Have a great story to share? Discover how you can contribute.
The Latest
Welcome
Scroll through and catch up on the latest from the SFU OLC. You're bound to find a fresh new perspective, the most current advice, and recently published stories that are sure to inspire you. Content is created by the SFU community.
Share your Story
Changing Times: Stories to Inspire Hope and Resilience
Working from home is a common reality for many Co-op students in the past year. Working from home while working for a Health Authority in the thick of the pandemic is a tremendous experience Kaylla went through last year. Take a look at how she learned to stay productive in these uncertain times.
The Latest
Acknowledging that white privilege exists is the first step to equality and justice for all.
Co-op students are required to do either a project or presentation to complete their co-op requirements at the end of their work term. As a communications student, Natalie did not know what to expect the first time she presented her PowerPoint presentation for her project. Read on so you can have an idea of what to expect for yours!
"What do you want to do with your degree?” It’s not a simple question, but the place you find your answer can surprise you. Read as Kiki goes through her co-op experience to find out more.
Tauseef Alwaris recently changed his major from “Electronics Engineering” to “high voltage Electrical Engineering” because of his various co-ops, speaking to different people, and his educational experiences. He reflects and shares both how and why he decided to make this change and how Hydro One helped his decision.
In this article, Mehul shares his Co-op journey with us and let's us in on the secrets of getting a Co-op!
Wondering what activities are available this summer to keep your brain busy while giving you a much needed break from school? Read on to learn the Top 5 Tips to enhance your summer break!
Why work for free? Kim shares her thoughts on why volunteering can sometimes be better than working a paid job when it comes to career exploration!
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a Career Peer Educator? Find out what you can gain both personally and professionally!
Delivered over five different workshops (one every two weeks), Passport to Leadership aims to introduce students to basic leadership skills and show them the various ways to get involved around campus.
Wonder how you can stand out against other candidates to land your perfect summer job? Check out the 5 post interview tips and tricks to help you leave a lasting impression with the hiring manager.
Engaging with your community means first effectively communicating with those around you. Kenny shares some tips on how to do this!
You’ve got to that new stage in your life as a new employee. But as a new hire, you may feel somewhat out of place on what may be an established team. So, read on to find out five ways to successfully blend in.
You’ve got to that new stage in your life as a new employee. But as a new hire, you may feel somewhat out of place on what may be an established team. So, read on to find out five ways to successfully blend in.
After the exciting and terrifying process of applying to jobs, landing interviews, and finally accepting a job offer, I started to settle in to my new job in the Communication department of the Canadian Mental Health Association. With a solid goal in mind, each day became a new challenge for me to rise and make myself known. Here are the tips I followed that made my placement meaningful to both my employer and I.
Engaging with your community means first effectively communicating with those around you. Kenny shares some tips on how to do this!
Emily shares her tips for what you should consider when looking for a volunteer opportunity.
Emily shares her tips for what you should consider when looking for a volunteer opportunity.
Interviews are a two-way street. They allow employers to find out more about their candidates, and candidates to find out more about the employer. Find out what kind of questions you can ask to maximize your interview.
Interviews are a two-way street. They allow employers to find out more about their candidates, and candidates to find out more about the employer. Find out what kind of questions you can ask to maximize your interview.
You did it. You successfully finished the interview, hopefully feeling satisfied. But what about those references you gave to the interviewer – what happens to those now that your interview’s done? Read on to find out!
Tysun shares his story of progressing from Student to Teacher, or more specifically, from Athlete to Coach and shares some advice for those looking to get involved with their community.
Rianne shares what she gained from being a Learning & Writing Peer Educator. Interested in having similar experiences? Apply to the Peer Education Program by April 7th.
Missed Backpack to Briefcase this year? Find out the advice given by SFU alumni.
Ever wondered what organizations look for from students and recent graduates at a career fair? Check out what tips Scotia Bank, Clio, Sun Life Financial, City of Richmond, MyPlanet and Public Outreach have for students to succeed at a career fair.
Ever wondered what organizations look for from students and recent graduates at a career fair? Check out what tips Scotia Bank, Clio, Sun Life Financial, City of Richmond, MyPlanet and Public Outreach have for students to succeed at a career fair.
Having trouble deciding to whether stay local or move abroad for your co-op placement? Read through SFU Communication Co-op student Samantha's tips on how to make an educated decision when it comes to going abroad for co-op!
Career fairs are no doubt stressful experiences for a range of people, but there are ways to ease the stress. If you want to create meaningful connections with organizations at the fair (with less stress), keep on reading to discover some useful tips.
In the winter of 2013, SFU Geography student Christiane Pulluau trekked to La Paz, Bolivia to work with a CED (Community Economic Development) group. In her final instalment she shares some of her favourite places.
In the winter of 2013, SFU Geography student Christiane Pulluau trekked to La Paz, Bolivia to work with a CED (Community Economic Development) group. She shared her diary entries with us, and we present the third insallment: Arts and Culture in March.
Kim shares five attributes that all volunteers should have in order to be considered G.R.E.A.T.! Make sure to implement these next time you get involved!
In the winder of 2013, SFU Geography student Christiane Pulluau trekked to La Paz, Bolivia to work with a CED (Community Economic Development) group. She shared her diary entries with us, this is part two of her adventure.
In the winter of 2013, SFU Geography student Christiane Pulluau trekked to La Paz, Bolivia to work with a CED (Community Economic Development) group. She shared her diary entries with us, and part one is featured here.
Biology Co-op student Yuka Obayashi returned from her self-directed International Co-op at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in the Kunigami District of Okinawa, Japan with a new-found appreciation for marine wildlife.
Are you finding that getting your dream job is unattainable and is only for the “lucky ones?” Create your own opportunities and luck when it comes to the workplace and discover how to land a job fresh out of university.
Standing out in today’s job market is definitely a tough task. But, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a number of ways you can make yourself stand out to potential employers. Read on to find out how.
So it’s mid-March and you haven’t got a Co-op job for the summer yet, exams are approaching, and you're getting worried you'll never land a job. Co-op coordinators Heather Keeping and Marcia Shimizu offer up tips on how to excel during lightning round, and why it's actually awesome.
Networking is essentially building relationships with professionals in your industry. As time consuming and challenging as it can be, it’s important to focus on, especially when you are on the hunt for a job. Natalie continues her Road to Graduation series with her networking tips.
As Natalie nears graduation her focus has shifted to landing a post-grad job. In the next instalment of her Road to Graduation series, read up on the basics of setting up and attending an informational interview.
Natalie continues her Road to Graduation series with tips on how to prepare when a professional finally grants you an informational interview. Follow her tips and make the most of the opportunity.
Learn all about one student's involvement with TEDxKids@BC, a non-profit that seeks to engage passionate youth to change lives. Towards the end of this year, the TEDxKids 2014 Conference will take place right here in Vancouver, so don’t miss this chance to come attend this awe-inspiring event!
Wonder what resources are available to help you transition from university to the world of work? Wonder what you can do to prepare for the workforce after you graduate from SFU? Read on to discover the resources and strategies available to prepare you for the transition from ‘Backpack to Briefcase’!
SFU Molecular Biology & Biochemistry student Ryan Danroth volunteers with Aboriginal Front Door Society (AFDS) as Harm Reduction Coordinator. They are currently looking for volunteers at AFDS.
Applying for a volunteer opportunity, a job, or graduate school, are all forms of taking career-related action. But what if you don’t have enough time to tackle these aspects of your life individually? That’s where the miniBIG Fair 2014 comes in – read more to find about this very useful, one-day event.
First year is an important time in any university student's development. Kim discusses why she feels it is also a great time to get involved with volunteering!
Curious about what wonders a mechatronics engineer can do? Read about Austin's Co-op journey and find out for yourself!
Kenny takes a look at how engaging with yourself can help you contribute to your community and shares a few tips on how to define your major and your field.
Jeff took Bolivia by storm, working with the Centro Integral de Desarrollo Economico Comunitario (CIDECO), as part of the Bolivian CED Project. Find out more about how his International experience impacted his career journey.
Of Canada’s 60 First Nations languages, 30 are found only in B.C. According to Marianne Ignane, director of SFU’s FNLC, these languages are in a state of decline, which is why she has made it her life’s work to find ways of preserving and teaching these languages.
SFU instructors and students are engaged in a variety of community activities that are making a difference to Aboriginal children and youth.
Indigenous Initiatives Librarian Jenna Walsh has been working with Aboriginal communities and SFU students, staff and faculty to determine how best to enhance and develop the library’s services for Aboriginal students.
Within the first week of my second work term, it became apparent just how much I would be working with Adobe Illustrator. I felt I should be an expert when I was, in fact, still a beginner. How would I rise to the challenge, and become more familiar with the Adobe Suite while on the job?
Kelvin Redvers is a multiple award-winning Aboriginal filmmaker and television producer. Attending Simon Fraser University in Vancouver on full scholarship, Redvers continued film work on both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal topics, continually achieving success at film festivals in Canada and abroad. Read Kelvin's story to learn more about his climb to success.
Erika outlines some of The Women's Centre's projects as well as some past and upcoming events. Check it out to learn more about one of SFU's oldest campus amenities.
Are you in the middle of looking for summer work? Have you applied for countless jobs online but have not been short listed once? Your misfortune could be caused by ATS ‘robot’ systems. Read on for tips and tricks to fight back against ATS systems.
Kim Hornemann shares how a science loving high school student ended up in SFU's French co-hort program and working for the Canada Revenue Agency while still in University.
Whether it is one or two pages, everything from content to design of the resume should be in harmony, enabling you to showcase the great skills you have to offer.
“How in the world will I be able to add value to this team?” This was my initial (and pessimistic) reaction upon hearing that I would be working with 9 other individuals in the Donor Relations & Events team at the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.
In the first instalment of a new series on Passport to Leadership alumni, Trisha interviews SFU Political Science student Michael Thorburn to find out how the P2L program affected his SFU experience.
I thought it might be fun to revisit some of my favourite articles from the past four-ish years, with a brief excerpt from each. I hope you get as much out of remembering them as I have!
You think you’re doing everything you should be, but is there something you’re missing? We collected seven simple reasons why you haven’t landed a job yet.