The Latest

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.

Like most soon-to-be graduates, Keeley was looking forward kick-start her career. And what better way to do it than to start looking for industry-applicable experience? But when COVID-19 hit, plans had to change. Read on to find out how Keeley overcame a saturated job market in the middle of a pandemic. 

Two months into your international co-op placement, a global pandemic hits. What do you do? Read Victoria’s article for tips on keeping a cool head in tough circumstances, and how to make the best of a precarious situation.

Being in quarantine has amplified the differences in actions and effort between extroverts and introverts with regards to social connections. Read Connie Jigs’ article about her top tips on how extroverts can support their introverted friends.

Be it if you’re graduating or getting ready to start a new semester at SFU, there’s a lot of uncertainty around what will happen next. Earth Sciences student Klaus McCloud shares his top three tips of how he maintains a positive mindset while getting ready to graduate from SFU.

Senior Career Peer Michael Ford writes about the importance of indispensable and eternal human skills for a career that thrives in times of crisis or calm.

Like many other students, Joane has worked very hard and landed a co-op position that she had wanted. Unfortunately, the internship is not what it seems. Read more to find out how she navigates the arduous journey ahead. 

Many of us have heard of a project manager, but few of us know what this role actually entails. In this article, Bethany details what an average day might look like as a project manager, and the many steps it takes to pull a project together.

David Henigman graduates with a political science major, a law and philosophy minor, and a an ethics and global justice certificate. He reflects on his involvement in the Society of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS), the Political Science Student Union (PSSU), and the Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies (CASIS), all through which a whole world of possibilities became open to him.

Naiya Tsang came to SFU to pursue a BA in Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies (GSWS) with a minor in Biological Sciences to hone a more balanced understanding of our social and natural worlds.

“I believe studying both science and the marginalities within society allows us to use a lens of compassion while also critically evaluating both quantitative and qualitative information, and can allow us to make strong, informed choices."

You deserve to have a successful work search. With these tips, it won’t take long for an employer to notice your amazing efforts. Read on to feel prepared!

SFU's Career Specialist Deanne Esdale, with Francis Mercurio, Career Peer, show you how to set up for a successful search by getting strategic and supported. You deserve to get noticed! Check out their nuggets of advice on how to seek jobs effectively.

Creating a comfort zone is a healthy adaptation for much of our lives. But so is stepping out of our comfort zone when it's time to transition, grow, and transform. Anna shares her story and reassures that despite the process being difficult at the beginning, it's worthy of gained skills and self-confidence.

Many people struggle to fall asleep. Oftentimes, most of us find ourselves lying in bed, unable to sleep because of thoughts racing through our heads. In this article, Elvina shares five ways she clears her mind to ensure that she is going to bed feeling calm.

"Losing your job in a pandemic is of no individual fault. COVID-19 has been one heck of a less-than-gentle reminder that each and every one of us has a stake in what sort of collective future it is that we shape through and after this difficult time. And that is hopeful." - Read Sicellia’s reflection on the situation with our future and the future of a job market affected by the pandemic.

Read Thuy's story and learn about what you might find yourself doing as a Communication Co-op student working in a STEM organization during the global pandemic.

"When you work at a non-profit, you will notice one extraordinary and unanimous thing; everyone’s heart is in their work. And during a pandemic, when so many of those we serve are in desperate need, this dedication is clearer than ever." -- Communication Co-op student, Juliette Halliday, highlights working for a non-profit organization as it responds in the face of a pandemic. 

It's hard finding a balance between work and life in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Like many others, Eleanor experienced a shift in her routine, from maintaining a work-life balance to that of an unstructured mess.  However, she also knows it's important to take care of your mental health, especially during this time. Read more to find out some tips Eleanor has been using to ensure her professional and personal life stays distinguished.  

Everyday, you’re bombarded with content from others on social media on ways to be productive during the quarantine. The reality is that you don’t have to make the most of a pandemic. Alan provides helpful tips on keeping yourself busy, but not too busy.

COVID has made it tougher to find jobs this summer, but there are still some good opportunities to expand your skillset through volunteering – even if you are stuck at home. Whether you are looking for remote opportunities or want to support front line workers, here are some ideas to navigate your search.

On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. With this news came many unprecedented changes to people’s lives, including their jobs. Janani worked remotely during this time, and had to learn, unlearn, and affirm some things about working during a crisis.

If your summer job was cancelled, you’re not alone. Students are facing tough summer job prospects due to COVID, but there are opportunities out there. Here are the industries and companies hiring. 

Within days, our team of 12 dwindled down as students ended their terms, returned home, and our remaining team switched to working remotely. Although our team specializes in online work, communications are still one of our biggest challenges. Based on the past month of my remote working experience, I am going to share some tips on how to improve communication in teams.

Did you happen to lose your job due to COVID-19? Well, you’re not alone. Here are some tips and resources to help you get back on your feet in no time!

Due to the unprecedented situation surrounding COVID-19, many students are struggling to adapt to their new work environment. Thuy An continues her story of how COVID-19 has impacted her life, and how she adapted to working remotely in another country. Read on to find out more about Thuy An’s remote work journey.  

The impact of the coronavirus has been felt by everyone across the country but how has the experience been for coop students? Thuy An shares her story on how through proactive thinking from loved ones and support from coop coordinators and supervisors, she was able to book a flight home to join her family while making the necessary arrangement to work remotely.

Have you stopped commuting to work? No more walks to your favourite local coffee shop? Stuck at home working on your tiny laptop? Maria and her team are figuring out new ways for effective communication your teammates while staying sane. She realized that she's not the only student struggling while undergoing the shift. To learn more about the resources that helped Maria turned her hectic reality a bit more manageable and enjoyable, read on.

After two short months since April first started her co-op position in Toronto, the pandemic hits. She would choose to make the same decision of moving out of town for her co-op term even if she was given a second chance. Read more to find how she transitions to remote working, and what lessons she gains through her experience working from home. 

This was Ethan's second co-op semester and it started off similar to their first. Little did they know, this work term would be completely different. Having already had experience in an office environment, things went smoothly as Ethan picked up their work tasks in stride. However, the first couple of months on the job flew by compared to what was yet to come. Read on to find out more! 

Thinking about doing a co-op term but not sure how to have a successful experience? Starting a co-op term for the first time can be daunting. Here are a few tips to make the best out of your co-op opportunity. 

One would think self-isolation was an introvert’s dream; however, it has only emphasized the need for social connection in a time where it's crucial to be practicing physical distancing and self-isolating. Read Elvina’s top five ways to stay connected with others. 

The prospect of pursuing a graduate degree can be hampered by the inability to fund such studies. Srijani discusses five strategies that can help you pay for a graduate degree without breaking into your bank account!

After having thirty-one sessions this week with patients where the singular focus was COVID-19 and how to cope, I decided to consolidate my advice and make a list that I hope is helpful to all.  I can not control a lot of what is going on right now, but I can contribute this.

Mental health is integral to your growth in the workplace; which Elvina expands upon in her unique and enlightening experience as a Marketing & Outreach Assistant with SFU Health & Counselling Service. Read on to find out how it is important to look after your well-being while being motivated and productive in your workplace.

When we think of health, nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being come to mind. Sleep, on the other hand, is often neglected, resulting in serious repercussions on health and academics. To combat this, check out these tips on how to optimize your shut-eye.

How would you explain co-op to high school students or how would you explain your journey to discover your career path? While a co-op student, Julie was asked to participate as a panelist for high school students visiting Teck Resource Limited.  She shares her experience as a panelist and co-op advocate in this Q & A summary. 

"There's a phrase in Israel, "buckle up your elbows" which means that it's time to hustle. This is exactly what brought me to the place where I'm writing to you right now." -- read Kim's story and learn how you can achieve anything with enough courage and motivation.

"So how do you overcome that voice inside your head, telling you that you’re not good enough and that it’s only a matter of time before someone finds out you’re a fake?". Read Josh's story to learn how he overcame the imposter syndrome during his internship as a designer for IBM. 

Joining a student club is an excellent way to develop transferable skills! Olivia shares how her campus involvement not only helped with skill development and securing a co-op position, it eased the transition and helped differentiate Olivia from her peers. In her own words: "If you want to be one step closer to finding your dream co-op, I suggest starting with community involvement!"

"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. 

Make an impact by breaking ground with new ideas and spearheading new proposals. Taking Initiative can have a long-lasting impact on one’s career. Read about how I jumped out of my comfort zone and directed the start of the Active Rehabilitation program in a multidisciplinary medical clinic.

Worried about succeeding in the workplace as a designer and developer? Especially an intense and speedy one? Read on to discover Macguire tips has picked up while working at Visie​r, an analytics platform.  

While many skills transfer from the academic to the work world, last-minute submissions and all-nighters simply won’t cut it at top-notch companies. Marina condenses all her experience in her co-op assignments with some valuable tips on efficient project management.

"In the workplace, change is often chosen for us." Read on as Jessica shows how a change in workplace personnel can have a big effect on you personally as well as professionally.

What happens when you are six courses away from graduation but unsure of what to do after? Aleisha reflects on her rationale for extending her degree to do some soul searching and professional development before embarking on her next big adventure, post grad life.

Convinced that you need to work at a large company for the ultimate experience?  Think again! Darren emphasizes why choosing a small or  mid-sized firm will add more variety and substance to your co-op experience.

Accepting a co-op internship, especially internationally, can be tough but once you earn the opportunity it can be a wonderful learning experience. Nikita was accepted for a UX design internship in Amsterdam and faced some unforeseeable challenges. Read on to find out some of the key lessons that Nikita took away from her experience.

The Tech-E program is a unique program at SFU where students conceive their own solution-driven product with the guidance of industry experts. Strategy Lead of Novion, President of the Mechatronic Systems Engineering Student Society, and the Co-President of Technovus, Refayet Siam, shares his experience and thoughts on the Tech-E program through a Q&A!