Student Success

Starting my first co-op work term from home was not ideal. How was I supposed to make meaningful connections with those around me… when they weren’t physically around me?  

I imagined that working in social media would be a walk in the park. After all, I’ve spent about half my life rotating through different apps every day like a very boring episode of Black Mirror. What I forgot to take into consideration was that despite its name, I’m not actually the most “social” person at all. Keep reading to learn all about my experience working in social media marketing as an introvert. 

Working at any new job is a nerve-wracking task, but being online makes us feel like we start a few more steps behind. Read's Kit's perspective on her first few days working at the Government of Canada, and how to make those really important connections over the webcam. 

I started my first co-op with high expectations (and nerves) – I was finally going back in-person at SFU, but this time for my first co-op. I was more nervous than I expected, there were so many questions and I had no idea what to expect. 

Even the most well-meaning actions can have unintended consequences. Read SFU student Jillian's piece on what some of the dos and don'ts are for providing help to a blind person are. 

2022 is here! Read Terae's piece on how to be kind to yourself in the new year. 

I didn’t go into Co-op thinking that I would learn how to take care of myself. I was expecting to gain the traditional benefits–building up your resume, strengthening your professional skills, obtaining good references–but it ended up becoming much more than that.

As I was finishing my third and final lap biking around the Stanley Park Seawall, my legs felt like Jell-O. I never biked this much before (a whopping 53 km that day, by the way), which made me wonder why I agreed to go on a “short” bike ride with my new co-workers at Vancouver Coastal Health. Looking back, however, I am glad that I agreed to join the bike ride. Continue reading to learn how this activity got me to know my co-workers outside of work – something that I didn’t know I needed.

Lost for words? No problem. The first of this two-part series from the SFU Library goes over how to edit your essay, exam, or final paper. 

While smartphones and other tech devices are helpful for our personal and professional lives, it’s beneficial to take a day off occasionally. Here are some tips on how to take a break from endless scrolling. 

You probably know that dreadful feeling you get after opening an email that is so long your finger gets tired from scrolling. While the process of sending an email may seem intuitive, there are many considerations that should be made before hitting that “send” button. Therefore, I present to you, essential email etiquette tips every employee should know.

If you are anything like me, one reason that you might have applied for Co-op was because of the many success stories that you've read and heard about. While these stories can be so inspiring and motivating, I have realized that it’s also important to remember that it’s okay to come out of a Co-op term still unsure of what you may want to do. Continue reading to learn about what I learned after my first Co-op work term.

They say starting is the hardest part, but how do you start? How do you overcome that initial fear and anxiety of the gym? Read SFU Recreation's blog to find out some tips to help get you motivated.

It’s getting chilly outside, and you might feel like there’s nothing to do. Never fear, there are always options for fun here in Vancouver.

Need to spice up your morning? No fear! This article by SFU Recreation gives us a few tips and recipes for perfect smoothies. 

There's so many ways to do a Co-op! Read about Diana's experience with Mitacs and learn about how fellow graduate students get experience in their field.

Michael joined SFU’s Co-op program during his first year and quickly realized one thing as he began the job search process: projecting confidence and composure are key to showing your best points and skills. Continue reading to learn more about how Michael dealt with imposter syndrome and found his confidence with Co-op. 

Team sports are a great way to have fun with friends, especially when the weather is nice during the summer. However, it isn't always easy to organize or find the people, space, and equipment. That's why we would like to help you out. With this blog we will discuss some of the different teams and drop-in leagues throughout the Lower Mainland that you can join!

 As you initiate or continue your time as an SFU student or employee, there are a lot of important things to consider when returning to public spaces. Whether it be large-scale activities or one-on-one meetings, we have you covered. 

The undergraduate experience is what you make of it – whether you volunteer, do research, join Co-op, or just go to class. Read on for more tips on how to make the most of your time at SFU.

Are you feeling frazzled? Do you have a lot of fatigue or forgetfulness? It may be time to take action and bring yourself back to balance with a self-care tool like mindfulness. 

Looking for a new adventure on wheels? Read more for some local suggestions from SFU Recreation!

With an abundance of beaches and lakes on the West Coast, there are lots of different activities that you can do outside while staying cool. Here are some of our recommendations for ways to stay active in the summer, water sports edition:

Keeping a well-rounded fitness approach is important for overall physical health. Focusing on the 5 components of fitness can help with this.

Communication? What do you do in Communication? It wasn't until my Co-op term with Fraser Health that I started to gain a solid understanding of what a career in Communication could really encompass. Keep reading to learn about how working in the healthcare sector during a pandemic rekindled my passion for Communication work. 

Co-op can be an overwhelming process. You are entering a trial adult experience where you look for and apply for jobs. But what do you do when you are scrolling through the long list of job postings and a wave of companies and organizations blind your eyes? Continue reading to learn about Carissa's experience working for a variety of industries. 

This article outlines my tips for those looking to find their own self-directed co-op and break into the non-profit industry with no experience.

Even as the pandemic subsides, remote and online learning has become our new reality and that can take some adjusting to. OLC staff member Terae’s piece on Online Meeting Etiquette has you covered on where to sit, what to say, and how to look professional doing it. 

Sometimes a well-timed nap can mean the world to a tired student. Read on to see the ins and outs of napping at SFU and what's your best bet at at-school slumber.

“Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life” has been attributed to several thinkers: Confucius, Mark Twain, and Marc Anthony. Regardless, this sentiment is unrealistic.