help you contribute to your community and shares a few tips on how to define your major and your field.

Natalie has shared her experiences as a Co-op student, but now that she's completing her final semester at SFU she takes a look back at her educational journey, and offers five tips for other students.

How can you get into a different industry than what you studied? Emy Sun studied electronics and later got a job at Microsoft as a software engineer. Find how how she made the transition and what it took to make it happen.

What are your plans for the future? Does this question make you cringe? Don't worry: you're not alone. The pressure to have our future plans all figured out can be overwhelming. But the truth is, we don't need to have it all figured out. How can we predict the future when it's always changing?

Do you have mixed feelings about graduating from SFU? Do you find yourself putting on a brave face when talking to others about your future career? Don’t suffer in silence! Be the change and welcome uncertainty into your university experience.

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.

With all the hard work and perseverance over four years (or more), graduation is a joyful and special time full of recognition and anticipations. In other words, you have to get ready to the competitive world and say goodbye to your comfort zone. 

As I watched my Mother walk across the stage accepting handshakes and hugs along with her degree, I started to wonder how well we really ever know a person. My Mom, now a University graduate, has been so many different things in my life, but how well do I really know this woman?

It’s a new year with many new hopes and dreams. I know what I am thinking about – graduation.  Just imagine the moment of wearing the graduation gown and hearing your name called before crossing the stage. Cameras and chants abound, validating your achievements after years of study. Still, we might ask ourselves, “What's next?” Never fear, chaos theory of careers is here! 

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.

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.

If you've recently graduated, or are about to, the prospect of transitioning from the comfort and predictability of a student lifestyle to the dynamic unpredictability of the world of work can seem daunting.

Christina Wu finished a joint major in Business and Communication at SFU and is now working as a Communications Coordinator for the BC Council for International Education. She sat down with us to share her rich Co-op experiences and how they played a significant part in developing the skills and connections she has today.

How do you stand out and stay ahead of the game in today's increasingly competitive job market? Read on to learn about 4 important resources that can help you advance your career while you're still in school.

After Justin and Samantha decided to create Career Friends, the rest was history. They have kept each other on track while job-hunting post graduation. Read Justin's story about his experiences after graduating in 2002, and how he overcame the challenges of finding full-time employment.