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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

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.

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. 

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

People sitting in fold out chairs arranged in a large circle having a discussion
Wandering Through the Ridiculous Darkness

What one fourth-year student discovered while wandering through the Ridiculous Darkness, searching for the right path in life, theatre, and the pursuit of happiness.

Raman
Do You Fear Working in Software?

I used to be afraid of applying for software related co-ops, let alone working in software development/testing environments. In this article, I am going over my journey about how I overcame that fear and got into a software co-op.

4 alumnus
Advice from Communication Co-op Alumni

A panel of alumni visited the CMNS 110 class recently to share their insights and advice. Ranging from a variety of industries – health, government, public relations, broadcasting, tech and education

RADIUS SFU Building in Vancouver
One-Step Start Up: SFU’s Solutions to Your Big Questions

Ever had a business idea and thought it was worth a shot? These resources can help you transform your business idea into reality.

The author stepping off a helicopter
76th Parallel North: An Incredible Summer with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Join Yee Ting on an adventure into the wilderness as they take us on an armchair journey into working with the INAC’s Resource and Land Management team. Read on to find out what Yee Ting's co-op position entails and how they gained real life experience in the field. 

Parliment Building Victoria
Pursuing Public Service: My Co-op Experience as an Employment Standards Officer

Criminology student, Tylor Mason, enjoyed his co-op with British Columbia's Employment Standards Branch so much that a four-month placement quickly turned into one year. Find out why, here. 

Comic of preparing for Co-op
Comic Guide: 5 Tips to Prepare for Co-op

Embarking on your first Co-op placement? Thinking of applying to the Co-op program? In this comic guide, Linnea offers five tips that will give you a fresh outlook on how to update your resume, build up the confidence to go on interviews, and set yourself up for success. You’ve got this! 

a girl working on her ipad
Are You Putting Your Best Foot Forward or in Your Mouth?

If an employer you applied to never gets back to you, it’s easy to get down on yourself. We’ve all been there. Learn from my failures to put your best foot forward when applying for jobs. 

Two people holding the number 1
Create Your Own Opportunities at Work

Communications is a vast field with its own unique challenges. It is not only about writing articles or handling social media, but usually requires you to juggle wearing various hats. To make a lasting impression in communications, you must of course fulfill the described job duties, but knowing how to hone your strengths in a Co-op is the cherry on top. 

the author conducting a water sampling in Katzie Slough, holding a sample bottle and smiling at the camera
Who, What, Where, When and Why? Working for a Non-Profit

To anyone out there considering working for a not-for-profit organization, I want to share the lessons I learned at Watershed Watch with you. 

The author
Working for a Start-Up

See how I faced my fears and worked for a company I never would have imagined working for.

image of the author in front of her company
My Experience with Introversion and Impostor Syndrome

Keep on reading below to learn how I succeeded in my co-op term as an introvert and overcame my impostor syndrome.

couple holding hands and women holding coffee in other hand
How Dating is like Interviewing and How to Conquer Both

Interviews can be a stressful event, full of anxiety and confusion. Much like the dating world, interviews are a first meeting where you are desperately hoping the other person will like you and vice versa. Here are some things to keep in mind for either situation.

A group of engineers working
Landing an Engineering Co-op

This article provides a few tips to improve your co-op work search. Having completed a few co-op positions, I’ve learned methods that have helped me get a co-op job offer. Some of the tips may seem cliché but when the little things add up, they can help improve one’s chances by a margin.

The author is standing in front of a castle
Working in Germany with the International Paralympic Committee

Written during Liz's time at her international Co-op with the International Paralympic Committee, learn how it was a dream come true as it helped her grow both professionally and personally.

Photo of Zahra Haeri
MSE Grad Lands Plum General Motors Job

Mechatronic Systems Engineering graduate, Zahra Haeri, went in to interview for a co-op position at General Motors but left with an offer for a full-time permanent position. Read Zahra's story on moving from Iran, and the common ground between engineering and jiu-jitsu.

Photo of Kelly Furey
Co-op Experience Pays Career Dividends

Communications graduate Kelly Furey, shares how co-op helped her develop a career before graduation. 

a person standing on top of a hill staring at the horizon
How Volunteering Helped Me Expand My Career Options

Trying new things and volunteering to help your community can open up new options and ideas, some of which can be life-changing, and may direct you down a path that you never imagined you would be on. 

A group of friends posing for a photo
Keep Sight of Your Purpose

As many university students know, the start of many major projects begins with a very simple thing -- procrastination. And that is definitely what Jeremiah did before departing for their co-op term in South Korea. However, they soon found that when it comes to teaching you have to have a plan. Read Jeremiah's story to learn more about Teach and Learn in Korea!

A lab coat and financial accounting book
Benefits of Co-op for Joint Majors

When Tarnjeet Thandi would tell others about her joint major, they tended to wonder how Molecular Biology and Biochemistry could be related to Business Administration. Prior to joining co-op, Tarnjeet sometimes wondered the same. Read her story about clarifying career options through co-op. 

skyscrapers with the middle building having a Canada flag
Canadian Embassies and Consulates: An Interview with Alexander King

Landing an internship at an embassy is a dream come true for students interested in diplomacy, foreign policy, international trade and development. Students have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in dynamic, fast-paced, and highly rewarding environments, while learning from leaders in international relations.

The author looking at lab a sample through a microscope
Reflections of an SFU Epigenetics Research Assistant

Health Sciences student, Philipp Michaluk discusses the value of searching for co-op positions close to home from his experience as a research assistant at SFU's Epigenetics Laboratory. 

A person receiving a certificate
Will a Certificate Help You STAND OUT?

Thinking about taking a certificate program? Wondering how additional certification could help you in your career? If so, this article is for you.

shaking hands, passing a diploma
Will a Certificate Help You Stand Out?

Thinking about taking a certificate program? Wondering how additional certification could help you in your career? If so, this article is for you.

A student and CEO holding a large cheque
Spend the Day with a Top Canadian CEO

An opportunity to gain unforgettable real world experience, CEO 1 x Day is a chance to step into the shoes of one of Canada's most influential leaders. The application period begins, September 28, 2017.

A photo of the author in a lab
Formalized Curiosity: My Research Experience in Reproductive Medicine

Are you a Health Sciences student, fascinated by Reproductive Medicine and Clinical Research? So is Miranda! In this article, Miranda shares her experiences working for a Fertility Centre as a research assistant, and all that she learned along the way.