Personal & Professional Development

It's been an hour, and there's nothing but a blank screen staring back at you. The job posting closes in another couple hours, and you need to submit a cover letter to go with your resume. But where oh where do you start? Here's 3 things to avoid, and 3 tips for writing your next cover letter!

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.

This is the time to grab the bull by its horn.  Learn to target your resume and cover letter to win your dream job.   

It's been an hour, and there's nothing but a blank screen staring back at you. The job posting closes in another couple hours, and you need to submit a cover letter to go with your resume. But where oh where do you start? Here's 3 things to avoid, and 3 tips for writing your next cover letter!

The world is your oyster. How many times have you heard that already? In two days, you will have walked across that stage with your parchment in hand: a result of your four to five (or more) years of hard work. While we will leave all the emotional, heartfelt speeches to the esteemed speakers on stage, we decided to write a congratulatory and advice piece for those that will be receiving their diverse degrees, as well for students who will be graduating in the near future.

Landing the job is only the first step. Once you arrive for work you not only need to make a good first impression, but create a lasting professional reputation.

There are many things school doesn't teach you about working in a corporate environment. Check out 3 areas Natalie wants you to pay attention to when you are on your job and tips to help you improve your work performance.

John Grant, an SFU Communication Co-op Alumus has five work term experiences in his portfolio and shares his top ten tips for completing a successful and fulfilling Co-op work term.

Are you starting your first co-op work term soon? Here are some top tips to help you transition from school to work smoothly and successfully and improve your work performance and professionalism.

Finding it hard to find a co-op job that doesn't require any web or design skills?  Read on if you're interested in learning how this co-op student conquered her fears and learned how to make the most of her work term using the design skills she learned in just a few short weeks! 

You impressed your boss during your job interview, but now it’s time to really show what you are capable of. A good business relationship with your boss is one of the components of a positive work experience. Here are the top tens ways to dazzle your new employer.

The University of Northern British Columbia is partnering with the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), government ministries, and regional research centres across Canada to develop the Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network (UAKN) and research the policies and issues that affect Canada’s city-dwelling aboriginal population.

Karen went to the Coast Salish singing workshop for several reasons. First she was aboriginal, new to SFU and thought it would be fun. Also she would be able to meet some other aboriginal students. Find out more about Coast Salish Singing...

Check out this list of "do and don't" tips for the upcoming SFU Big Fair!

The latest entry of the Diary of a Marketing Co-op series looks at the need and importance of aquiring endless rounds of approvals, and what it can teach you.

You’ve applied for the job, gone through the interview, been selected, and now you’re ready to begin your first week on the job! But are you? Read John's tips on how to prepare for your first weeks on the job!

The Co-op advisors at SFU are in the unique position of hearing from both employers and students about what makes a successful work term. Paulette Johnston has a list of ten simple ways to get off on the right foot.

Einstein glorified human experience as the ultimate knowledge for a very good reason. From a very young age, our brain has been setting up patterns to categorize and organize our experiences. However these patterns, which create many of our societal norms, actually inhibit our creativity. This is where absurd and illogical ideas come in – yes, that person in meetings with "strange" ideas may very well be the next Einstein.

Needless to say, we all want to succeed while being interviewed. Yet it seems no matter how much we prepare, we always come across at least one question that stumps us. Part Two of this three-part series explores the 12 most commonly asked, commonly-feared interview questions...so read on!

I’m preparing to present an interview workshop. So, of course, I’m procrastinating on Facebook. I thought it might be a good idea to get fresh perspectives from Facebook friends who also hire students. 

While it is a stressful time in the semester with exams and final projects upcoming, it doesn’t need to be for Co-op students. A large number of students are placed during Lightning Round and it’s a great time to find out about positions you may not have previously considered.

"How did you get to be where you are?" It's such a delectable question. Dave thinks that's because it's an invitation to tell a story, and we inherently love stories. It's also a tiny risk, as the person so questioned might decline the invitation. Here is Dave's story navigating, understanding and exploring this question. 

Get ready for your interviews by remembering the “3 P’s”: Professionalism, Passion and Preparation.

This series will help you prepare for almost any type of interview format that you might come across. In this edition learn about one of the most popular interview types you'll come across: Behavioural interviews.

Needless to say, we all want to succeed while being interviewed. Yet it seems no matter how much we prepare, we always come across at least one question that stumps us. This three-part series explores the 12 most commonly asked, commonly-feared interview questions - and gives you the tools to rock the socks off your interviewer!

This entry of Diary of a Marketing Co-op asks how you can balance a level of assertiveness necessary to get your job done, without steamrolling everyone around you.

You’ve done all you can do to prepare for that big interview. You’re professionally dressed, confident and ready to roll. Here are some last minute tips that will ensure you make the best impression possible. 

Do telephone interviews intimidate you? Increasingly, more and more companies are using phone  interviews to weed out potential employees and decide who will move on to the next round. If you're scared of phone interviews, read on for some tips!

Get connected to employers, mentors and career development opportunities through the Aboriginal Human Resource Council!

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.