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Being one of OLC's classic storytelling tools, blogs are crafted by SFU Community members which include the everyday student as well as expert voices. This is where we share touching stories, resourceful advice, and insightful knowledge with each other. In keeping with the OLC vision, the following blogs are created by and for students, so why not contribute to the OLC today?

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INTERNATIONAL

 

Changing Times: Stories to Inspire Hope and Resilience

 

Kaylla
Staying Productive While Working Remotely for a Health Authority

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

 

THE LATEST
Kathmandu, Nepal
The Tales of an SFU Student Deep in the Himalayas

If my present self time-travelled back to January 2023 and told my past self from January that I would be in Nepal, I would think my present self from August has finally gone off the deep end. However, here I am, writing this from Kathmandu, and my experience in this country feels like a separate life.

Student sitting at a table working on a laptop
Navigating Workplace Accommodations for Individuals with a Disability

Inclusion and accommodation are essential components of a healthy and productive workplace. These factors can significantly impact employees’ ability to succeed in their careers.

Emma standing in front of the pond at SFU Burnaby
A Co-op Student’s Guide to Media Relations

Like many Communications students, I came into the School of Communication very interested in media; both studying it and working in it. I found it harder and harder to pinpoint where I could fit into it professionally as I learned more about it. What do you do when you’re interested in media, but not sure you want to work directly in media?

Student sitting in SFU library by window working on laptop
Here’s What to Know About Counselling

Your mental health is important, and if you need support, connect with Health & Counselling for a counselling consultation appointment and to feel supported and guided through the many different services and professionals available

Image of Student pouring drink into a glass
Gaining Independence in an 8 Month Work Term

In marketing, an 8-month term with one company is way more valuable than two 4-month terms with different companies as it’s only after working for 5-6 months that you are able to truly understand how the decision making process works and be independent.

Two girls standing looking very happy
The Ultimate Guide To Achieve Work-Study Balance

I began working as a part-time Co-op student during the last semester, while also pursuing full-time studies? Yes, you heard that right, part-time Co-op and full-time studies. Was it a challenge for me? Absolutely. Did I feel stressed out? Definitely. Did I manage to succeed by the end of the term? Surprisingly, I did, and it turned out to be my most successful term at SFU, to be honest.

Rizzek standing beside BC Cancer Sign
How Building my Skill Set Led to Greater Opportunities

My university years and degree are not just about completing courses and receiving credits. I realized it is about building my unique skill set. 

Convocation procession at SFU
My Co-op journey: Lessons Learned from Seven Terms

Yes, you read the right, I did seven Co-op terms while completing my Communication degree. I’m a firm believer of trying as much as I can during my undergrad, and I did exactly that. Starting off with working at a non-profit in events and social media, I then transitioned to a university in Kenya doing content development and research, a corporate position in Calgary, multiple roles at a digital marketing agency, working at a bank, and now closing my Co-op journey in the public sector. Being extremely fortunate to be able to try many Co-op positions, I’d like to share what I’ve learned from 28 months of working in communications.

laptop showing online meeting with coffee cup beside
The Introvert’s Guide to Networking and Making Quality Connections

Networking can seem like a daunting task, especially for introverts who prefer quiet and solitude to socializing in large, noisy gatherings. Good news is that there are effective ways for introverts to build meaningful connections without straying too far from their comfort zones.

Ramat standing beside the united way mascot
How Working for a Charity Organization can Bring You Closer to Your Goals

This co-op has been a great opportunity for me and it has definitely impacted me positively. It taught me how to be more gentle with myself and has made me more confident in my career path, which is any service role position where I get to make positive contributions to humanity.

Lauretta and Caitlin with laptop
7 Goal-Setting Tips to Start a Semester Off for Success

Are you struggling to set your goals for the semester? this blog is here to help.

Valentine’s Day at the office with some of the team! Left to Right: Claudia, Laurie, Kimberly, and Kiara
Round 2: The Takeaways of Working at SFU for Two Co-Op Terms

A few days before the Christmas break of 2021, I received an email that would jumpstart my Co-op journey leading me into new experiences, connections, and so much more! I'm not sure if many people would be able to say this, but wow, am I ever happy that I checked my email that day.

2 smiling students walking on SFU campus in the sunshine
4 Ways to Stay Balanced During Summer Term

Taking classes in the summer can present some unique challenges. With warmer weather, exciting events, and endless opportunities for fun, it's easy to get swept away in distractions. Finding a balance between academic responsibilities and personal well-being is important. Here are 4 ways to help you prioritize so you can balance and enjoy everything the season has to offer:

Vanshita standing in front of a wall with the SAP logo
You've Landed a Big Co-op…Now What?

Bzzt! You're staring down at the offer letter you've received from your dream company. Usually, this is where the chapter ends or the curtains fall on a very happy ending. No one prepares you for what comes next and if you're anything like me (an international student), you're even further removed from any immediate sage advice from your loved ones. Worry not! As someone who steered her own ship amidst stormy seas, I'm here to offer some do’s and don'ts that might just save you.

Chris standing and pointing at a window with the company logo
Working as a UX Researcher and Designer for LandSure Systems

Chris works as a UX Researcher and Designer for LandSure Systems, a subsidiary of the Land Title Survey Authority (LTSA) that provides products and services related to land-related processes in BC.

A phone on the home screen where the apps for Twitter, Facebook and Instagram can be seen
Tips for Effective Social Media Marketing

When promoting events and news on social media on behalf of a club, service, or business, the main goal is to get as many eyes as possible on the content. One of my tasks in my 8-month Co-op position was to post updates on their social media accounts, which includes job postings, upcoming events, and special announcements. Over these months, I was able to find useful strategies and tools to help me manage these profiles effectively and efficiently.

Eshana working at a desk
Connecting with Community: Service Translating to Change

As the Vice-President External and Community Affairs of the @sfss_sfu, @eshanabaran had the opportunity to connect with community by building relationships with grassroot organizations, governmental entities, and unions. She also attended external events and worked on creating community projects.

Co-op students standing outside around a sign that says "SFU"
Event Planning 101: 3 Tips for Planning an Event even Gen-Z’s will Enjoy

Coming into this Co-op position as an Outreach, Promotion, and Engagement Coordinator for SFU’s School of Communication, I was not expecting to gain any sort of event planning experience. Creating an event for our incoming students for Fall 2023, was a brand-new concept that flourished this semester.

Caitlin with phone
De-influencing: Social Media’s Response to Overconsumption

Influencers are constantly promoting brands and products, but now they’ve started to take the opposite route with de-influencing

Headshot of Yeow
Fumbling My Way to Competency: A Self Reflection of My Fears

Did I exaggerate my capabilities? Will they think I’m a disappointing hire? These were some of the questions that plagued my mind when I first stepped into the office. The fears worsened as I started to learn about my expected workflow, and I wondered if I was out of my depth.

Emily Running
Work, Sport, Life Balance: Navigating Co-op as a Student-Athlete

Creating a work, life, sport balance as a co-op student-athlete can be a daunting task. Learn about some common misconceptions and tips for success!

Person holding a camera
Videography 101: A How-to on Making Videos from Start to Finish

Creating a video might seem like a daunting task, especially when we look at the editing aspect, but Trisha has provided a guide that has simplified the process for her while she gained work experience during her co-op term.

Samiya
Become a Leader of Tomorrow (LOT)

Samiya, a career peer advisor at SFU shares with you an opportunity to become a Leader of Tomorrow, an experience that will surely help you grow into leadership roles. 

Abu standing next to a screen that says "Limitless"
Why Pursue a Career in Sales

This article is my take on why somebody would pursue a career in sales. I have never done sales in my life, and I like to take on new challenges. Therefore, it allows me to elaborate on the skills I have learned throughout my journey.

John standing in front of parliament building
Interview with an MA Economics Co-op Student

Meet John Owusu, an SFU Master of Economics Co-op student. In this quick Q&A, John shares a bit about his co-op experience. Keep on reading as John shares how his mindset helped him at his position, what his schedule was like and how he overcame feeling nervous at the workplace.

A laptop and a book at a desk
8 Valuable Lessons I Learned from Working an Office Job

Working in a full-time position in an office involves a lot of online communication and file management, thus staying organized is the key to success. In my job specifically, my main tasks were replying to emails and messages on social media as well as posting on the platforms, creating a monthly newsletter, designing promotional graphics, and updating webpages. But no matter the occupation, whether you’re a worker or a student, these tips may help you stay organized and be effective.

image of Kaylie
Working as a Visual Interaction Designer for Nokia

Kaylie Au is an Interactive Arts and Technology co-op student who completed her work term at Nokia. Read about how this opportunity helped her develop professional associations and helped her grow her skillset!  

A table decorated with a book and tablet with a pen hovering over
5 Social Media Branding Design Tips

Unlike designing a magazine cover or a poster that remains on the shelf for a period of time, social media content elevates the brand with a single post and catches the sight of the audience in less than a second. When the design space is just small square, there is only so much you can do, so with that in mind, here are five graphic design tips to make sure your branded social media posts are appealing and maintain a lasting impression about your brand

Photo of Morgan
Taking Initiative: How FHS Co-op Student Morgan Karugaba Strived in his Student Developed Co-op

Morgan Karugaba shares his journey of how he overcame the challenges of uncertainty, by stepping out of his comfort zone.

An image of Kelly Chiang
Transitioning From Study to Work Life

As a fifth year Health Science Co-op Student, Kelly Chiang shares her advice for students interested in integrating valuable work experience with their classroom learning.