Skip to main content
SFU Student Undergraduate
Communication, Art + Technology › Communication
Co-operative Education

desktop computer on a wooden desk with plants in the background
Credit
Annie Spratt from Unsplash
Take these keys and put them into practice to the best of your ability! Your hybrid Co-op term is a pivotal point in your career, and seasoning these skills will allow you to flourish in any position.

So, you've just started your first hybrid Co-op term and you have no idea what to expect or how to navigate a hybrid model of work within the corporate sector. Things may seem a little overwhelming! Here is the good news - there are 8 keys that I have picked up through my own trials and tribulations in a hybrid Co-op term. These keys will guide you in the right direction to make the most of your Co-op whether you are in or out of the office.

1. Create routine

Although working from home entails virtually no time wasted in commuting, it is still a good idea to get up early and give yourself some time to nurture a productive morning routine. Performing exercise or moving your body truly sets the tone for the rest of your day. After a workout, pour yourself a nice cup of coffee or tea. Write down some affirmations and plan out your day. Incorporating a sense of routine in your morning will make everyday a new challenge to conquer as you strive to make each day better than the last!

2. Show yourself

Turn on your camera and mic during every meeting! Let people know you are in fact a real person. Pro Tip* If you are in a location where you do not wish to share on video call, pick out the coolest virtual background you can find. Oftentimes, this can also serve as a great conversation starter.

3. Go outside for lunch

The hybrid model of work entails a lot of screen time. During your lunch, find time to go outside and get away from the screen! Take a walk, grab some coffee, or walk your dog.

4. Don’t let distractions get the best of you

I think we’ve all been guilty of this. Working from home may seem daunting with all the distractions available at your fingertips. The lack of formal supervision may persuade you to veer away from the task at hand by checking your phone, scrolling through social media, or calling a friend. If you want to make the most of your Co-op - keep your phone or anything that you find distracting in a separate room that is away from your working space.

5. Connect with your colleagues

Building connections are crucial while in and out of the office. If you are online, send messages and start conversations with co-workers virtually. Show that you are taking interest in their lives and promote culture in the workplace. When you run into your colleagues in the office, ask them about their day, their role, etc. In the end, these are all people that you are adding to your network. Practice social skills by engaging with others at corporate events, meetings, and staff gatherings outside of the workplace.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

If you are lost or confused, send a message or call a co-worker. Remember that there is nothing wrong with asking for information or clarification. Your colleagues and supervisor are there to help you. Taking initiative and showing that you are not afraid to ask for feedback or explanations demonstrates your eagerness to succeed.

7. Learn something new

Working all day can make days feel mundane. If you are not working after-hours, try to engage in activities that take you out of your comfort zone or learn new skills that you can bring to your new Co-op role.

8. Set monthly goals for yourself

The best way to make the most of your Co-op term is to reach attainable goals that will guide you toward success! Each month, set goals that you wish to achieve by pushing yourself. For example - network with 5 people, have 3 coffee chats, or make 2 posts on LinkedIn.

Take these keys and put them into practice to the best of your ability! Your hybrid Co-op term is a pivotal point in your career, and seasoning these skills will allow you to flourish in any position.

SFU Student Undergraduate
Co-operative Education
visibility  223
Aug 22, 2022

Posts by Author

Emma standing in front of the pond at SFU Burnaby
Blog
A Co-op Student’s Guide to Media Relations

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?

A phone on the home screen where the apps for Twitter, Facebook and Instagram can be seen
Blog
Tips for Effective Social Media Marketing

When promoting events and news on social media on behalf of a club, service, or business, the main goal is to get as many eyes as possible on the content. One of my tasks in my 8-month Co-op position was to post updates on their social media accounts, which includes job postings, upcoming events, and special announcements. Over these months, I was able to find useful strategies and tools to help me manage these profiles effectively and efficiently.

Co-op students standing outside around a sign that says "SFU"
Blog
Event Planning 101: 3 Tips for Planning an Event even Gen-Z’s will Enjoy

Coming into this Co-op position as an Outreach, Promotion, and Engagement Coordinator for SFU’s School of Communication, I was not expecting to gain any sort of event planning experience. Creating an event for our incoming students for Fall 2023, was a brand-new concept that flourished this semester.

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections, Working, Community Engagement, Volunteering, Professional Development, Life Experience

Cathy, author, smiling view of Ecuador
My Ecuadorian Escapade

"There are few experiences in one’s life that do not just provide you with new skills, but teach you a new way of perceiving the world around you." Cathy Greenway, a student of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, travelled to Ecuador with Ecuaexperience's Help, Learn, Discover program as a Rural Development Volunteer. Read more about her life-changing experience.

jessica before the co-op make over
The Co-op Career Makeover: A Student's Journey from Drab to High Profile

Is your career portfolio feeling a little outdated? Tune in to a local makeover phenomenon that's taking the job market by storm: SFU Co-op. Communication Major Jessica Doherty knows first hand what co-op can do for building confidence, contacts, and a killer resume. Read on to follow her on her journey from drab to high profile.

Gateway of India Monument in Mumbai (Bombay)
Sheena Takes On the Mumbai Marketing Scene

In her third year as a Communication major, Sheena Rupani returns home to Mumbai, India and proves that an SFU student has what it takes to compete on the international marketing scene. In a setting where high stakes rely on time management and clear cross-cultural communication, this international co-op celebrity takes self-directed study to the next level.

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections

IBM Canada Head Office
How Co-op Adds Value to Any Degree

Read about how Parminder fulfils his passions for computing science as he travels from Punjab to Vancouver and attends SFU as an international student. In this blog, he shares with us his experience as co-op student and how that has helped him achieve his career goals!

Aayla Umar on service at the CBSA
Enforcing Soft Skills

Meet “Student Border Services Officer (SBSO) Umar”, who shares what her co-op was like at the Canada Border Services Agency.

Close up image of Hannah sitting outdoors
Working for A Fuel Cell Testing And Manufacturing Equipment Company

Hannah Chan, an SFU Surrey Co-op student has learnt the confidence to help her tackle the world of job searching from her time in her co-op job, and hopes to share her tips with you too.