Skip to main content
Communication, Art + Technology › Communication
SFU Co-op Student

a girl writing in a notebook
Credit
unsplash.com
Even though sometimes you may need to sacrifice your personal time, volunteering is definitely an investment for your future that you will not regret.

Volunteering is one of the quickest and easiest ways to meet new people, learn new skills and advance your career. So, before you say "no" to a volunteer opportunity that you think you don't have time for, consider the learning and career possibilities it may lead you to if you said "yes". For instance, my volunteer work with SFU Volunteer Services and Online Learning Community (OLC) contributed to my successful co-op job offer and placement with SFU Work Integrated Learning.

My successful co-op "career" all started with the OLC two years ago when I volunteered as an Online Community Volunteer Writer. I researched and created articles to support students with their personal and professional skill development. Topics that I wrote on included time management skills, professional attire for the workplace, resume basics and formats, and handshakes (Yes! Handshakes!).

For my first co-op placement at BCNET, these writing pieces became the crucial reason why I was hired. My supervisor stated that many students were not considered for this position because they only knew how to write academically and did not have any experience with the news writing style she was looking for. And what made me stand out from the pool of applicants was the articles I produced for the OLC. The hands-on experience I gained from volunteering with the OLC gave me the edge I needed to secure this co-op position.

Need another example to convince you? I am currently on an eight-month co-op work term with SFU Work Integrated Learning (WIL), partly as a result of my previous volunteer experience with Volunteer Services, one of the four units of WIL. Last summer, I volunteered as the Logistics Director for the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Week to promote volunteerism and to connect students to volunteer opportunities on campus and in the community. However, little did I know I would be working with my future supervisor the following semester as a paid staff.

It was close to the end of my volunteer position when my current supervisor informed us that she was hiring a co-op student for SFU Volunteer Services. Because I was really interested in learning more about Volunteer Services and promoting it to students, I applied for the position. Weeks later, I went for an interview and got the job offer the following week. Did my volunteer experiences at SFU help me secure my co-op job?

The answer would be "yes," according to my supervisor. Not only did she already know what my personality and work habits are like, but she also knew that I had the skills she was looking for when we worked together on the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Week. As well, my OLC work demonstrated that I had the research and writing skills to develop articles for the Volunteer Services ENGAGE blog.

Another important factor that helped me secure my position was my references. I asked my colleague at Co-op to be my reference because I knew she could highlight my qualifications that were relevant to this position. She gave me a glowing reference to my supervisor, complementing that I was someone who takes initiative and is very responsible, which added more credibility to my work habits and qualifications. This would not have been possible if I did not volunteer with the OLC before.

Volunteering definitely helped me come out of my shell to meet new peers and potential employers. My volunteer experiences also contributed significantly to my personal and professional skill development as well as securing my two successful co-op placements. Even though sometimes you may need to sacrifice your personal time, volunteering is definitely an investment for your future that you will not regret. So, start now and get involved and volunteer your way to your dream job!

Beyond the Blog

  • Log on to myExperience now to access over 100 on-campus, off-campus and international volunteer opportunities!
SFU Co-op Student
Grace is a 4th year Communications major who enjoys volunteering, writing and mentoring people. She has worked at BCNET and SFU Volunteer Services prior to her fourth and fifth co-op placement with HSBC. She is currently interning at SAP and working part-time at SFU OLC as the Volunteer Recruiting & Project Coordinator. In her spare time, she loves watching drama and movies.
visibility  94
Jan 26, 2012

You Might Like These... Volunteering, Sustainability

Iceberg Melting
What’s Your Cause? Polar Regions, Climate Change, Cultural Awareness, New Immigrant

Over the course of the past semester, SFU Volunteer Services set out to learn what causes motivate SFU students to get involved in their communities–either on campus or beyond. We collected information through the ENGAGE blog and want to highlight some now in hopes of inspiring others to think about what their cause is and how they can contribute!

Children playing hopscotch
An SFU student perspective on the Big Sisters Study Buddy program

You may have heard of them–you may even have an idea of what they do. But have you ever thought of being one? Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland has been serving girls in one-to-one mentoring relationships since 1960, with the mission of “enhancing the confidence, self-esteem and well-being of girls through supportive friendships with caring women”. Each Big and Little Sister match gets together once a week for at least one year. 

Mubnii smiling with her hands in an open position, in front of an aquarium
Health Sciences Student Profile: Mubnii Morshed

Heath Sciences offer students one of the most comprehensive and diverse programs, focusing on everything from epidemiology, molecular biology to political science anthropology. These days, there are many volunteer opportunities associated with the Health Sciences.

You Might Like These... Your Next Co-op

A picture of Olivia Chan
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!"

A man and a woman reviewing some paperwork together.
My Experience as a Career Peer - More Than Just Resumes

Have you heard of Peer Education? It is a great opportunity to learn tremendously and give back to the SFU community at the same time. Read what career peers had to say about being one. And take advantage of many leadership opportunities that SFU offers.

Person wearing a shirt with the word Volunteer
Volunteer Tips: Getting Started & Online Search

Want to find a meaningful volunteer opportunity but don’t know where or how to start? Check out Francisco’s tips on getting started in your volunteer search and online resources to help you find what you’re looking for.