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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

 

The author stepping off a helicopter
Blog
76th Parallel North: An Incredible Summer with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Join Yee Ting on an adventure into the wilderness as they take us on an armchair journey into working with the INAC’s Resource and Land Management team. Read on to find out what Yee Ting's co-op position entails and how they gained real life experience in the field. 

picture of teenager at the table with their parents while on their phone
Blog
Is Social Media Bringing You Down?

Keeping up with the pressures of social media can be mentally draining. In this article, I share with you how social media can affect your mental health and tips on how to minimize these effects.

Image of the Author
Blog
Three Reasons Why I Volunteer

Ever wondered what there is to gain from volunteering? Check out my blog post and discover all that volunteering has to offer.

Parliment Building Victoria
Blog
Pursuing Public Service: My Co-op Experience as an Employment Standards Officer

Criminology student, Tylor Mason, enjoyed his co-op with British Columbia's Employment Standards Branch so much that a four-month placement quickly turned into one year. Find out why, here. 

Comic of preparing for Co-op
Blog
Comic Guide: 5 Tips to Prepare for Co-op

Embarking on your first Co-op placement? Thinking of applying to the Co-op program? In this comic guide, Linnea offers five tips that will give you a fresh outlook on how to update your resume, build up the confidence to go on interviews, and set yourself up for success. You’ve got this! 

a girl working on her ipad
Blog
Are You Putting Your Best Foot Forward or in Your Mouth?

If an employer you applied to never gets back to you, it’s easy to get down on yourself. We’ve all been there. Learn from my failures to put your best foot forward when applying for jobs. 

Two people holding the number 1
Blog
Create Your Own Opportunities at Work

Communications is a vast field with its own unique challenges. It is not only about writing articles or handling social media, but usually requires you to juggle wearing various hats. To make a lasting impression in communications, you must of course fulfill the described job duties, but knowing how to hone your strengths in a Co-op is the cherry on top. 

the streets of Ottawa
Blog
From West to East: Why Students Must Push Their Boundaries

When opportunities in Vancouver were slim, I took the chance of embracing an experience on the other side of Canada, and in the process gained experience, networks, and memories that defined my final summer of university.

portrait of the author laughing
Blog
“No Mom, I Am Not Wasting My Time!”

Read Lauren's story about why she decided to take a co-op position that is not directly related to her field of study and the benefits that came with it.  

the author conducting a water sampling in Katzie Slough, holding a sample bottle and smiling at the camera
Blog
Who, What, Where, When and Why? Working for a Non-Profit

To anyone out there considering working for a not-for-profit organization, I want to share the lessons I learned at Watershed Watch with you. 

girl smiling at Elim Village sign of two seniors
Blog
When Once Wasn’t Enough

If you are about to start applying for co-ops or trying to decide if another co-op term at the same organization is right for you, read about my experience of how a surprising situation can lead to a positive experience.

The author
Blog
Grow Beyond Your Job

If you want to extract every opportunity from your co-op term, take these proactive steps to grow professionally beyond your job title. 

The author
Blog
Working for a Start-Up

See how I faced my fears and worked for a company I never would have imagined working for.

image of the author in front of her company
Blog
My Experience with Introversion and Impostor Syndrome

Keep on reading below to learn how I succeeded in my co-op term as an introvert and overcame my impostor syndrome.

Cornel standing in front of a NATO Banner
Blog
Traveling with SFU NATO Club Co-Founder: Cornel Turdeanu

Are you having a hard time deciding on whether or not to go on exchange or field school? Are you passionate about topics like national security, defence, and diplomacy? Find out what Cornel has to say about his experience with SFU NATO Club! 

couple holding hands and women holding coffee in other hand
Blog
How Dating is like Interviewing and How to Conquer Both

Interviews can be a stressful event, full of anxiety and confusion. Much like the dating world, interviews are a first meeting where you are desperately hoping the other person will like you and vice versa. Here are some things to keep in mind for either situation.

8 members of the IABC
Blog
What’s in a Membership? 6 Reasons to Belong to a Professional Association like IABC

In such a fast-paced world of business, if you’re ambitious, it’s important to stay on your toes and be hungry for professional development. SFU alumna, and president of the IABC/BC, Jeanette LeBlanc, shares how. 

The author working out at Fortius's gym
Blog
Redefining the Modern Internship: Where Work and Sport Intersect

My first Co-op was an invaluable experience as I dabbled in the world of social media marketing, blog writing, events management and much more!

A group of engineers working
Blog
Landing an Engineering Co-op

This article provides a few tips to improve your co-op work search. Having completed a few co-op positions, I’ve learned methods that have helped me get a co-op job offer. Some of the tips may seem cliché but when the little things add up, they can help improve one’s chances by a margin.

The author is standing in front of a castle
Blog
Working in Germany with the International Paralympic Committee

Written during Liz's time at her international Co-op with the International Paralympic Committee, learn how it was a dream come true as it helped her grow both professionally and personally.

Photo of Zahra Haeri
Blog
MSE Grad Lands Plum General Motors Job

Mechatronic Systems Engineering graduate, Zahra Haeri, went in to interview for a co-op position at General Motors but left with an offer for a full-time permanent position. Read Zahra's story on moving from Iran, and the common ground between engineering and jiu-jitsu.

Photo of Kelly Furey
Blog
Co-op Experience Pays Career Dividends

Communications graduate Kelly Furey, shares how co-op helped her develop a career before graduation. 

Jien Hilario photo
Blog
What’s in a Name? Coming to Terms With Labelling Myself as a Person With a Disability

If you were to see Jien on campus, you wouldn’t know that she had a disability. She does not use a wheelchair nor does she have a seeing eye dog. She has an invisible disability. In this article, Jien shares her journey on how she came to terms with labeling herself as a person with a disability. 

Listening graphic
Blog
Disclosing Disability

Living with a mental illness or any invisible disability comes with many challenges. One of the most prominent is whether or not one should disclose their status to others. In this article, Jien discusses her experience disclosing her disability with her employer for the first time. 

a different perspective by holding up a sphere against a background
Blog
Nondisabled Privilege: What is it?

Privilege shapes our world in both visible and "invisible" ways. Jien discusses the ways in which privilege is granted to the non-disabled, and how acknowledging this privilege is one way we can all help. 

a person standing on top of a hill staring at the horizon
Blog
How Volunteering Helped Me Expand My Career Options

Trying new things and volunteering to help your community can open up new options and ideas, some of which can be life-changing, and may direct you down a path that you never imagined you would be on. 

a portrait of the author
Blog
Bringing Visibility to Disability

Communication student and former Career and Volunteer Services staff, Katerina Cookson, sits down with Blogger Jien Hilario to talk about her mental health journey and resources available to SFU students. 

The social
Blog
For the Blossoming Wallflowers: 3 Tips for Navigating the Workplace as an Introvert

Starting in a new workplace as an introvert can seem like a terrifying thing. Even though Camille would much rather hide behind the camera and observe, she knew that the easy way out doesn’t EVER produce the most growth and value. 

A photo of a group of people gathered together for orange shirt day
Blog
Orange Shirt Day: Remembering the Horrors of Residential Schools

Three SFU students reflect on their experience as volunteers at the City of Surrey's commemoration of Orange Shirt Day.

A photo of the author
Blog
The First 100 Days of Co-op

Congratulations! You got the job offer, but now what? The first 100 days of a new job are critical for your future success --  whether that means leading a project or simply showing your team that you are an eager learner. This blog will show you how to make the most of your first 100 days on the job. 

A group of friends posing for a photo
Blog
Keep Sight of Your Purpose

As many university students know, the start of many major projects begins with a very simple thing -- procrastination. And that is definitely what Jeremiah did before departing for their co-op term in South Korea. However, they soon found that when it comes to teaching you have to have a plan. Read Jeremiah's story to learn more about Teach and Learn in Korea!

ARC banner
Blog
Walk This Path With Us

The Simon Fraser University Aboriginal Reconciliation Council invites you to witness as we present our calls to action for reconciliation to SFU President Andrew Petter.

A lab coat and financial accounting book
Blog
Benefits of Co-op for Joint Majors

When Tarnjeet Thandi would tell others about her joint major, they tended to wonder how Molecular Biology and Biochemistry could be related to Business Administration. Prior to joining co-op, Tarnjeet sometimes wondered the same. Read her story about clarifying career options through co-op. 

skyscrapers with the middle building having a Canada flag
Blog
Canadian Embassies and Consulates: An Interview with Alexander King

Landing an internship at an embassy is a dream come true for students interested in diplomacy, foreign policy, international trade and development. Students have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in dynamic, fast-paced, and highly rewarding environments, while learning from leaders in international relations.

The author looking at lab a sample through a microscope
Blog
Reflections of an SFU Epigenetics Research Assistant

Health Sciences student, Philipp Michaluk discusses the value of searching for co-op positions close to home from his experience as a research assistant at SFU's Epigenetics Laboratory. 

A person receiving a certificate
Blog
Will a Certificate Help You STAND OUT?

Thinking about taking a certificate program? Wondering how additional certification could help you in your career? If so, this article is for you.

shaking hands, passing a diploma
Blog
Will a Certificate Help You Stand Out?

Thinking about taking a certificate program? Wondering how additional certification could help you in your career? If so, this article is for you.

A student and CEO holding a large cheque
Blog
Spend the Day with a Top Canadian CEO

An opportunity to gain unforgettable real world experience, CEO 1 x Day is a chance to step into the shoes of one of Canada's most influential leaders. The application period begins, September 28, 2017.

A photo of the author in a lab
Blog
Formalized Curiosity: My Research Experience in Reproductive Medicine

Are you a Health Sciences student, fascinated by Reproductive Medicine and Clinical Research? So is Miranda! In this article, Miranda shares her experiences working for a Fertility Centre as a research assistant, and all that she learned along the way. 

two people in the middle of an interview with the focus on the employer
Blog
Employers are Out There, and They are Looking for YOU

We are all used to hearing of the impossibility of finding a career after university, and that our degree alone is not a golden ticket to landing that dream job after graduation. While it can seem like a daunting task to find work experience, it may be easier than you think.

A photo of Ashley Fraser
Blog
The CBC Radio Peter Gzowski Internship: An Interview with Ashley Fraser

Communications Co-op student, Ashley Fraser, spent the summer interning at CBC Radio as part of the coveted Peter Gzowski Internship Program. Ashley shares how she got there and her advice for students pursuing careers in journalism. 

A photo of Adam Bignell
Blog
My First Software Dev Position: What It’s Like To Be a Co-op at Safe

Adam Bignell shares his experience from an eight-month co-op with Safe Software Inc. A co-op term spent developing support for raster and point cloud, but with an added dose of team-building and foosball to balance out the workload.