Skip to main content
BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH)
Executive Director

empty
A wall with a bunch of paintings containing people.

Meet Amy S. FitzGerald, the Executive Director at BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH). In this quick Q&A, Amy discusses how co-op students adapted to the position, resources the organization provided and tips for future employers and students.

When new interns were hired, how did your organization help them adapt into the position successfully?

We provide the interns free access to our foundational online courses for background. We provide them an orientation to the office including a health and safety presentation. Team members have one on one meet and greets with the co-op students and are invited to weekly Team meetings, webinars, trainings and lunch and learns.

What were some resources you provided to ensure the intern succeeds?

They develop a work plan with their direct supervisor and have regular check in meetings with their supervisor. They are provided the option of working on site at our office, working remotely or a hybrid. They receive regular feedback on their work from their direct supervisor and the Executive Director.

What is a word of advice you would give to students who are planning on seeking a co-op position?

I encourage students to be curious and consider a variety of co-op placements in terms of project work and workplaces – for-profit, non-profit, government, academic, etc. The more opportunities you experience will assist you in focusing your professional goals and future employment.

What is a word of advice you would give to any employer who is hoping to open a spot for a co-op student?

I recommend opening a spot for a co-op student, as it is beneficial for the student and employer. We have worked with exceptional co-op students and we had the good fortune to be able to hire them. They are now valued Team members. The co-op placement is a great way for both parties to get to know each other and determine if it might be a fit moving forward.

BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH)
Executive Director

Posts by Author

Shehahn along with four of his co-workers smiling for a group photo
Blog
The Secret to Finding a Co-op Position that is Fulfilling

How will I find a Co-op position that is perfect for me? That is a question that I had throughout my first and even my second seeking term. Thankfully, that is something that I have found the answer to this semester. This journey of mine started with my seeking semester.

Headshot of Janvi
Blog
How To Land Your First Co-op

Knowing what I wanted to specialize in allowed me to start making plans for my first Co-op term. In all honesty, getting your first Co-op term can be exciting and intimidating. However, with a little planning and effort, you can position yourself for success.

A pen over a paper with the Fraser Institute logo
Blog
Employer Feature: An Interview With The Fraser Institute's Senior Manager, Development Events

Meet Danielle Fleck, the Senior Manager of Development Events at Fraser Institute. In this quick Q&A, Danielle discusses the benefits of having an intern at the organization, the growth of the interns they hired and how the organization made the interns feel comfortable in their position.

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... First Weeks on the Job

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.

Torren
Toren Barnes: Real Property Branch of Public Works and Government Services Canada

Innovation and government might not be two words that one usually expects to find in the same sentence. Toren's experience proves this idea wrong. Toren describes his experience working as a Co-op student for the Federal Government.

Tanishvir's Workspace at KPMG
Learning and Growing on the Job

Learning and growing on a co-op term is expected to happen. Read about Tanishvir's first co-op term as a Staff Accountant and how his co-op term is changing his future.