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How the Pandemic Turned my Life Upside Down: One Co-op Student’s Story

The impact of the coronavirus has been felt by everyone across the country but how has the experience been for coop students? Thuy An shares her story on how through proactive thinking from loved ones and support from coop coordinators and supervisors, she was able to book a flight home to join her family while making the necessary arrangement to work remotely.

the author working from home
Surviving the Shift to Remote Work: A Message from One Co-op Student to Another

Have you stopped commuting to work? No more walks to your favourite local coffee shop? Stuck at home working on your tiny laptop? Maria and her team are figuring out new ways for effective communication your teammates while staying sane. She realized that she's not the only student struggling while undergoing the shift. To learn more about the resources that helped Maria turned her hectic reality a bit more manageable and enjoyable, read on.

a quiet street in Toronto
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Working Remotely in a New Job in a New City During COVID-19

After two short months since April first started her co-op position in Toronto, the pandemic hits. She would choose to make the same decision of moving out of town for her co-op term even if she was given a second chance. Read more to find how she transitions to remote working, and what lessons she gains through her experience working from home. 

work station with a guitar and hat stand next to it, pictures hung up on the wall
My Co-op Experience During an Ongoing Pandemic

This was Ethan's second co-op semester and it started off similar to their first. Little did they know, this work term would be completely different. Having already had experience in an office environment, things went smoothly as Ethan picked up their work tasks in stride. However, the first couple of months on the job flew by compared to what was yet to come. Read on to find out more! 

Man writing notes on paper at a desk with a macbook on the side
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Co-op

Thinking about doing a co-op term but not sure how to have a successful experience? Starting a co-op term for the first time can be daunting. Here are a few tips to make the best out of your co-op opportunity. 

Elvina headshot
Your Health Matters In The Workplace

Mental health is integral to your growth in the workplace; which Elvina expands upon in her unique and enlightening experience as a Marketing & Outreach Assistant with SFU Health & Counselling Service. Read on to find out how it is important to look after your well-being while being motivated and productive in your workplace.

A head shot of Julie
Career Guidance For Rookies: A Q & A with a Coop Student

How would you explain co-op to high school students or how would you explain your journey to discover your career path? While a co-op student, Julie was asked to participate as a panelist for high school students visiting Teck Resource Limited.  She shares her experience as a panelist and co-op advocate in this Q & A summary. 

the author doing yoga against the ocean background
How to “Buckle up your Elbows” and Thrive at your Co-op: Tips from an Israeli in her First Co-op

"There's a phrase in Israel, "buckle up your elbows" which means that it's time to hustle. This is exactly what brought me to the place where I'm writing to you right now." -- read Kim's story and learn how you can achieve anything with enough courage and motivation.

Josh and his colleagues
Imposter Syndrome and the Benefits of a 16-Month Internship at IBM

"So how do you overcome that voice inside your head, telling you that you’re not good enough and that it’s only a matter of time before someone finds out you’re a fake?". Read Josh's story to learn how he overcame the imposter syndrome during his internship as a designer for IBM. 

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How My Student Club Involvement Scored Me My First Co-op- Recruiter Perspective

Joining a student club is an excellent way to develop transferable skills! Olivia shares how her campus involvement not only helped with skill development and securing a co-op position, it eased the transition and helped differentiate Olivia from her peers. In her own words: "If you want to be one step closer to finding your dream co-op, I suggest starting with community involvement!"

Sharan and his team dressing up for Halloween at the office
A Step in the Right Direction: How I Thrived in a Data-Driven Marketing Culture

"I walked in excited (and of course, nervous) for the first day of my co-op term at Allocadia. Fast forward to eight months later, I can say, with every inch of confidence in my body, that I have never felt more accomplished, more confident, and more resourceful". Read Sharan's story to see how he developed his career in a data-driven marketing industry. 

Daniel and his coworker in the clinic
Take Initiative & Leave Your Mark: Insight into Working in a Multidisciplinary Medical Clinic

Make an impact by breaking ground with new ideas and spearheading new proposals. Taking Initiative can have a long-lasting impact on one’s career. Read about how I jumped out of my comfort zone and directed the start of the Active Rehabilitation program in a multidisciplinary medical clinic.

Woman sitting in front of laptop
How To Work With Developers (For Designers)

Worried about succeeding in the workplace as a designer and developer? Especially an intense and speedy one? Read on to discover Macguire tips has picked up while working at Visier, an analytics platform.  

Marina in a conference room with her colleagues
How to Manage Multiple Projects During Your Co-op

While many skills transfer from the academic to the work world, last-minute submissions and all-nighters simply won’t cut it at top-notch companies. Marina condenses all her experience in her co-op assignments with some valuable tips on efficient project management.

Jessica smiling against an outdoor backdrop
Changing Seasons

"In the workplace, change is often chosen for us." Read on as Jessica shows how a change in workplace personnel can have a big effect on you personally as well as professionally.

a black and white photo of the back of a graduate wearing a cap and gown
To Graduate or Not to Graduate?

What happens when you are six courses away from graduation but unsure of what to do after? Aleisha reflects on her rationale for extending her degree to do some soul searching and professional development before embarking on her next big adventure, post grad life.

the author smiling against a blurry office background
Think You Know Where You Want To Work? Think Again.

Convinced that you need to work at a large company for the ultimate experience?  Think again! Darren emphasizes why choosing a small or  mid-sized firm will add more variety and substance to your co-op experience.

Nikita and her mentor posing for a picture together
What I Didn’t Learn in Design School

Accepting a co-op internship, especially internationally, can be tough but once you earn the opportunity it can be a wonderful learning experience. Nikita was accepted for a UX design internship in Amsterdam and faced some unforeseeable challenges. Read on to find out some of the key lessons that Nikita took away from her experience.

Paull standing beside the Google headquarters sign
My Long Journey Through Computing Science

Paul takes us on his journey as a Software Systems student and how a field trip helped to inspire him to greater heights eventually, helping him to land his dream job. His journey highlights the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity given to us as students.

the author portrait
Do, Learn, and Grow: Valuable Lessons from Company Values

"Learn. As students, we hear this word a lot in school, but what does that really mean in the working environment?" Read on as Travia delves into her personal experience of growth in the workplace.

Gloria Lai looking at the mountain view in Hong Kong
Table for One Please!: Solo Travelling Abroad

Have you ever considered travelling alone? Does it make your nervous? Well, you are not alone. There are many benefits to travelling alone and what better way to experience another country and culture than through a short-term International Co-op term? Read on to learn some tips & tricks when travelling alone.

a neon glowing building
Cultural Competence and Working Abroad

Have you landed an International Co-op work-term and begun preparing for your semester abroad? Surely, you have done your research and are aware of the cultural differences and nuances between where you are going, and your home country? If you haven’t, have no fear! This article is meant to help you understand the basic tips and tricks to adjust to the cultural differences in your new workplace, making your transition much easier.

meeting with a small group of people
International Co-op: Is Not-For-Profit The Right Fit For You?

Are you looking for an International Co-op with a not-for-profit organization? Are you torn between finding a job you like and something that pays well? Are you wondering whether you will be able to gain valuable skills and knowledge from working for a not-for-profit? Continue reading this article for more information about how to look for International co-op opportunities with not-for-profits, funding scares, and takeaways.

Mik Ho photo is one of the photo spots in Korea
Real Talk: Is an International Co-op Worth It?

You have seen the emails, read the posters, heard the presentations. The question remains, is International Co-op worth it? Is it worth the planning, cost, and time off-school? Well, you will have to continue reading to find out.

Troy's office with the blog title overlayed
A Glimpse Into The Privy Council Office | Part One

In this first part of the series, Troy Liu sits down with the senior policy asdivsor at the Privy Council Office (PCO) to gain insight on the challenges of the role. Read on to see what adivce the senior policy advisor gives on professional development, and work-life balance.

A Glimpse into the Privy Council OFFICE
A Glimpse into the Privy Council Office | Part Two

In part two of this series, Troy Liu gets the chance to attend a meet and greet with the Clerk of the Privy Council and the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session. Read on to learn what the Clerk had to say on the importance of prioritizing, good judgement, stiving for excellence, and professionallism. 

a different perspective of buildings in a metropolitan area
Finance Co-op – Tips for Succeeding in the Workplace

Working in a professional finance position can be challenging as it involves precise budgeting and planning, dealing with multiple projects simultaneously, and making big decisions. Read to learn Ricky's top tips on how to overcome such obstacles and succeed in the workplace. 

An image of the author on a balcony overlooking Spain
My Journey to Understanding the Importance of Intercultural Communication

"I realized that as time went on, I was having difficulties connecting and adapting to this new culture I believe this sprouted from the strong language barrier and my inability to communicate with most of my co-workers". Read Aileen's story about how she overcame culture clashing and engage in intercultural communication. 

An image of author doing a mic check for an interview with Stemcell Technology
Take a Chance: The Co-op Edition

In my first semester, I had no idea what type of co-op position I was looking for. This was somewhat stressful, but what helped was keeping an open mind to a range of positions, and taking a chance!

Hand holding a cup of latte while pouring cream in to create a leaf like design
The Importance Of Coffee Breaks: Friends, Coffee, Fun. All While Working In An Enterprise.

Coffee breaks provide an opportunity to take your eye away from the screen, gather your thoughts, and the chance to network with colleagues. For a project to be successful, it is vital to be able to work well with others while managing your own workload. Terry explains how coffee breaks can help you build relationships and bonds with colleagues!

 

Natalia and her coworkers taking a group photo together
How Co-op Helped Me Engage With the Community

Looking to succeed in Co-op while making the most of your experience? Natalia shares the best lessons she has gained her during co-op experience, and explains how to stay on top of your tasks while still enjoying the experience and having fun!

image of waterfront downtown vancouver
5 Ways to Avoid the Mid-Day Crash

"It's two hours past lunchtime, and you're starting to feel it - you slowly start to doze off." — Read 5 tips from Bessie that will help you to avoid the mid-day crush.

the author with her colleagues during work
Why Work At a Start-Up? My Co-op Term at Tradable Bits

After doing a co-op for a start-up, Margaret Leong shares 6 reasons why you should do it too! Read the article and find out why working at a start-up can be so rewarding. 

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My Experience as a Co-op at Simba Technologies, Division of Magnitude Software

Ever wondered how academic work and practical application can overlap? Ivan reflects on his co-op experience on how the work environment provided him with an opportunity to sharpen his technical expertise and social skills. His experience captures how a co-op term can be helpful in shaping one’s future career.

An image of the author with his co-workers in front of Allocadia's company logo
How to Get Over Imposter Syndrome at Your Co-op

A lot of students going through their co-op terms have the same fear – as a student, how should one cope transitioning into an office environment with smart and experienced professionals? The simple answer to this issue is to be confident!

Matthew Lee standing in front of a board with the Canada Revenue Agency logo in English and french
Taking The Next ‘Big’ Step: Working at The Canada Revenue Agency

Considering whether you want to work at a small company or a large organization? Try out both! Enjoying the support and intimate company culture while working at a small company, I was worried about my work going unnoticed and a lack of communication at a large organization. Find out how wrong I was!

A split image of the author in start-up versus corporation attire
Working at a Startup vs. Large Corporation: Which Is Right for You?

My two-year roller coaster ride through Intel: A year after embarking on Intel’s newly acquired startup company, the project was shut down and a few members of the team, including myself, were lucky enough to be transferred to a different Intel group. Here’s my experience working in a startup vs working in a large corporation like Intel.

White Room with a white desk that holds a small plant with pencils, a yellow mug, a Mac computer, and a keyboard.
Finding the Right Fit: A Guide to Job Hunting

After reaching the end of her first co-op semester, Amanda, a Business co-op student, reflects on her experience and shares tips on how to find a position that is best suited to help you achieve your goals.

Image of Mutinta Bbela in white
SFU’s Health and Counselling Services: More Than Just Your Average School Clinic

SFU's Health and Counselling Services are offering incredible services and events to help students deal with the stress and anxiety that school life brings. So why aren't more students taking advantage of these services? Mutinta, who worked with Health and Counselling Services , brings awareness to many of the awesome resources Health and Counselling Services provides.

Hayley and a RCMP vehicle
Top 5 Things I Learned Working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Ever wondered what it would be like to work with the Royal Canadian Mountain Police? Well, Hayley is here to share with us top 5 lessons they've learnt during their co-op experience with the RCMP! 

the author with her colleagues looking at a laptop
Is Co-op Worth It?

To do or not to do? In this article, Thuy An talks about the pros of the co-op program and how it can benefit your future career. 

Students dressed in business wear in a meeting
So, You Got a Big Girl Job — How to Navigate the World of Adults

You know when you go to another country on vacation and everyone is speaking a different language? That’s the way it kind of feels walking into a new job and you are by far the youngest in the room. Everyone seems so educated, knowledgeable and probably old enough to be your parents. But don’t worry - I’ve (kind of) successfully learned how to navigate this intimidating world of adults and I’m here to share my awkward experiences to minimize yours.

a workspace in a company
Small Firm, Big Opportunities: Insights into Working at a Small Firm

If you ever wondered what it was like working at a small to a mid-size accounting firm, read on for a few insights from my first co-op work term!

lottery balls falling down
My Adventures Working with the BC Lottery Corporation

Is working in an unfamiliar industry scary to you? Don’t know what to prepare before working in a co-op? Read on to find out more.

the author standing next to Canadian Western Bank logo
Moving From Retail to Corporate: Life as an Operational Specialist at Canadian Western Trust

For three years I worked part-time at TD Canada Trust as a customer service representative and eventually a personal banking associate.

Sonya taking a selfie with a CBC microphone and another image of her workspace at the company
Gzowski 2019: Intership with CBC

"I cried the day I heard that I had won the CBC Radio Peter Gzowski Internship" — Sonya shares her story on how she ended up being an intern at CBC Radio and why it's so important to not give up on your dreams. 

Graph on a computer screen
Golden Opportunity: How I Accidentally Ended Up at a Fortune 500 Mining Company

What many students may not know is that it can be very disheartening to apply for jobs at first. You may not receive many responses. It feels almost as if all the positions you want have already been filled. 

"Proactive" spelled with SCRAMBLE tiles
Becoming A $60K Assistant

When I first started at PCL as an Administrative Student, I was slightly disappointed.

False Creek Olympic Village destination walk
Building Routines to Build Productivity

Procrastination became a close friend of mine and by the end of the semester, I was burnt out but relieved that it was all over. Then the cycle would repeat itself for another four months.

Computer desk
Social Media 101: 4 Tips to Ace Social Media Management for an Institution

Curious how to run social media for a company out of your expertise? Take a look at Cristyn's article, where she reveals the best approaches to social media management and get ready to work in the field!

Seraphina standing and smiling in front of a Canadian Coast Guard vessel
My Co-op Journey: How I Landed a Co-op Working on 3 New Vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard

“When life knocks you down, try to land on your back. Because if you can look up, you can get up. Let your reason get you back up” - Les Brown

Anca holding a cup of coffee
Getting Through the First Month of your Co-op

Getting Through the First Month of Your Co-op: How do you prepare for a new work term? And how do you survive the first month in a new co-op position? Business Major Anca Zgreaban shares five tips for easing smoothly from a study semester into a working term.

Hilda Martin Kasyanju Co-op Reflections
3 Myths About Working in the Technology Industry Out of Town

Working in a technological industry as a non-tech student is much more exciting as you might have thought of it. Hilda shares her experience and debunks three myths about this niche.

3 office workers in a corporate office
Corporate Environments DO In Fact Contain Interesting People

If you think that working for a corporation is incredibly dull in terms of social connections, take a look at Leo's article, where he busts this myth!