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Scroll through and catch up on the latest from the SFU OLC. You're bound to find a fresh new perspective, the most current advice, and recently published stories that are sure to inspire you. Content is created by the SFU community.

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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

 

Picture of author sitting in front of a microphone, looking to his left
Blog
Alumni Spotlight: Chris Lo

Chris Lo, a Business Co-op alumnus, was able to leverage his Co-op and volunteer experience in order to gain a competitive edge after graduation. Read on to learn how he effectively used his time at SFU as a  stepping stone to his current position with the City of Burnaby.

Picture of karen
Blog
Co-op students land ‘space’ jobs

Karen Tulloch, a biomedical physiology and kinesiology (BPK) major, has been working for the past three months as a BPK co-op student at the Canadian Space Agency in St. Hubert, Quebec. Read on to find out more about her exciting work and amazing achievements. 

christina wu laughing
Blog
Life After Co-op Series: Connecting Local and Global Experience

Christina Wu finished a joint major in Business and Communication at SFU and is now working as a Communications Coordinator for the BC Council for International Education. She sat down with us to share her rich Co-op experiences and how they played a significant part in developing the skills and connections she has today.

Jesse
Blog
Jesse Faltus: A Co-op Student's Success Story

Meet Jesse Faltus, a Computing Science student convocating this June. He has successfully completed three co-op work terms, and had a blast doing so! Read all about his experiences and why he recommends joining the co-op program.

a guy running late carrying a suitcase
Blog
Why is Everything Late?!?

In the next entry from our marketing co-op she contimplates her love of deadlines and fast paced changes, then how it all went out the window. Join her as she re examines the fluid nature of deadlines.

Smantha Garcia on the SFU track smiling
Blog
Samantha Garcia: A Co-op Student's Success Story

Samantha Garcia graduated this past June with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, with a Co-op designation for her four Co-op work terms. Read all about her experiences here!

An arm holding up a diploma at graduation.
Blog
Listen Up Recent Graduates!

Congratulations on your new accomplishment! You are a proud SFU grad who is ready represent SFU and engage in global communities. Some of you may already know what you will be doing but some of you may still be wondering what the future would entail.

An indigenous grass dancer
Blog
Indigenous Career Services & The Dance of Success

My name is Mike & I'm originally from Little Black Bear’s Band in the Treaty #4 area. I am in my final year of a First Nations Studies degree. Our goal is to determine ways in which the Career Services team can better serve the indigenous student population.

A man dressed as Batman
Blog
How To Be More Like Batman

As much as you may hear otherwise, you're not special. If you're like 99% of people, you don't have any superpowers. You're not going to change the world in any significant way. Sure, you've got strengths, and you'll probably help lots of people, but you're not going to single-handedly save the world.

You're not Superman. You're not Spiderman. But here are five ways you channel Batman in your own career development.

Students participating in a string exercise
Blog
Networking and the Extrovert Bias

Being a pretty typical introvert, one of the things that I need to put more effort into than a lot of more outgoing people is building and maintaining new relationships.  Friends, coworkers, other professional contacts, you name it - any new relationship.

 

Facebook laptop login
Blog
Social Networking: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Social networking has taken our wired world by storm. While Facebook is a great way to network with others and reconnect with old friends, the use of social networking sites and the availability of personal information creates a plethora of implications for personal privacy and safety.

People together
Blog
Networking and the Extravert Bias

Being a pretty typical introvert, one of the things that I need to put more effort into than a lot of more outgoing people is building and maintaining new relationships.  Friends, coworkers, other professional contacts, you name it - any new relationship.

a man working on his ipad
Blog
Branding Yourself

You have the skills, the experience, and you know you can ace that interview. Now how do you get noticed so that you will be invited to an interview?

2 sfu students during a career fair
Blog
Preparing for Career Fairs and Employer Information Sessions

Every year, there are multiple career fairs and information sessions held at SFU. In addition to being informative and interesting, these events can be used to build contacts, acquire Co-op positions, and even look at post-grad jobs.

Four students chatting with each other while sitting down.
Blog
Networking Anxiety? Just Do It!

I wouldn’t classify myself as one of those people who can walk into a room and meet people easily. Though I’ve been making an effort to push the boundaries of my comfort zone, I’ve always been an introvert by nature. Unfortunately, as a business student, networking seems like an important skill to learn.

a person using their phone
Blog
Building Your Online Reputation

Trying to get that dream job? More and more employers are now using search engines such as Google to find out more about potential employees. If you’re not sure if social media is enhancing your online presence, there are some things you can do.

Graduation ceremony
Blog
How to Prepare for the Workforce Before Graduation

How do you stand out and stay ahead of the game in today's increasingly competitive job market? Read on to learn about 4 important resources that can help you advance your career while you're still in school.

A picture of actor Justin Rain standing in front of a grey wall
Blog
We’re All Actors: CSI Interviews First Nations Actor Justin Rain

“Whenever there is an opportunity to share my experience with people, it usually doesn’t take much for me to jump on board,” states Justin Rain when I ask him about his experiences at a recent event co-hosted by Career Services and the Indigenous Student Centre, “Indigenous Peoples’ Career Stories.”

Diary of a Marketing Co-op: Site Visit
Blog
Site Visit

In this segment of Diary of a Marketing Co-op, I look back at the need to be assertive to meet never-ending deadlines and how to balance this with the ability to know when to go with the flow.                   

work found me
Blog
Work Found Me

Part two of the Diary of a Marketing Co-op series looks at the adjustments our marketing co-op went through as she suddenly found herself going full speed ahead, and the learning curve suddenly went vertical.

A message on a chalkboard saying "moving out of the parents home!"
Blog
Work Is...

SFU Surrey hosted a very successful open house, in recognition of its 10th anniversary as an SFU campus. It was fun evening - lots of prospective students, parents, various members of the community - joined in the celebrations. We had the chance to get some people's thoughts on "work." What did they say?

a flatlay of a book that said "Failed It"
Blog
Top 10 Reasons I Won't Hire You

Ever wished you could get into the mind of an employer to find out what not to do during an interview and what might cause your résumé and cover letter to be relegated to the “not worth considering” pile? Co-op employer Shona Taner lists her Top 10 tips on how to avoid that fate.

a girl sitting at her desk listening to music and browsing on her phone
Blog
Online Distractions at the Workplace

Online distraction during the workday is now a fact of life. However, checking personal emails, Facebook/ Twitter accounts, and message boards during work hours may have some negative impact on your productivity.

A photo of a road
Blog
Interview with Naomi Devine’s Ride2Rio

Have you ever traveled 11 200 km? Perhaps you have. But, have you ever traveled 11 200 km… on a bike? That is what local woman, Naomi Devine, has been training towards since the idea first came to her last December.

A man and a woman reviewing some paperwork together.
Blog
My Experience as a Career Peer - More Than Just Resumes

Have you heard of Peer Education? It is a great opportunity to learn tremendously and give back to the SFU community at the same time. Read what career peers had to say about being one. And take advantage of many leadership opportunities that SFU offers.

A photo of 3 raccoons on a tree
Blog
Raccoons: The Perfect Career Role Models

Raccoons are wonderful creatures - and as worthy of praise for their career-navigation skills as any other creature I can currently think of. So, let us appreciate the greatness that is the raccoon, and think of them the next time we're pondering our next career move.

3 men watching the galaxy sky at night
Blog
Unsure What to Do With Your Life? “No Problem” Says Sean Aiken

Compared to university graduates decades ago, students today are faced with an even greater number of career paths to choose from. How are we supposed to know which career to pursue? Despite graduating from Capilano College as a top student and valedictorian, Sean Aiken was not an exception.

Boat on a lake
Blog
Brittney's Journey of Career Exploration in India | Part Two

Brittney Merryweather, a BPK Co-op student and a Behavioural Neuroscience (BNS) Major, takes us on her journey of career exploration and personal development through her two eye-opening International co-op placements. Read on to find out more about the people, culture and land of India.

animated man smiling in front of trees and road sign
Blog
The Myth of the Career Plan

What's your plan? With so many academic options open to you at SFU, it can be puzzling enough trying to decide on your major, much less a long-term career. But speak to any SFU career advisor and what you'll hear might bring you some calm: there is no set career plan.

Indonesian pagoda surrounded by a lake and a boat floating in front
Blog
International Spotlight: Indonesia

Looking for an international destination for your next co-op work term? Want to work in a thriving country, full of new prospects and opportunities? Indonesia is a new hub for job opportunities, with a mix of rich flora and fauna and a flourishing metropolitan centre. It is the destination for food and nature lovers, being a country rich in culture and tropical attractions.

Chi Hsi on a bridge posing for a picture with the buildings and roads behind
Blog
Challenges Faced On an International Co-op

Interactive Arts & Technology Co-op student Chi Hsi shares her experiences working for SAP AG in Germany, as a user experience designer.

A photo of a road sign
Blog
Transition to the “Real World”. Scared?

For some of you, the thought of making the transition from academia to the world of full-time work may be quite daunting. Luckily, SFU's Backpack to Briefcase event can help.

Google searching bar and a magnifier
Blog
E-E-E

"There's more to finding a job than surfing the net" These are the famous words career advisors state on a daily basis to current students and recent graduates. A well-rounded job search strategy is critical for career success and involves the 3 E’s for excelling: EXPLORE, EXPERIENCE and ENGAGE

A mind map with the title "Original My Design"
Blog
Originality, By Design

Standing out - in a good way - is one of the best things you can do in your work search. Given the volume in most job applications these days, giving an employer the impression that you've got something other applicants don't is almost always a good thing. But what DO you have that no one else does?

an image of a lock locked on a fence against beautiful sunset
Blog
The F Word: The Key To Confidence

I was not a confident person in high school. Sure, I did fine in my classes, but most of the time that didn't seem very important. Like most people, I was more worried about how other people perceived me, particularly those mysterious and intimidating members of the opposite gender. Today, I'm a more confident person. When and how did that transformation happen?

Australia sunset
Blog
Co-op Australia: Working for YMCA and Health by Design

Wondering what it's like to work on the other side of the hemisphere? Stephanie Hendy shares with us her international co-op experience working as a health and fitness instructor and personal trainer in Australia.

Lee at work
Blog
Barbados: A Day in the Life of an Audit Intern

Lee Wu went all the way to Barbados to work as an audit itern. Here he details the work involved. Business Student Lee Wu spent his Co-op work term as an audit intern in beautiful Barbados. Read about his experiences - both in the office and on the beach.

silhouette of person standing with suitcase, watching an airplane takeoff
Blog
Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad

Want to take time off to travel but don't want to delay your graduation date? Why not study abroad? Pamela shares 5 reasons why you should consider studying abroad.   

volunteering
Blog
5 Tips for Volunteering Abroad

In 2011, five SFU students traveled to Cape Town, South Africa to support humanitarian projects. All five were supported by the C.A.R.E. SFU Global Travel Award, a program that funds SFU students participating in humanitarian work in developing countries with donated air mile points.

Picture of the beach
Blog
Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad

Want to take time off to travel but don't want to delay your graduation date? Why not study abroad? Here are 5 reasons from our OLC writer Pamela on why you should consider studying abroad.                                                                                                                

Nature
Blog
Mix and Match your International Adventure!

With a little creativity and some careful planning, you can stack and simultaneously complete your international activities to accomplish one long international adventure. For example, you can combine an international academic exchange with an international Co-op work term.

Eiffel Tower
Blog
Five Ways to Gain International Experience

Interested in International Opportunities? SFU has many ways to get involved regarding volunteering, co-ops and mentorships. Read on to discover the many ways you can gain international experience while at SFU.                                                                                                                                   

Picture of elizabeth in the outdoors
Blog
Diary of a Marketing Co-op: My First Month

Elizabeth Moffat started an 8-month co-op term with the Telus marketing department in Spring 2012. She wrote about the ups and downs of her co-op experience, and reflects on what she learned about the job and herself.

Hayati Indah Putri taking a picture with a man
Blog
A Life-changing Co-op Experience in East Borneo

In spring 2011, Indah relocated to East Borneo to work as a translator and tutor. After returning from her trip, she reflects on her life-changing experience and lessons she learned while she was working there.

Elizabeth, author, smiling
Blog
My First Month

This blog will chronicle the next eight months as I complete my second and third co-op terms as a member of the TELUS Marcomm team. My first co-op term was in Fall 2010 when I spent four months as the web intern for the Vancouver Canucks. 

a girl wearing a shirt that says 'It's right to be wrong"
Blog
When You're Wrong, You're Right

It's not what you say that matters, but how you say it. You could be making something up on the spot, and be totally wrong on whatever it is you're talking about, but if you appear confident in what you're saying, you're more likely to be seen as right.

What exactly is confidence, and how do we get more of it?

Foreign students at Princeton University
Blog
Becoming a Global Citizen: Are You on Track?

“Global Citizenship” is a term that is popping up more and more.  Some say global citizenship is a way of thinking, others say it is about self-awareness and awareness of others, and still others say it is participating in the social and political life of one’s community.

photo of a thunderstorm
Blog
The True Cost of Overtime - Fires & Addicts

When it comes to careers, we act like addicts - in spite of clear evidence that working too many hours is damaging us, we continue to do it because of perceived short term reward. It's time for a change.

Two small boats in Barbados water
Blog
Barbados: My First Impressions and the Canadian Connection

If you want to spend a semester travelling, but don’t want to give up your opportunities to learn, then a co-op placement in Barbados could meet both of your aims. Lee Wu went all the way to Barbados to work as an audit intern. Learn how Lee Wu spent his Co-op semester as an audit intern abroad. Here he details his impression of the country.

A group of people are looking at a book
Blog
Working in the Non-Profit Sector: Addressing the Myths

Five panelists came to speak to students about how they ended up with their current profession, life lessons they learned along the way, and addressed the many questions students had about the nature of the non-profit sector. Here are the stories the panelists have to share with you. After sharing their educational and career experiences, the panelists addressed a variety of myths about the sector. 

There is a title "Working in the Non-Profit Sector". At the bottom left cornerof the image, there is a logo for SFU Work Integrated Learning.  Volunteer Services and Career Services are located at the bottom right corner.
Blog
Working in the Non-Profit Sector Panel: A Rewarding Career Path?

2010 EVENT RECAP: How do you acquire a successful and rewarding career? For five professionals, it was working for community organizations in the non-profit sector. The non-profit sector gave them the opportunity to contribute their professional skills, experiences and passions to advance their career while making a positive difference in their communities. Recently, they sat down with SFU students and shared their personal stories and journey to their current positions.

a girl writing in a notebook
Blog
Volunteer for Your Career

Volunteering is one of the quickest and easiest ways to meet new people, learn new skills and advance your career. So, before you say "no" to a volunteer opportunity that you think you don't have time for, consider the learning and career possibilities it may lead you to if you said "yes".

Ethics Image
Blog
Why Working for an Ethical Company Matters

When searching for jobs, things such as the salary and job description are certainly important factors in influencing your decision in applying. However, corporate citizenship can affect your career and job security. Read on to find out more about why ethics matter.

Kids playing soccer
Blog
Vancouver Police Athletic League – Engaging Youth, One Game at a Time

The PAL is opened to all youth; however, there is a focus on kids who come from lower socioeconomic statuses or more vulnerable backgrounds. As mentioned earlier, one of the great things about PAL is that it is free of cost.

A girl is looking at the computer screen.
Blog
Cover Letters: The Beginning Is All or Nothing

Has someone ever told you that your cover letter needs to have an “eye-catching” and interesting beginning? Well, this is no myth.  Recently, my sister who works in Human Resources has told me horror stories about the cover letters that she is subjected to reading.

Sticky note with the word happy
Blog
The Happiness of Subtraction

Money, material possessions, a great job, time, even love... I would argue that adding any of these to your life is not the key to happiness.  No, adding anything is not the way to go. Instead, let's think about subtraction.

Sunrise
Blog
New Semester Resolutions

If you are like me, you make new semester resolutions at the start of every term. If you are like me, many of these resolutions are lofty, vague, and eventually unfulfilled. By setting SMART goals, can acheiving my goals actually be possible?

Connie shaking hands with a colleague
Blog
Secrets to Landing a Co-op Job

Entering the Co-op program may have been a breeze, but now it’s time to get down to business: Applying for jobs and getting those interviews! Don’t worry if this may seem scary at first as there are tips to help you get your foot in the door as you continue your exciting experience in Co-op.

Alison
Blog
Government Workers, They’re Just Like Us: Joining the Team at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Read about Alison's co-op at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and how this experience has changed some her expectations of working in the federal government sector! 

Picture of the BPK Co-op event
Blog
Taking It One Day at a Time with Roger Takahashi

Roger Takahashi, strength and conditioning coach for the Vancouver Canucks, talked to BPK students about the steps he took to get where he is and how to follow a career path you love.