Skip to main content

Flora Zhou

SFU Student Undergraduate
Communication, Art + Technology › Communication

Image of Tianna standing in front of trees
“Skills can be taught. However, enthusiasm makes you stand out. And don't be afraid to ask questions!”

Flora Zhou interviewed Tianna Sequeira, a Sustainable Energy Engireeing student from the SFU Co-op program, who secured an opportunity to work at The Canadian Space Agency / L’Agence Spatiale Canadienne (CSA/ASC), which is the Government of Canada’s federal agency responsible for Canada’s space-related activities, including exploration, satellite communication, and earth observation.

Description of the Canadian Space Agency and logo
Image from CSA website
Tianna's Time at The Canadian Space Agency

Tianna helped to collect, calculate and analyze data for the Annual Greenhouse Gas Report for the CSA. This was in part of the Federal Greening Government Initiative and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy to reduce GHG emissions and environmental impacts in Government departments and agencies. She also reviewed studies and energy analysis files to assist in improving the sustainability of the CSA in buildings, transportation, and the community. Collaborating with Natural Resources Canada, Tianna reviewed GHG Reports using RETScreen Expert Energy Software.

Tianna’s Favorite Part of The Job

Tianna’s favorite part of the job is that there are many opportunities for personal growth. Her supervisors were constantly reaching out and asking if she was pleased with what she was working on or if there were any projects she wanted to participate in. 

There are many activities offered to employees such as webinars, conferences, clubs, to meet other CSA members from various departments and learn about what their work is focused on.

Tianna Sequeira

Employer's Feedback

Patrick Jefferson believes that the future is bright for professionals. Emmanuelle D. Lambert added, “ We have stars getting ready to lead the future.” Lambert compares having a co-op student to negotiating a good contract "You get the best out of all the parties."  Jefferson and Lambert harbor the idea that as employers they can offer job opportunities and knowledge transfer, but most importantly they get to learn from the next generation, which has those great ideas to change the system and can help innovate in unexpected ways. This so-called win-win situation is fundamental in the sustainability field.

Tianna's Advice to Peers 

Tianna believes that the SFU co-op program and staff had helped her out a lot during her application. The Co-op staff had great communication with her employer and this ensured a smooth and efficient onboarding process for her. One piece of advice Tianna has for other students is do not be afraid to ask questions. 

Co-op is a chance for students to learn about their program in a workplace setting, which is why co-workers, previous students, and employers love answering questions that students may have, and will readily share stories about their time with the company. Asking question also showcases your enthusiasm for the job. “Skills can be taught; however, enthusiasm is what makes you stand out,” Tianna explained. She was enthused that it's a good idea to show your dedication and willingness to participate because it sometimes helps you get additional opportunities beyond your scope of work.

Tianna Sequeira

Participants and Contributors
Christianna Sequeira
Interviewee

Author

Flora Zhou

SFU Student Undergraduate
Communication, Art + Technology › Communication
visibility  527
Jan 5, 2023

Posts by Author

Close up image of Hannah sitting outdoors
Blog
Working for A Fuel Cell Testing And Manufacturing Equipment Company

Hannah Chan, an SFU Surrey Co-op student has learnt the confidence to help her tackle the world of job searching from her time in her co-op job, and hopes to share her tips with you too.

Herman
Blog
Working as a Graphic Design Intern at a Start-Up

Meet Herman Chan, an Interactive Arts and Technology co-op student who has been developing his skillset as a graphic design intern at AGvisorPro, a start-up company with a vision to build the world's most credible independent agriculture network.

You Might Like These... During the Work Term, Professional Development, Workplace Success, Workplace Transition, Communication

Co-op coordinator wth student during site visit
Make the Most of Your Co-op Site Visits

Your Co-op Coordinator, supervisor, and you in the same room -- time for a site visit! Co-op site visits are a time for reflection on your work term including what could be improved and what has been great so far.

person with their head in a book
Responsibility and Success

One of the most memorable parts of my time in co-op was the collection of accidents, errors, mistakes, and mix-ups that happened in the course of working in the laboratory.

 

Picture of Katelyn smiling
SFU Home to Canada’s Top Co-op Student

SFU Biology and Biochemistry Co-op student Katelyn Mueller was awarded the 2008 National Co-op Student of the Year award from the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education during National Co-op Week, March 23rd - 27th, 2009.

You Might Like These... Career Exploration

Matvei Rudenko
Growing Your Skills by the Hour: Working in a Fast-Paced Start-Up

Read about Matvei's co-op experience at a start-up company and how this life-changing opportunity helped his career development journey.

View of Hancheon Elementary School where Corina taught
TaLK in Korea

Third year Business student, Corina Inigo, shares about her co-op experience with Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK).  She discusses what TaLK is all about and also shares personal anecdotes from her teaching experience. 

Photo of Sorren
Boosting Productivity with Web Development

Sorren shares his experience working on a helper program for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) that streamlines the completion of students' online profile submissions, which allows them to be showcased for their accomplishments, be recognized by employers, and share their research.