I had two co-op positions while I was enrolled in the coop program, each position lasting 8 months. The first co-op was with McKesson Corporation as a System Analyst, and my second co-op position was with the SFU-Facilities department as a Solution Developer.

I am currently working at CIBC as a Senior CRM Developer.

My co-op experience definitely helped me to quickly find a job after I graduated from SFU. First of all, the co-op experience helped build up my confidence when working with professionals. I gained a lot of practical experience and soft skills that complemented my personal strengths and interest. Secondly, it provided me with networking opportunities and I was also able to gain references for future employment. Most importantly, I have a better understanding of myself, including my strength and weakness. Last not least, I loved the workshops (resume, cover letter, interview) a lot, and even now, I still find what I learned from workshops very useful. Those four valuable work terms definitely made me more competitive in the job market after I graduated.

• Network and make connections. This will help you a lot when you are in the job search.
• Try different positions or industries during your work terms. This will help you understand what your interests are and who you want to be.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions. Employers appreciate a willingness to learn, so don’t be afraid to ask questions when you don’t understand or you’re curious about something.