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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

Stephanie sitting at a desk typing
Opting for the Extracurricular: An Interview with PR Exec Stephanie Vicic

Trying to decide whether devoting your time to a club or professional association is right for you? Public Relations Executive, IABC member and former Communication Co-op student Stephanie Vicic gives insight into the value of pursuing the extracurricular. Read on!

 

Officials around a round table
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program: What You Need to Know

Attention to all international SFU students! Are you preparing to enter the Canadian workforce soon? If so, the transition has just been made easier for you, courtesy of the federal government.

Ryan Schmidt
Treaty Negotiations with INAC

Being an arts and social sciences student means having a vast variety of career options open to us. One of them being a treaty negotiator at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)! Read Ryan's blog to find out more about what this position entails. 

picture of kaili smiling
Kaili Rand: A Co-op Student's Success Story

Upon graduation in June 2008, Kaili Rand had achieved the highest cumulative GPA in her faculty, maintained a balance between her schoolwork and volunteering, and has been accepted into medical school. Did I also mention she’s a Co-op student?

3 women guest speaker in front of an audience
Starting a Career in Communications with IABC

Co-op student Arthur Yee explores his career path in Communications by getting involved in professional events presented by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

Netherlands
International Spotlight: Hallo en Welkom in Nederland!

Famous for its windmills, clogs, bicycles, tulips and liberal policies, the Netherlands is a fantastic destination for students to gain work experience in one of the leading European economies!

Mexico
International Spotlight: Mexico!

México is a popular travel spot due to its lovely beaches and vibrant culture. It’s also an amazing destination for Co-op! Read all about it in this segment of the International Spotlight series!

convocation ceremnony; students are walking down the steps of the AQ on SFU Burnaby Campus led by a bagpiper
David Skerik: A Co-op Student's Success Story

David Skerik's time as an undergraduate political science student could be described as the ultimate balancing act. The end result of achieving this balance was exceptional grades, a busy family life and valuable co-op work term experiences that allowed him to participate in important work for Canada's First Nations communities.

Suzanne smiling at her desk
Suzanne Young: A Co-op Student's Success Story

For Suzanne Young, SFUs Co-op program was an immense part of her undergraduate experience. As a graduate in Linguistics and French, she reflects back on her experiences as a Co-op student.

Math banner
High Demand for Math Undergraduates

It's time to re-evaluate what the traditional definition of a degree in mathematics means. With complementary studies in business, computing science and more, mathematics undergrads are in high demand as they bring a diverse set of skills to the workplace. What do employers love about students studying for a degree in math? Read on to find out more...

 
Math banner
High Demand for Math Undergraduates

It's time to re-evaluate what the traditional definition of a degree in mathematics means. With complementary studies in business, computing science and more, mathematics undergrads are in high demand as they bring a diverse set of skills to the workplace. What do employers love about students studying for a degree in math? Read on to find out more...

 
Table with things
Transferable Skills Pay the Bills

I wrote a little bit about my experiences working in restaurant kitchens part-time during my undergraduate degree. While I do enjoy reminiscing, I’m also aware that not all readers will benefit from such a personal discussion.Who wants to read about some guy washing dishes 8 or 9 years ago, anyway?

R to L: Corinna Bjornson Board President, Dixon Society Nicole Skuce Resource Development Coordinator, Adele Wilson Executive Director, VanCity Representative, accept a $10,000 community action grant from VanCity.
English Alumnus Finds Work in Social Development Through SFU Co-op

Nicole Skuce, Arts and Social Sciences Co-op alumnus, was able to use her networking skills to turn one of her Co-op work terms into a career. Read on to discover how she effectively used her time at SFU as a stepping stone to her current position.

Two line cooks preparing food
The Value of “Meaningless” Part-Time Work

Not a lot of people have the luxury of being able to go through post-secondary education without holding down a job. I was one of those poor souls, slaving away at seemingly menial, shamelessly servile jobs to pay the proverbial bills, sacrificing my weekends, evenings, and summers for The Man.

Greece
International Spotlight: Greece!

Greece is considered the Mother of western civilization as well as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, philosophy, democracy and delicious food. It's also a great place to work!

Helen shaking hands with another person
Find Out About Informational Interviews

There was a time when I didn’t know what informational interviews were. Little did I know that I could contact people who had positions that sounded interesting and ask about what they did! Can you imagine how shocked I was when I found out, I wondered why would anyone want to help me?

Overseas
5 Ways Working Overseas Benefits Your Career

“You’re going to teach English overseas eh? Sounds cool. So what kind of ‘real’ job are you going to do when you get back?” I hadn’t planned that part yet, but my friend’s comment stung a bit and made me second guess my decision. Maybe he was right. My overseas experience would be a useless footnote in my work history.

picture of the theatre district in new york with lots of advertisements
Communication: So You Love Advertising, But Don’t Know How to Get in the Door

With a love for marketing and advertising, Communication student Lilian Sue discovers how to break into the industry and finds great online resources to improve one's creativity skills during her search.

a laptop screen showcasing a portfolio
Creating An E-portfolio: What Not To Do

It could be the difference between getting the job and getting overlooked – so before sending your e-portfolio off to an employer check through this list to make sure you know ‘what not to do’ when creating an e-portfolio.

London
Minding the Gaps While Working Abroad

'Please mind the gap'. To those who have visited England's transportation system these words of caution are heard throughout the day. But for Co-op alumnus Jeanette LeBlanc, the words took on new meaning while working in London during her year-long adventure.

person sitting beside a gold lamp, writing something down in their journal
What Learning Objectives Can Do For You

A successful Co-op work term can involve many factors, one of which is developing and working towards meeting your learning objectives. Developing a learning objective helps you to think about what you want to accomplish during your upcoming work term and begin developing a plan for how you’ll achieve success.

a flatlay of a work station featuring an ipad
How to Make a Successful E-Portfolio

A student’s e-portfolio is a chance to wow employers by showcasing their creative and detailed work. To do this, there are specific elements that can make the difference between getting the right kind of attention and getting overlooked.

picture of a bunch of hand-painted bowls
International Studies: Experiences Abroad Set Students Apart

International Studies (IS) is a fairly new faculty at SFU. How can students in IS market their unique perspectives and skill set to potential employers? Read on for advice from Jan Bérubé, Manager of Academic & Administrative Services for the School for International Studies, and for some upcoming events with international-focused employers.

a bird's eye view shot of a work space between two people facing each other
Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a great way for you to get an inside look into the day to day functions of a career path you want to pursue and help you to focus your self-directed work search.

a group of people mingling and clinking glasses during an office party
Start Building Your Network

The second article in the “Self-Directed” series explores ways to be resourceful about your job search and begin building your professional network.

a portrait image of a woman smiling and looking into a distance
Self Discovery

In the changing labour market there are increased opportunities for seeking your own Co-op placement through a Self-Directed Work Search. In this 3 steps blog series by our career advisor Heather Williams, learn about how to successfully conduct self-directed work search from self-discovering to landing an informational interview.

grey paper bag spilling peanuts with the words "pay packet" written on it
Salary and Benefits: What you Need to Know

Calling all job seekers. If salary and benefits are important to you, learn the art of negotiation while discovering what compensation packages include and what to ask when the time comes to negotiate for them.

a business card
Your Business Card: The Ultimate Networking Tool

You have successfully defined yourself with a killer branding scheme for your personal marketing pieces and even created a business card to complete the package. With the right situation and a little know-how, your card has the potential to be the ultimate networking tool.