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SFU Student Undergraduate
Communication, Art + Technology › Communication
SFU Co-op Student

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The experience you will acquire holds so much value. Not just because you get that work experience, but because you are able to learn so much more about yourself. Follow your own unique path to discovering what you want to do. You can do it!

If you haven’t yet, you can read about part 1 of my Co-op journey here! In short, while I felt like my first Co-op term didn’t completely confirm my career interests, I did learn a bigger lesson through the experience. Your path to discovering your career won’t look like someone else’s. While you might hear stories of people discovering their true passion during their first Co-op term, know that might not be what happens for you, and that does not mean you have failed!

Now, fast forward a bit to when I was seeking for my second Co-op. Although I knew what to expect this time around, there was still a feeling of uncertainty. The interview nerves and the questions about where I would end up for the next 4 or 8 months (or if I would even land a role for the upcoming term!) were daunting. Having completed one Co-op term, I had some idea as to what kind of role I would want to work in, but I still wasn’t completely sure. I had some experience, but was it enough? After sending in a couple of applications and completing an interview, I landed a position with SFU Communication & Arts Co-op! I was to be their Digital Communications Assistant for the next 2 terms. Yes, I was going to work for Co-op for my Co-op! I remember applying for this position during my previous seeking term, so it felt like a full-circle moment to have landed the position this time around.

Now, looking back at my Co-op journey so far, I am proud of what I have accomplished. In my first 4 months, I was able to work on a variety of projects and tasks that have taught me more about what I can do with my Communication degree. One day, I could be designing marketing material on InDesign and the next day I could be brainstorming for a new email campaign. I’m getting the opportunities to build up my skills, whether that be writing, designing, or even gaining confidence in my speaking. It’s learning and getting practice with a bit of everything that is the most exciting for me. Although my path leading up to this has come with some doubt from myself, I’ve learned that it’s all about the journey and the experience you are gaining. Every feat and even every struggle will help you grow. I know that I’m sounding like a broken record but it’s really true. Embarking on Co-op will help you grow not only professionally, but also personally. The experience is so valuable.

Now that I am in my third Co-op term, I am excited about what’s to come and to explore even more of what majoring in Communication has to offer. While the uncertainty and anxiety around where I may exactly end up post-grad is still very real, I do know that there’s so much out there for me to experience. The possibilities when working in communications are endless. While that can be intimidating, it is exciting to think about what you will accomplish and discover going forward.

So if you’re wondering whether you should apply to Co-op, I would say DO IT! The experience you will acquire holds so much value. Not just because you get that work experience, but because you are able to learn so much more about yourself. Follow your own unique path to discovering what you want to do. You can do it!

SFU Student Undergraduate
SFU Co-op Student

Posts by Author

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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.

Abu standing next to a screen that says "Limitless"
Blog
Why Pursue a Career in Sales

This article is my take on why somebody would pursue a career in sales. I have never done sales in my life, and I like to take on new challenges. Therefore, it allows me to elaborate on the skills I have learned throughout my journey.

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A Second Term in Government: More of the Same?

Having completed my first work term for Health Canada as a Communications Officer Intern, I was eager to try something new, and the government was not where I believed that was going to happen. That is until I was offered a position at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada...

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Surviving Workplace Politics

Ever been peeved with workplace politics? Have you ever been a victim of office politics? One student shares her experiences from the workplace with tips on how to survive.

 

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Responsibility and Success

One of the most memorable parts of my time in co-op was the collection of accidents, errors, mistakes, and mix-ups that happened in the course of working in the laboratory.

 

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Jenny Lian
Finding Your Fit Among Thousands in an Organization

Working for a large, well-known organization can be both exciting and intimidating. It can raise questions about how you can stand out and forge a unique path, while fitting into the work culture. Jenny shares her top three insights during her work term at RBC as a Business Analyst on their Strategic Initiatives and Change Management.

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A Look into My First Real-Life Surgical Experience

Journey through Moldova with BPK student Kerri Jang in this five part series. In this article, Kerri was able to observe her first real-life surgery. Read on to find out what this experience was like! 

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!