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These are the stories from those who have been through it all: Co-op, post-graduation life, and internships. Browse through the Job Search topic to learn more about exploring your career options, acing your interviews, and creating stand-out job applications

Terence
Give Agency a Chance: Why You Should Consider a Work Term in an Agency

Ever consider working for a communications agency? Terence Chu certainly has. Currently in a co-op position for global communications consulting agency FleishmanHillard, Terence presents three reasons why working in an agency is a wise career move.

Posters on walls saying to vote
Why YOUR Vote Matters!!

If you don’t vote, you’re handing your future away to those who will be making decisions on everything from how much you’ll be paying back in student loans and taxes, to what kind of jobs and career opportunities you might find. 

Cables of equipment
My Engineering Co-ops: Lungpacer Medical Inc. and Kardium

Have you ever felt unsure of your major? As if maybe it is not what you really want to do for the rest of your life? These are questions Jose pondered over before his co-op with Lungpacer Medical Inc. and Kardium.

an individual using their phone and laptop at the same time
How Social Media Affects Your Chance of Getting Hired

Have you ever wondered whether future or current employers actually check your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram before or after the interview? You might say that you’re safe; having already privatized all your accounts, but well the truth is... 

Boat on the sea
My Industrial Revolution

Do you ever think there are limitations to what you could do with your degree? I did. SFU co-op has allowed me to experience my major in action in a non-conventional way and it has forever changed the way that I look at my kinesiology degree. 

Kelowna landscape
My Co-op in Kelowna

Hesitant about doing an Out-of-Town or International Co-op? So was Mandy! But, opportunities come from all sorts of places. For Mandy, it was Kelowna, and the opportunity was too good to pass up. Read Mandy's tips on moving away, and getting accustomed to a new city.  

Natasha
Worth It.

Natasha shares why she found waiting for the ‘right’ co-op was worth it for her. After a lot of determination and persistence, she was able to land a job that was worth all the hard work and spent an amazing summer at Options. Read Natasha's story for more insight!

Karen Ly-Ma
3 Reasons Why Co-op is a Valuable Experience

Read on to find out why Karen took a step out of her comfort zone to embrace the unknown that is co-op.

a person handing in their documents
How to Ask for Reference Letters From Your Professors

Asking your professors for reference letters is an important part of applying to professional programs, graduate programs, and scholarships, and it is a lot more complicated than just sending a quick email. Eric Cai explains how you can make this process easier for your professors, and more beneficial to you.

The right shoe storefront
My Life Among Birkenstocks

Walking into my first day of work for my co-op term at The Right Shoe, all I expected was just another retail job. But upon arriving at work, I quickly realized how much more informative and applicable to my degree the experience would be. What I thought would be just another retail experience turned out to be one of the most interesting, informative and relevant experiences of my life.

A skateboarder ramping off an incline to do a trick
5 Keys to “Ramping Up” and Quickly Adjusting to a New Co-op

Noah did his co-op at PMC-Sierra. In this article he introduces the engineering term “ramp up” and identifies five ways to get up to speed when you start a co-op.

Terrence, smiling, with coworker
It’s Not What Your Communication Degree Can Do for You; It’s What You Can Do For Your Communication Degree

For some employers today, a degree has become the minimum requirement for most entry-level jobs. Having spoke with this year's winner of the SCOY Award of Merit, Terence Chu, the solution to this conundrum, for me, became apparent.  

Tanya
Risk Takers and Novelty: Demystifying the Barriers of International Co-op and Exchange

Consider the benefits of doing an international co-op and exchange.

Adrian Quiroz and his friends
Teaching English Abroad? Top 5 Tips for Success

Adrian Quiroz is a fourth year student of French, Linguistics, and Speech Sciences at Simon Fraser University. After teaching English in France, he wanted to share his tips for success. Read more to learn about Adrian's experience, and his invaluable tips!

author, christina, smiling
The Summer Internship of a Lifetime: Meet Christina Guan

What’s your dream job? Like many students, Christina Guan has some big dreams.  But her dreams actually became a reality this summer.  Find out how this SFU student was able to utilize her skillset and land an internship of a lifetime.

the author's portrait
You Get Out What You Put In: Portfolio, Contacts, Resume

Moving through your work term, it is valuable to consider what you will take from your co-op experience that will benefit your future career. Kimberly Blair recommends keeping three things in mind: portfolio, contacts, and resume.

The author
How to Write an Awesome Cover Letter

Applying for jobs can seem tedious and through my experiences, I have compiled six tips that can help you improve your results and get noticed!

You got this
5 Ways to Bring Confidence to the Job Interview

Ever feel like interviews do not go your way, or they feel out of your control? Find the one thing you can control: your confidence! Natalie reflects on some of her old co-op interview experiences, and shares some strategies she has learned to bring confidence to your next interview.

Shem Navalta in front of a communal room
Fight the Struggle of Finding Your First Placement: Being Open to Opportunities When Seeking Your First Co-op Work Term

Before finding his first co-op placement, Shem Navalta found himself frustrated that his “ideal” job wasn’t available to him. In this post, Shem talks about his experience with searching for his first co-op job and provides advice on how to be open to opportunities that will help you grow. 

Madison
How to Land a Co-op When You’ve Only Flipped Burgers

How do you land a co-op when you’ve only flipped burgers or only possess experience in an entry level position. Madison lists 5 helpful tips that she learned from the process of applying to co-op positions with little to no true professional experience.  While it’s definitely harder, what’s life without a little challenge?

Kelly holding YWIB sign
5 Career Lessons I Learned From Stepping Outside my Comfort Zone

Kelly shares how her experience with SFU YWIB helped her in her career.  Find out what 5 lessons she learned, and what lessons you should know!

Brett
Technical Writing: A Day to Day Work Flow

What is the role of a technical writer? And what do you do working as one? Communication Co-op student Brent Restivo answers these questions, outlines the workflow of a typical technical writing project and takes you step-by-step through an actual on-the-job scenario.

image of PWC building
SFU Co-op Secures International Roles for BBA Duo

Two Beedie undergraduate students, Luming Zhao and Xiwen Zheng, successfully secured full-time roles at the prestigious PwC Shanghai office after completing their co-op work terms there. Read to learn more about their experience, how they did it, and how you can too! This article was previously published in SFU News on June 8, 2015.

A ceramic block with the words "Write Without Fear" printed ontop
5 Reasons to Write a Co-op Reflection for the OLC

You might have noticed some amazing co-op stories written by your fellow peers on the OLC, but have you ever considered sharing your story?  Here are five reasons why you should write for the OLC.

 

a woman sitting at her desk working on her laptop
Interviewing Human Resources – How Employers Decide who to Interview

You can sell yourself in person, but your resume has to get you there.

Kiki and her supervisors
Not Your Average Chiropractic Care

Read about Kikuko's role as a chiropractic assistant at Mckenzie Chiropractic. During this co-op experience, they were able to assist with laser therapy, spinal decompressions and so much more!  

Multiple people posing on the stairs
Interview with the SFU Volunteer Services Coordinator About Engagement Peers

Who are the Engagement Peers and what makes this SFU volunteer experience unique? Jack interviews Albert Fung, Volunteer Services Coordinator about his experiences with this peer group.

a girl smiling while working on her laptop at home
‘Cause Bloggers Gonna Blog (Blog, Blog, Blog, Blog, Blog)

"You need at least 2 years of work experience to get this (entry-level) position.” Learn how one student used volunteer blogging to gain that ever-so-important 2  years of experience and get a leg up in the professional world!

Fisherman with his catch of mussels
How to Make Co-op Work for You

Seasoned co-op student Courtney McKinnon spent eight months as a Fundraising Coordinator and did a co-op with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Read Courtney's story to find out how you can make the most of your co-op!