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Personal & Professional Development

Personal & Professional Development

Guiding your professional and personal growth.

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Personal and Professional Development is where you can find tips, stories and resources that will boost your professional trajectory, and personal growth. From resume-building to staying on track at work, the following resources will teach you how to conduct yourself personally and professionally.

Photo of Victoria at the SFU Surrey campus
How Co-op Inspired Me to Get More Involved During my Undergrad

As a communications assistant on campus, Victoria San Martin learned about the value of volunteer work in strengthening soft skills and finding community. Read about how her work term inspired her to seek out more involvement opportunities at SFU.

man standing in front of sign that says "KPMG"
5 Quick Q&As with a Master of Economics Co-op Student

Meet Ata Malfuzi, an SFU Master of Economics Co-op student. In this quick Q&A, learn a little about his current role at KPMG. Keep on reading as Ata gives some insight into what the hiring process was like, what he's looking forward to the most, and some tips for students who are beginning their co-op journey. 

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How I Landed My Dream Co-op at a Large Tech Company

After completing 6 Co-op work terms, one thing I really enjoyed about my Co-op experience is that I had the opportunity to gain work experience from different types of organizations. I started with a 5-person non-profit organization, then to a 20-person start-up, and then landed my dream Co-op at a large 100,000+ person multinational tech corporation. One thing I’m thankful I realized early on in my Co-op journey is this: don’t be turned off from doing a Co-op with a small organization.

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Co-op is an Opportunity to Learn More About Yourself

Co-op is more than an opportunity to gain experience that will look good on your resume; it is also a chance to reflect and learn more about yourself. Read about Tiffany's experience working with FASS Communications.

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Treating Co-op as a Launch Pad for Future Opportunities

Read about how FASS student, Sophie McCann, bolstered her experiences in part-time jobs and volunteer work by developing her soft skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership with SFU FASS's internal communications and marketing team.

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Clarity Takes Time
Scientists at a lab
3 Ways to Continue Learning on Your Next Co-op Term

Completing 3 Co-op work terms can sometimes feel repetitive. Check out Madelynn's tips on how to stay engaged and continually enhance your Co-op experience.

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Female Empowerment in STEM

Rachel George graduates with a bachelor of applied science degree from the School of Mechatronics Systems Engineering. She reflects on the gender bias and underrepresentation of women in STEM, and her personal journey navigating through a historically male-dominated field. 

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Making a Career Change to Follow a True Passion

Julie Jen graduates with a second degree in computing science. Working as a chartered professional accountant in her early thirties and inspired by her husband's and friends' work in computing science, she decided to go back to school and follow her true passion—despite the hurdles she faced. 

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Activism Burnout: An Interview with Registered Clinical Counsellors

What can healthy activism look like? See what registered clinical counsellors have to say about navigating activism burnout.

Lights reading out the word "passion"
Passion is Something Learned

Luis reflects on his four-year journey in finding his passion for Communication. Despite struggling to connect his introductory classes with his main interest in media studies, he persevered and found the value of having a strong foundation on which to explore the things he felt happy doing.

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A Philosophical Reflection Of My Co-op Journey

I always knew I was more of a hands-on learner than a reading and writing learner. As much as I enjoy reading, writing, and listening, the thought of rolling up my sleeves and getting my hands dirty was just way more enticing and exciting. As my work term comes to an end, I can wholeheartedly say that I have grown professionally and personally from a timid university student to a budding young professional. 

A person with their arms wide open facing the city
Academia’s ‘Among Us’: A Guide to Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever doubted your academic ability or questioned your belonging in an academic setting? Check out these tips on how to overcome imposter syndrome in academia. 

Bus interior with passengers
Relearning to be a Commuter

Looking for ways to make your commute more interesting? Here are 5 tips to become a more efficient commuter.

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Overcoming Setbacks to Start Something New

SFU Beedie graduand and student-athlete, Dominic Postle, overcame persistent injuries and setbacks to excel personally and professionally.

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Books that Helped us Grow

The Health Peers share some books that have helped with self-growth, healing, and forming good habits.

A laptop, a cup of coffee, a notepad and pen, and a phone sprawled out on a table
What I Learned About Adapting as a Creative Intern

As a creative intern at TEALEAVES, Sina had to learn how to adapt to new projects and a new job. Read on to discover how segmenting and balancing her time was the key to her success.

James Halim at Appnovation
Growth Through Change: Reflections From Design Co-op

Wondering about what it's like to transition into a design role? Read about how James adapted to working life at Appnovation.

Office
Five Ways to Get the Most Out of Office Hours

Showing up to office hours can benefit you in many ways. The next time you think about skipping maybe take another moment to consider the positives!

Managing Time
5 Popular Time Management Strategies

Want to get ahead of the mid to late semester crunch time? Here's some tips on how you can become an expert time manager.

Two people having a coffee chat at a table
Abstinence and Dating

Sex positivity includes the agency to decide whether to have sex. Check out these tips on discussing abstinence with partners.