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Job Search

Welcome

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

william lindsay smiling
William Lindsay on Persistance

“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence”. Through my life’s experience I can certainly attest to the truthfulness of these words.I hope lessons for others can be found in them. Hence, “Press On” friends and make your own dreams a reality! Read more about William Lindsay's journey and how they overcame life challenges. 

Brandon painting
Brandon Gabriel | Professional Contemporary Visual Artist

Brandon is a professional Contemporary Visual Artist based in Langley. He grew up in the Kwantlen Reserve and went on to study at Kwantlen University and attained his BFA from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in 2006.

Author with four other people in front of a table
Co-op Student Experience Surpasses Expectations

In Spring 2011, Diana Chan was hired at BCcampus as a Professional Learning and Communications Assistant, learn more about how her work experience has helped to confirm her interests and career plans.

Women sitting in a circle, with coffee, chatting
The Dinner Interview

Interviewing for a job over a meal requires the ability to not only impress with your skills and experience, but also as a dinner guest. This edition of the Interview Types series will help you master both.

Cecilia smiles next to a graphic that reads, "Career Peer Spotlight: Cecilia Embuido".
Being a Career Peer: A Well-Made Decision

In this informative article, Cecilia shares the valuable benefits of being a Career Peer.

Jim Lee at a concert
Justin Lim's Co-op Success Story: Working with the Singapore Youth Olympic Games

If Justin Lim could describe his international co-op experience in one word, it would be AWESOME! Read on to find out more about his unique opportunity to work with the Singapore Youth Olympic Games in Summer 2010 as a multimedia producer and his eye-opening experience working overseas.

RCMP statue
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

Mihai starts their co-op at the Royal Canadian Mountain Police (RCMP) as an Informational Management Specialist Assistant. Read on to find out what they do and how they do it! 

Elise and coworkers
Movin’ on Up: How to Accelerate Your Climb Up the Corporate Ladder | Part One

Is career advancement on your mind? Whether you are a current student, a recent grad, or have been in the workforce for a couple of years, for many of us, improving our position never seems far from our minds. Read on to find out about how you can move up the corporate ladder as a student.

Picture of two people sitting at a table looking at each other
Elise's CGA-BC Co-op Experience: Landing Your Dream Job

Are you pursuing a career in Human Resources or interested in working for the CGA? Check out Elise's co-op experience as the Recruitment & Employment Assistant and her important career lessons she took away from her placement.

Desk with a calculator and accounting papers
Co-op: The First Step to Your Career as a Chartered Accountant

Are you considering or planning to pursue a designation as a Chartered Accountant (CA)? If so, read on to find out how Co-op can help you gain a competitive edge and achieve this goal successfully.

a man wearing a suit is on his laptop in a quiet setting
The Screening Interview

The screening interview is used by many large companies as a first, usually informal round of interviews. They are often conducted by HR reps before you can even meet anyone you'll be working with, but you need to perform well to get a foot in the door.

a group meeting
Group Interviews

Group interviews aren't as common as some of the other formats we've explored in this series, but they can often be used as part of a screening process, so it's always good to be prepared for them.

3 women sitting down and discussing ideas in a business setting
Panel Interviews

As a part of our continued series, we look at the panel interview. This can be intimidating as it puts the interviewee up against an entire group of experienced professionals, so confidence is key to its success.

two women writing on the white board
Performance Interviews

In this edition of Interview Types, Elizabeth discusses Performance Interviews. It can be intimidating to showcase your skills on the spot, which is why in this blog, Elizabeth looks at the good, the bad and the helpful, as well as potential questions you may face. 

Piece of paper reading: Ads, Articles, Brochures, Flyers/Sell Sheets, Newsletters, website content, other
Portfolio Building | Part One

The Co-op work term has already provided a healthy dose of experience.  Now it is time to gather that tangible experience, take it home, and organize it into a general portfolio.

a group of SFU students smiling at the camera
Don’t Panic: Tips from Industry for Graduating Students

Are you graduating soon and are panicking about job searching in the “real world”? If so, read on to find out what some successful SFU alumni and co-op employers are saying about what grads can do to stand out.

Alumni Profile Banner of Shawna Lum
Alumni Profile: Shawna Lum on being a Peer Health Educator

Time and time again, we’ve told you how volunteer work can help you develop work-related skills. One thing that’s not always highlighted, however, is how volunteering can be an empowering experience, especially when you’re working on something that you’re passionate about.

Job by its cover
Don't Judge A Job By Its Cover

I was hesitant to accept a co-op position because I thought that the skills I would obtain would not at all be relevant to my career path. As it turns out, I learned that trying out things that do not appeal to you 100% at the beginning is often a risk worth taking. Here's my story.

glass door with LinkedIn logo sticker
Creating an Effective LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is a social networking site. Unlike Facebook, however, LinkedIn is primarily for professionals. It is a great tool to help connect you with professionals, but it’s also great for your job search. In this first part of two series about LinkedIn, we tackle the task of creating an effective LinkedIn profile.

a woman showing her laptop to her colleague
101 on Information Interviews: Should You Do One?

For the majority of university students nearing graduation, the question of what job and career path to pursue can be a very daunting and challenging decision to make. But did you know informational interviews could help you make those decisions?

a man writing notes
Bon Voyage: How To Ensure Smooth Sailing As You Wrap Up Your Co-op Work Term

With work terms winding down to a close, most co-op students can’t help but reminisce warmly about friends made, skills gained and career opportunities uncovered while on the job. During this time, it is important to take advantage of a few tips for smooth sailing as you wrap up your work term.

a flatlay of different materials for a creative
What To Put In An Online Portfolio

An online portfolio is a visual representation of your abilities, personality and style. Why not show what you can do instead of talking about it? In fact, some employers go directly to a student’s portfolio first before even glancing at their resume. Even if having a portfolio isn’t a requirement in your current field of study, it will definitely help make you stand out.

three people in professional attire having a discussion
Networking During Your Co-op Work Term

There are many ways and places to network, whether it’s at a convention, party, hiring fair, the art gallery, or even online! But have you ever considered networking on your Co-op work term?

Darth Vader
Career Blog Roundup - Awesome Metaphor Edition

I've been reading a few really great articles lately, and instead of trying and failing to come up with something original, I thought I would share some of those articles, along with some of my thoughts about them. Here's five articles I like, complete with commentary, all of which use awesome metaphors to get their career advice across.

baby penguin
The Problem With Helping People | Part Two

it seems like everybody wants to help people. Read how career advisor Dave Lindskoog walks through this ubiquitous yet decidedly unhelpful desire with an imaginary student. Make sure to read part 1!

conversation exchanged between two people
Some Respect for References

Liesl Jurock is back with more advice - this time on references. She explains that while picking the right references can be tough, it's also important to give them the respect and gratitute they deserve.

SFU students smiling at a networking event
Professional Attire Edition

T-shirt? Jeans? Flip-flops? Sneakers? Confused about what you should wear for your job interview, work or to a networking event? No fear! Read on “What Not to Wear: Professional Attire Edition” to find out how to dress to impress and for success…

Help wanted sign
The Problem With Helping People | Part One

"I want to help people." I quietly chuckle to myself a little bit every time somebody says it. If only they knew how many times a week I heard those exact words. So, I usually ask them to explain what they mean by 'helping people.'

close-up image of hands working on a laptop
Resume Makeovers

Does your résumé need a makeover? Do you want to have it done for free and in less than 15 minutes? If you answered "yes" to both questions, read on to find out how you can do so!

a handshake exchanged between interviewers and the interviewee
Master Your Career with Your Handshake

Are you a bone crusher or a limp hand-shaker? You may ask, “Does a handshake really matter?” Well, apparently, a simple handshake can say a lot about you in the work and social settings. Read on to find out what kind of handshake you have and how to improve your handshaking skills…