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Your Next Co-op

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Blog
Work-Life Balance and Productivity While Working From Home

Unlock the secretes to thriving in your upcoming remote Co-op! Here are some tips and tricks that I found helpful from my experiences working from home for WorkSafeBC. 

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3 Ways to Continue Learning on Your Next Co-op Term

Completing 3 Co-op work terms can sometimes feel repetitive. Check out Madelynn's tips on how to stay engaged and continually enhance your Co-op experience.

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8 Reasons Why You Should Consider an 8-month Co-op Placement

Emir was asked during his Co-op hiring interview if he would consider an 8-month placement. He was anxious about making it through 4 months, never mind 8. But soon enough the third month came around and Emir has a second chance to consider an extension. Here are his 8 reasons for why you should a Co-op extension.

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Blog
10 Tips on How to Navigate the Hiring Process: An Insider's Perspective

Nisha’s second work term as a curriculum and programming assistant on a hiring committee for Career and Volunteer Services made her realize that with so many qualified candidates, decisions are sometimes based on the tiniest details. Here are Nisha’s 10 tips for how to stand out from other candidates and the reasons why employer’s value them.

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Blog
How My Student Club Involvement Scored Me My First Co-op- Recruiter Perspective

Joining a student club is an excellent way to develop transferable skills! Olivia shares how her campus involvement not only helped with skill development and securing a co-op position, it eased the transition and helped differentiate Olivia from her peers. In her own words: "If you want to be one step closer to finding your dream co-op, I suggest starting with community involvement!"

An image of the author with his co-workers in front of Allocadia's company logo
Blog
How to Get Over Imposter Syndrome at Your Co-op

A lot of students going through their co-op terms have the same fear – as a student, how should one cope transitioning into an office environment with smart and experienced professionals? The simple answer to this issue is to be confident!

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Blog
Becoming A $60K Assistant

When I first started at PCL as an Administrative Student, I was slightly disappointed.

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Blog
Fake It Till You Make It

“Business courses helped me with workplace etiquette, while Communication courses allowed me to develop different perspectives.” Human Resources student Tabraiz reveals the hidden benefits of applying to jobs outside of your major and gaining a unique, mix-matched skillset.

Group photo at WorkSafeBC
Blog
Discovering my Career Path in Investment Management

My university experience has been a roller coaster to say the least. From moving to a brand-new city without knowing anyone to embarking on multiple co-ops in finance related roles, I discovered who I wanted to become and the path I needed to take to get there.

Seven co-workers smiling and posing for the camera while wearing matching blue t-shirts and blue caps.
Blog
My ‘Future Friendly’ Experience at TELUS

Read on to learn about Jacky's valuable co-op experience that transformed his self-doubt into professional development at Telus!

Pat Chaisang standing in front of SAP's sign
Blog
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!

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Blog
Familiar, Yet Not So Familiar

International Co-ops aren't the only way to submerge yourself in a culture.  Gurleen shares her co-op experience through which she gained a new perspective of her culture right here in Vancouver.  

the author's portrait
Blog
How to Rock the 9 to 5 Lifestyle

Transitioning from student life to a 9-5 working lifestyle can take a bit of time. Luckily, Jamie has a couple of tips to help you quickly adjust and help you make the most of it!

Three people posing in front of the SAP logo
Blog
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. 

Brittany and her co-workers
Blog
Tips for Non-Technical Students Working in a Technical Company

With the rise of the digital age, the tech industry has become the hub of all industries. As these companies become more popular, you will want these tips to succeed if you're a non-technical students looking to work in a technical company

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Blog
It’s Okay to Say “No”

Frankly, I am terrible at saying “no.” Maybe it’s a strong work ethic that has been etched into my existence since I was a child. Maybe it’s not wanting to appear incompetent to the people who could potentially hire me back into a full-time role. Whatever it was, it seemed like my plate was packed to the brim 

girl with headphones on in radio station
Blog
Working for the CBC, My Favourite Moments, and Some Tips for Aspiring Journalists

From a young age, Ashley Fraser loved telling stories.  While studying communications at SFU she began to realise that journalism might be her future career and the CBC Peter Gzwoski internship opportunity was the perfect way to get her start. 

girl smiling at Elim Village sign of two seniors
Blog
When Once Wasn’t Enough

If you are about to start applying for co-ops or trying to decide if another co-op term at the same organization is right for you, read about my experience of how a surprising situation can lead to a positive experience.

The author
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Grow Beyond Your Job

If you want to extract every opportunity from your co-op term, take these proactive steps to grow professionally beyond your job title. 

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Becoming Globally Engaged

Being an international student at SFU is not easy as there aren't many opportunities to meet other students. The Global Student Centre welcomes all, hosting events that bring students together to celebrate diversity and create intercultural awareness. 

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Blog
Recruitment & Career Development: What Employers Want

Having been involved in recruitment and on-boarding processes, discussions with managers and engineering recruitment teams, I share my experiences in recruitment and career development to give you insight into what employers are looking for. 

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Blog
Fishing for Experience

Spend your summer in one of the most vibrant and popular tourist destinations in BC! Make a difference in the operation and performance of a small company, and grow your entrepreneurial skillset in a meaningful way by working for WardoWest in Tofino. 

Rachel
Blog
The Road Less Traveled: Taking a Chance in Co-op

With co-op, are we better off sticking to our field of study, or should we take a chance at something entirely different? In this article, Rachel reflects on her work term with the RCMP, what she learned about the industry as well as herself in a field that she would have never considered if it wasn’t for co-op.

Chelsie at work with her supervisor
Blog
The EnLIGHTening Experience of Working for a Small Business

Chelsea did her co-op at a relatively small lighting agency, Inter-Lite Sales, in greater Vancouver; but she learned about much more than lighting. Read why Chelsea believes every student should work for at least one small business to round out their co-op experience.

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Blog
Why Apply to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

It is a very exciting time to get involved with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)! Taylor shares her experience working at INAC's Yukon regional office and how she gained valuable skills while learning about Yukon First Nations, government and life in the North. 

Erik Bainbridge Smiling
Blog
International Co-op: An Interview with Erik Bainbridge

Erik Bainbridge, a Political Science student, shares his international experience doing four work terms in three different positions in China and Hong Kong. He worked as an English teacher in Shandong, an Event Manager at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CamChamHK) in Hong Kong, and a Trade Intern for the Consulate General of Canada in China.

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Blog
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.

Michael smiling in front of broken glass mural
Blog
Reinvent Yourself by Working Abroad

Michael Welk went to Spain to teach English for his co-op and shares about his adventure in a new country. Read on to find out about what you can gain from an experience such as leaving your comfort zone and exploring! This article was originally published in the Arts Co-op Newsletter in Spring 2015.

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