Skip to main content

Returning to SFU

Image of Sophia at Wawanesa Insurance Company
Blog
Remote Work Vs Remote Studying: What’s the Difference?

Join Sophia as she shares her 8-month journey at Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, where she explores the unique challenges and growth opportunities of working from home and how they can be applied to enhance her academic pursuits.

Thea sitting on grass with her laptop
Blog
Applying Lessons From my Co-op Experience to my Health During a Pandemic

Thea translates the knowledge she gained from her Co-op work term as a Student Obesity Medicine Assistant, and with the added contextual challenge of the pandemic, shows how she uses these tips and tricks to improve her personal health. Read on to learn more about her clever advice and see how you can easily incorporate them into your daily life.

A young women with a mask is standing in her work cubicle with a computer behind her.
Blog
Isabel Chan: Working in the Healthcare Sector as a Designer

Interactive Arts & Technology student, Isabel, describes her exciting co-op job that included reimaging Fraser Health Career's social media visual presence.

Examples of Esports
Blog
An Interview with Derian Chow: Developing a Varsity Esports Program at SFU

Stephanie Greaves, Co-op Coordinator for the SFU School of Interactive Arts & Technology, interviews Derian Chow about his Co-op position as an Esports Project Coordinator.

A young women with blonde hair and glasses smiling
Blog
Megan Holmes: Working in the Aerospace Sector as a MSE Co-op Student

This week’s SFU Surrey Co-op featured student is Megan Holmes, an MSE student who has been doing some excellent work at one of her dream companies, MDA, a Canadian aerospace company. One of the exciting projects she is working on is upgrading the Canadian CP-140 Aurora aircraft’s radar surveillance system. Read on to learn more about Megan’s experience!

A nervous woman
Blog
Why You Should Consider Applying to Co-op Jobs Unrelated to Your Academic Background

Like many other seeking Co-op students, Leslie struggled to find a co-op job that was relevant to her interests. While her friends were all able to eventually land jobs, Leslie started to feel more anxious and insecure about obtaining an opportunity. Here's how she turned the tables and found a job outside of her initial interests.

Three women in negotiations
Blog
After the Work Term Ends: 6 Tips for Turning that Co-op Position into a Part Time Job

The end of a Co-op work term doesn't necessarily mean the end of your relationship with the organiziation you had been working for. Jaclyn found a way to turn her Co-op opportunity, a 8 month Co-op at FISPAN, into a part time gig when she went back to school to finish her degree. Read on to learn how she pitched her new role and position to the company she'd done a Co-op work term with.

the author smiling with coworkers
Blog
A New Experience as a Co-op Student in Alberta

After a tiring semester of remote learning, Lillian decided to trade classes for work experience and adventure - in Alberta as a door-to-door salesperson.

Toronto skyline with the CN Tower
Blog
New Job, New City, New Adventure

Considering a co-op outside of BC? Jenny shares 4 tips on moving to a new city based on her experience relocating to Ontario’s capital city, the 6ix.

Sharan and his team dressing up for Halloween at the office
Blog
A Step in the Right Direction: How I Thrived in a Data-Driven Marketing Culture

"I walked in excited (and of course, nervous) for the first day of my co-op term at Allocadia. Fast forward to eight months later, I can say, with every inch of confidence in my body, that I have never felt more accomplished, more confident, and more resourceful". Read Sharan's story to see how he developed his career in a data-driven marketing industry. 

Photo of the author giving a presentation
Blog
Creating Value: The Adventures of an IT Co-op Student

As someone who didn’t have a lot of direct experience in a technological setting, providing value to the organization had to come from something much bigger than my direct skill set.

Crystal Fung at work
Blog
How I Became a Manager at Nineteen

Read on to find about how Crystal became a manager at just nineteen! 

The author at work
Blog
CA Technologies Revealed: What it’s Like to be a Co-op Student at One of the Most Innovative Companies

If I won’t be doing software engineering what will I be doing? A co-op term spent migrating a decade’s worth of data.

Image of the Author
Blog
Videography: From Hobby to Career

Something that first starts out as a hobby may eventually grow into a highly tangible skill that is valued in the eyes of potential employers. For Jessica, she never considered her ability to create stories from videos would be good enough to pursue a career in it. But that all changed when Vancouver Coastal Health called and offered her a position as a videographer.

Image of the Author during the Internship
Blog
My Time as a Safe Software Co-op

What do Dungeons & Dragons and whitewater rafting have to do with software development? Aidan did an 8-month co-op work term at Safe Software where he participated in many such team building activities. Here, he discusses Safe's amazing work culture and shares thoughts from his experience. 

Image of the Author
Blog
3 Reasons Why There's No Rush to Finish Your Degree

Matthew enters his fourth year with a newfound perspective on graduation. His time working for SFU Career and Volunteer Services has taught him that when it comes to education, there should be no rush. Here, he shares his top 3 reasons why!

Outline of the world's continents in the background with square images of multiple individuals displayed on it to show networks between them.
Blog
Networking Opportunities at SAP

Did you ever think about taking advantage of networking opportunities at your workplace while you are on your co-op?  Business student Helen Bowman discusses the networking opportunities she was able to take advantage of during her co-op at SAP.

Ji Hoon
Blog
Reflecting on a Co-op Journey with Ji Hoon Choi

After completing five co-op semesters, Ji Hoon Choi looks back at the choices that led him to where he is today: working, studying, and traveling all at once.

Wes Regan standing outside of work
Blog
Alumni Profile: Education Opportunities in Environment & Sustainability

SFU Faculty of Environment alumni Wes Regan graduated with a BA in Geography and two certificates in Urban Studies and Sustainable Community Development. Since then, he has become a successful contractor/consultant in Community Development and Urban Planning.

Subscribe to Returning to SFU Subscribe to Returning to SFU