Blogs

Meet Crystal Zhang, a third-year accounting major at SFU. Her 8-month co-op at Bench Accounting gave her insights into office socializing and achieving goals. Check out her top tips!

It’s okay to not know what you want going into your first co-op. Ultimately, the experience itself, working with individuals from various backgrounds, asking questions, and challenging yourself will play the biggest role in self-realization.

When you think about the space industry, you probably picture astronauts travelling lightyears away from home in search of the universe’s many unanswered questions. As a student I have questions of my own, including ones about my own journey and the learning experiences that I want to have. Even though the scale of travelling done by astronauts seems impossible right now – why not start by making a space mission of my own by taking a solo trip out-of-province to complete a co-op?

Six networking tips that can help build your professional network while navigating new environments.  

As I get closer to graduation, I think about how much Co-op has changed my life, especially since I'm an introvert. It's not just the projects you work on or the skills you learn; it's a unique journey of making yourself known; of stepping beyond your comfort zone.

I learned many things in my co-op journey but some of the most important lessons that I learnt came from those working alongside me. Here are a few of those things that I learned from others, shared with you. 

Ever wonder how to get the most out of Excel? Tools like Power Pivot, Power Query, and Power BI helped me see how accessible data analysis is for anyone from industry professionals to beginners. 

A unique insight to how SFU’s Co-operative Education program has helped me gain confidence in both my professional and personal development.

Work becomes easy and enjoyable when you are in the proper mindset – a mindset fueled by the belief that you can do it if you wish to. Meet Bulla Islam, a fourth-year undergraduate student reflecting on his experience with BlueShore Financial as he nears his time at SFU. Get insight on how to navigate yourself within a job setting, and steps you can take to harness a ‘can-do’ attitude.

Join Shelley in discovering the profound impact of Indigenous wisdom on understanding mental wellness, making career decisions, and navigating life paths.

Join us in learning to appreciate differences, practicing gratitude, and finding meaningful connections in your community for a richer sense of well-being. Remember, it's okay to seek additional support when needed.

Your physical health is closely linked to mental health, from managing screen time to fostering good sleep hygiene. Explore tips to support different aspects of your physical health and find ways to prioritize your overall well-being as a student.

You have lots of followers online, but can’t seem to connect the same way IRL.

Discover how Co-op students in BC transformed wildfire challenges into opportunities for change. From DIY air cleaners to community connections, their story will inspire you.

Join Sophia as she shares her 8-month journey at Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, where she explores the unique challenges and growth opportunities of working from home and how they can be applied to enhance her academic pursuits.

As Christina approached the end of her fourth co-op and final semester at Simon Fraser University, she reflects on a remarkable journey filled with accomplishments and eagerly anticipates the path ahead.

One area in which green jobs and skills are the most commonly under-utilised is website development. Discover how sustainable website building is the secret to creating a greener, more eco-conscious digital world. 

Take chances as you never know what opportunities may arise. Meet Priyanka Das, a Beedie Co-op student who’s working with SFU’s Communication and Marketing department as a Digital Resource Assistant. Learn more about how she landed her current co-op and other opportunities such as the CEOx1Day finalist by being authentic and believing in their abilities.

As Rochelle near the end of her co-op term at Tradable Bits, she reflected on the experiences that have shaped her perspective on marketing and the tech industry.

Unlock the secretes to thriving in your upcoming remote Co-op! Here are some tips and tricks that I found helpful from my experiences working from home for WorkSafeBC. 

If my present self time-travelled back to January 2023 and told my past self from January that I would be in Nepal, I would think my present self from August has finally gone off the deep end. However, here I am, writing this from Kathmandu, and my experience in this country feels like a separate life.

Inclusion and accommodation are essential components of a healthy and productive workplace. These factors can significantly impact employees’ ability to succeed in their careers.

Like many Communications students, I came into the School of Communication very interested in media; both studying it and working in it. I found it harder and harder to pinpoint where I could fit into it professionally as I learned more about it. What do you do when you’re interested in media, but not sure you want to work directly in media?

Your mental health is important, and if you need support, connect with Health & Counselling for a counselling consultation appointment and to feel supported and guided through the many different services and professionals available

In marketing, an 8-month term with one company is way more valuable than two 4-month terms with different companies as it’s only after working for 5-6 months that you are able to truly understand how the decision making process works and be independent.

I began working as a part-time Co-op student during the last semester, while also pursuing full-time studies? Yes, you heard that right, part-time Co-op and full-time studies. Was it a challenge for me? Absolutely. Did I feel stressed out? Definitely. Did I manage to succeed by the end of the term? Surprisingly, I did, and it turned out to be my most successful term at SFU, to be honest.

My university years and degree are not just about completing courses and receiving credits. I realized it is about building my unique skill set. 

Yes, you read the right, I did seven Co-op terms while completing my Communication degree. I’m a firm believer of trying as much as I can during my undergrad, and I did exactly that. Starting off with working at a non-profit in events and social media, I then transitioned to a university in Kenya doing content development and research, a corporate position in Calgary, multiple roles at a digital marketing agency, working at a bank, and now closing my Co-op journey in the public sector. Being extremely fortunate to be able to try many Co-op positions, I’d like to share what I’ve learned from 28 months of working in communications.

Networking can seem like a daunting task, especially for introverts who prefer quiet and solitude to socializing in large, noisy gatherings. Good news is that there are effective ways for introverts to build meaningful connections without straying too far from their comfort zones.

This co-op has been a great opportunity for me and it has definitely impacted me positively. It taught me how to be more gentle with myself and has made me more confident in my career path, which is any service role position where I get to make positive contributions to humanity.