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Co-operative Education

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Lauren in a costume
What Co-op has Taught me About Education

As Lauren wraps up her final co-op term, she looks back on her incredible time with Parks Canada and the lessons she's learned during this experience.

Person holding a compass in their hand
One Major and Endless Possibilities: The Wisdom I Learned From My First Co-op

Thinking of changing your career path?  Saniya explains why it's normal for your career path to not be linear and redefines what it will look like for most of us.

Shina Kaur
What Does It Mean to Be a Engagement Program Assistant?

What does an Engagement Program Assistant do? In this blogpost, Shina shares with us what it means to empower the students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the importance of communication! 

Canadian flags strung on a building in Ottawa, Canada
The Importance of Information Management | Part One

What happens when a Criminology student meets the administration. Learn more about Julia’s experience in the world of Information Management as it transitions away from paperwork and towards technology. 

Jeffery sightseeing
My Co-op Experience as an Introvert

Have a difficult time talking to people in the workplace? Are you worried about your upcoming Co-op experience? Jeffrey has some tips for you that will help you find success at your workplace!

Photo of the author giving a presentation
Creating Value: The Adventures of an IT Co-op Student

As someone who didn’t have a lot of direct experience in a technological setting, providing value to the organization had to come from something much bigger than my direct skill set.

Sandra and her coworkers
Picniic'-ing Through Work: My Co-op Journey

"As it just so happens, I went in blind. I didn’t know what I was up against, and I can’t say I felt particularly ready either, as I had no previous marketing experience." - Sandra talks about her co-op experience with Picniic.

Diana in front of her cubicle
Tips on Coping with a Challenging Co-op Term

"Sometimes, a co-op work term is not exactly what you expect it to be; it happens." But perspective is everything. Read Diana's tips on how to cope with a challenging co-op term. 

the author sitting in her desk
Me, Myself and I: Confessions from a UX Team of One
When you are the only designer on a project, let alone the entire company, you are bound to face trials and tribulations. However, there are rewarding opportunities in store for designers on the lonely path to mastery.
Leana Li using a computer with papers on the table
My Love-Hate Relationship with Accounting

"I knew very little about accounting and definitely had no passion for it" - read on to find out how Leana overcame her aversion towards accounting.

Maggie Benston Centre
How I Faced and Overcame My Fears

Relax! Yes, you may have made a mistake, but it is how you handle the consequences that count. Carina talks about how she made mistakes, faced her fears and learned from them.

the author standing
From School to Designing for the City of Surrey

Read about Allison's co-op experience with the City of Surrey and learn what it is like working in government organisations.

A photo of the author standing in front of Granville Square
Succeeding in a Start-up 101

"This being my first co-op term, I didn’t really know what to expect. I didn’t know what to wear, how welcoming my co-workers would be or what exact tasks I would be assigned" - Joshua talks about his co-op experience.

Crystal Fung at work
How I Became a Manager at Nineteen

Read on to find about how Crystal became a manager at just nineteen! 

Claire standing in front of the SFU building, looking to a distance
Getting Started in a Startup: My Co-op at Coral Health

Thinking about doing a co-op with a start-up company? Read Claire's co-op experience to find out what it was like!

Image of Grace sitting down, facing the water at a beach in Australia
Exchange Experience: Discovering Myself Through Travelling

What does it mean to be alone but not lonely? Grace Chang talks about self-discovery, studying abroad and her adventures in Australia.

Sharon Huang's portrait
Choosing a Start-Up Over a Large Corporation

Are you uncertain whether to pursue a co-op at a large corporation or a small company? Sharon Huang shares why she chose to launch her career at a start-up. 

TRIUMF particle accelerator
A Penny in a Sea of Sheldons: My Co-op at TRIUMF

You see a job posting, you read the description, you become interested. You apply for the job, you get interviewed, then you get hired. Now what? Anh Vu, shares how she learned the ropes at TRIUMF. 

Mikaela standing in front of her company's logo
Loving the Non-Profit Life

Working at non-profit organizations may have a less-than-desirable reputation among students, especially regarding pay and prestige; and while it may not look as glamorous as working in a big corporate firm, it has a few unique perks to help you gain valuable experience. 

Pat Chaisang standing in front of SAP's sign
Five Easy Hacks to Excel at your Co-op!

When it comes to an experience of a lifetime like an internship, the one question we ask ourselves over and over again is “how do I make the most out of this experience?” In this blog, I would like to share with you five game-changing strategies that you can start implementing at work!

Matvei Rudenko
Growing Your Skills by the Hour: Working in a Fast-Paced Start-Up

Read about Matvei's co-op experience at a start-up company and how this life-changing opportunity helped his career development journey.

Puneet
Learning by Doing: How Co-op Puts Theory Into Practice

Puneet Sran shares her experience from her most recent co-op with Verathon: "As someone who never imagined being an engineer, I have been extremely fortunate to work in such a technical field, among highly intelligent individuals". 

William
New Opportunities in a Changing Canada

A co-op semester at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) allowed International Studies student, William Reid, to learn more about Canada's relationship with Indigenous people. Read more, here. 

Image of a diverse group of people dressed in business attire, standing in a semi-circle, laughing and drinking together
Working in an English-Speaking Environment

In today's global labour market, the ability to converse in a second language is an increasingly useful skill. Here, Jessica Tse shares some tips she learned as an international student from Hong Kong working in an English speaking environment.

Indigenous Day
Event Recap: SFU Indigenous Day

The 2nd Annual SFU Indigenous Day at the SFU Burnaby campus was a huge success! Here is a recap of the event.

A group of people sitting on a table as a part of a discussion.
Working for Purpose, Not for Profit

Applying for his first co-op placement, Business student, Jeffery Choi wanted a job that would be exciting and challenging, but more than anything, fulfilling. Looking for work with purpose, Jeff spent his first co-op as a Campaign Associate for the United Way of the Lower Mainland.  

Graphic design of a tree made of hands of every colour
Thinking Outside the Box: How Volunteering Translates to Work Skills

Criminology student, Rachel Tong shares how her volunteer experience helped her develop the marketing and community engagement skills necessary for a co-op position with Parent Support Services of BC.

Banner
How Creating Space for Indigenous Students Benefits You and Me

We must acknowledge autonomy for Indigenous Students in an academic setting, we are not in your classes to teach them, and we are not able to speak on behalf of every Indigenous community.

Science equipment
Five Things the Average Science Co-op Applicant Doesn’t Know

"It’s normal to not hear back from interviewers." Wait, what?! Science student, Richard Hsia has some sage advice to ease your mind and sharpen your competitive edge in your co-op job search. 

Mouataz
A Short Guide to Finding Your Passion

Veteran co-op student, Mouataz Kaddoura, shares valuable lessons learned from co-op terms with Avigilon, MENRVA, Biomedical Research Lab, and Shield-X Technology.

white windmills against a beautiful sunset
Saving the Environment - One Co-op at a Time!

Soroush Jafaryvahed set out to learn something new every day on his co-op with Ballard Power. The experience taught him that just because you are only with a company a short time, as as student, doesn’t mean that you can’t make a lasting impact.

Three people posing in front of the SAP logo
Insights Into Working with a Global Tech Firm

The tech sector is one of the world's fastest-growing industries, making it the perfect place to launch a career. But where does that leave students with non-technical backgrounds? Following a coveted internship with SAP, Beedie student, Kevin Ng, shares his experience of working with a global tech firm. 

Two Learn-to Camp staff members talking to an audience
A Summer with Parks Canada

To be a member of Parks Canada's Toronto Urban Outreach you must first become an expert in the regions incredible national heritage sites. Environmental Science student, Francesca Marquez shares how exploring Canada's heritage sites prepared her to share her knowledge with the public during Canada's 150th anniversary. 

a laptop screen showing the text "Go Get It"
5 Reasons Why You Should Move for That Co-op Position

Ever spotted your dream co-op position on MyExperience but found out it was on the other side of the country? Or worse overseas! Srijani Datta, is here to tell you about why you should, in fact, relocate for co-op. 

A researcher's hand touching lab equipment
The Lowdown on Microplastics | Part Two

Graduate student, Stephen Chastain spent two co-op terms conducting research into microscopic pollution in our oceans. Here, he shares what he learned about this pressing issue and its global implications. 

a girl working on a project in the dark
“So, What Are You Going to Do With Your Arts Degree?”

Whether you’re in your first or sixth year, explaining what you intend to do with your degree can be as frustrating as it is… well, frustrating. In this article, Abby Zaporteza sheds light on skills and opportunities, intrinsic to liberal arts. 

Yasmin in the clinic with her ultrasound tools
Enhanced Sonograms and Patient Empowerment

Yasmin Khalili had her career mapped out way before she came to SFU, but the experience of coming to university and enrolling in the co-op program demonstrated that there are hundreds of paths and opportunities one can follow. Read Yasmin's story to learn about her co-op journey with ChANGEpain Clinic.

Mark smiling for the camera in a metropolitan area
Why Co-op Makes a Difference: Instead of Chasing, I’m Being Chased

Have you ever wondered if extending graduation to take part in co-op is really worth it? Find out by checking out Mark's final co-op reflection as he looks back on four co-op terms. 

Young woman standing in front of the the SFU track and football field
We Belong to a Caring Institution

Have you ever wondered how university contributes to your mental health? In this article, Makshada shares what she learned about SFU's actions to promote mental health and student well-being during her Co-op term with SFU Health Promotion.

the author with his team at CDRD
Find your Voice: Insights into Designing your Co-op

Every experience provides the opportunity to go above and beyond. Here, Beedie Business student Jared Chiu shares how he seized the opportunity to grow his role, and how you can too. 

Ali and her team on the soccer field
How I Ended Up Working for the BC Lions

Beedie Business student, Ali Najaf shares his extraordinary journey from not knowing anything about the Canadian Football League to working with one of their best teams - The BC Lions.

Christy at the balcony looking over the city at the TELUS location
More Than Just Marketing: Pursuing my Passion at Telus

Don’t limit yourself and be active in asking to take on projects beyond the job description. Here are some insights from Christy’s co-op at TELUS.

the author in his office
Rocking At Work Without Hitting Rock Bottom

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed in a new workplace. School of Interactive Art and Technology student, Jimmy Phung shares his tips for rocking at work, without hitting rock bottom.

poster calling out justice for Colten and Tina
We Deserve More

We deserve more and so do our Indigenous youth. The justification of our suffering needs to stop.

Joselyn smiling at the camera against a dark background
Your Co-op Journey Starts at the End of Your Comfort Zone

An incredible co-op term with Goldcorp taught Joselyn Hernandez to be open minded when searching for co-op opportunities. You never know which organization, industry or position you might end up liking until you try. 

Fahad and his colleague talking about design on a whiteboard
Life of a Design Student: Reflections and Learning

Interactive Arts & Technology student, Fahad Hasany shares how co-op taught him to be confident learning the tools of the trade with the City of Surrey. 

pond with blooming lotus
From Small Pond to Big Pond

Each semester, thousands of students transfer to SFU from colleges and universities across the Lower Mainland. Communication student Alex Caw reflects on his experience learning to navigate bigger classes and a bigger campus, as well as his advice for prospective students thinking of making the leap.  

a yellow smiling face figure in a dark room
Staying Optimistic Through the Unexpected

Bouncing back from hurdles and setbacks is an important part of career building. Environmental Science student, Ria Yao shares how she developed resilience and patience in the face of rejection.

flowers on a balcony with the view of the city in hongkong
Postcards from Hong Kong: Culture and Commerce

Derek Woo travelled to Hong Kong for his co-op with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. To keep in touch, he sent postcards home, sharing each leg of his journey as he traversed one of the world's most bustling cities. 

a macbook showcasing UI Design
Usable Usability: Is Your UX Research Impacting the Product Design Cycle in a Good Way?

Are you an aspiring UX Researcher? Fourth-year SIAT student and UX Researcher at Samsung, Alireza Mogharrab, shares key tips for creating effective usability studies. 

A hand working on a UX wireframe
Want to Work in Design? Here are Five Things to Consider Before you do

For a lot of us who are natural creatives, what more of a dream would it be to do what we love? Working in design might seem like the best of both worlds, but the reality of combining work and play isn’t exactly a walk in the park.

Fort Langley Landscape
A Survival Guide to Living in the 1800s

Surviving in a trading fort in the wild west now known as British Columbia was tough in the 1800s. A time when 9 out of 10 of your meals would have been salmon and potatoes and grocery shopping would mean bringing a musket into the woods. Alexis, shares what she learned about surviving the 1800s. 

Mi Zhou
Four Tips for Dealing with Stress in the Workplace

It is easy to become stressed in an unfamiliar and fast-pace working environment, no matter which field you are in, but good strategies can help you reduce stress and learn to work more efficiently. Mi Zhou shares her tips from her co-op with OSI Maritime Systems.

the author against an SFU backdrop
Step by Step: Building Job Experience as an International Student

It isn’t always easy to get your first local job as an international student. However, there may be some short-cuts that you didn’t know about. Siyu Liu, a fourth-year business student, has  advice for fellow international students on how to build local work experience