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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

 

Toronto Landscape
Blog
My Transition to Toronto: A Guide for Students Going Away for Co-op

Planning upfront saves you from last minute hustles. This article will prepare you for co-op in a city outside Vancouver where new opportunities and variable threats are waiting.

Dancing Practice
Blog
Reflecting on My Internship & Interviewing a Professional Dancer

Interning with a contemporary dance company was one of the best choices I made in my degree. After participating in a performance/installation, I met with one of the professional dancers in the production to talk career, personal strategies, and the ins and outs of the dance community in Vancouver.

Tired Student
Blog
The Vicious Cycle of the Contemporary College Student

You may be stuck in a cycle familiar to many university students. Learn to recognize the signs of this cycle, and make 2017 the year you finally do that thing you said you would. It’s a new year, why not try something new?

Comic Guide: 5 Tips to Survive your First Week of University Banner
Blog
Comic Guide: 5 Tips to Survive Your First Week of University

New experiences can be scary. The transition from high school to university can be tough, especially when you go from a class of 30 to a class of 200. In this comic strip blog post, Linnea offers her top five tips for kicking first day jitters to the curb. 

Man holding lantern in darkness
Blog
The Semester Survival Guide: Six Tips and Tricks to Keep You on Track!

Another new year means another new semester! From buying an old fashioned agenda to letting your employer know your schedule, keep yourself on track with our semester survival guide.

A surfer on the beach near Tofino
Blog
Fishing for Experience

Spend your summer in one of the most vibrant and popular tourist destinations in BC! Make a difference in the operation and performance of a small company, and grow your entrepreneurial skillset in a meaningful way by working for WardoWest in Tofino. 

Ottawa during sunset
Blog
How to Capitalize on the Capital: My Insight into Ottawa

Moving to Ottawa enabled Melissa to grow in new ways, make lasting memories and provide insight into their career and life goals. This article provides steps to make your experience in Ottawa meaningful and will (hopefully) inspire you to make the move. 

Both authors standing in a booth showcasing their research with posters of super seniors in comic form, around them.
Blog
An Essential Guide to Healthy Aging | Part Two

Want to know the secrets of living a long, healthy life? Find out what makes someone a Super Senior in Part 2 of Monique and Olivia’s co-op story as they share what was learned from these amazing individuals and their Essential Guide to Healthy Living, so you too may become a Super Senior!

Both authors standing in a booth showcasing their research with posters of super seniors in comic form, around them.
Blog
An Essential Guide to Healthy Aging | Part Two

Want to know the secrets of living a long, healthy life? Find out what makes someone a Super Senior in Part 2 of Monique and Olivia’s co-op story as they share what was learned from these amazing individuals and their Essential Guide to Healthy Living, so you too may become a Super Senior!

Close up image of the Cancer Research Centre
Blog
An Essential Guide to Healthy Aging | Part One

Read Olivia and Monique's experience in conducting a Healthy Aging Study with Genome Sciences Centre (GSC).

 

 

Close up image of the Cancer Research Centre
Blog
An Essential Guide to Healthy Aging | Part One

Read Olivia and Monique's experience in conducting a Healthy Aging Study with Genome Sciences Centre (GSC).

 

 

Image of the Author
Blog
The Introvert’s Struggle: Conveying Your Ideas

You have ideas to share, but you can’t bring yourself to interject. Sound familiar? It might be a confidence issue, fear of being wrong, or an unwillingness to seem impolite. Even though conveying your ideas can seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. Read about Chantel's journey with public speaking in this article. 

Image of Author. He is smiling at the camera. He is wearing a white shirt and black coat
Blog
Working in the Public Service: 3 Key Realizations

Curious about what it's like working in public service? Joseph breaks down his role as the Web Communications Assistant for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Read on to learn about his experience.

Image of the Author during the Internship
Blog
Learning to Teach and Not Just Treat Patients

As a Laser Therapist/Clinic Office Assistant, Kim discovered that learning occurs every day and everywhere. Not only did she apply knowledge from school, but researched and learned about the different patient conditions she treated, teaching patients about their conditions and care. Read on to find out about her co-op experience. 

Indigenous Event Photo
Blog
SFU Indigenous Day: Celebrating Knowledge and Culture

On September 28th, the First Nations Student Association (FNSA) hosted the third annual SFU Indigenous Day. An event that brings together students, faculty, artists and community members to celebrate Indigenous culture. 

Grace Le
SFU Story
The Cycle of Networking
Image of the Author
Blog
Exploring the Realities of Startup Life

When you think of a startup, does the HBO series, Silicon Valley come to mind? While the computers, parked bottoms, and long hours don’t stray too far from the truth, Melissa clears up some misconceptions about the startup life.

Christopher and his coworkers holding up a jersey
Blog
Working for Your Passions | Part One | An Idea and a Hope

Christopher used to think success depended on the separation of personal and professional passions. That was until he did a self-directed co-op term in Brazil researching some of the most successful soccer clubs. Follow him as he prepares to embark on his journey to Brazil. 

A photo of the author in front of a beach in Sao Paulo
Blog
Working for Your Passions | Part Two | Arrival and Research in Brazil

In part two of Christopher's Brazillian co-op story, he arrives in São Paulo feeling overwhelmed. This all changes as he carries out his research, realizing something very powerful about the connection many Brazilians have to the sport of soccer.  

Image of the Author during the Internship
Blog
My Time as a Safe Software Co-op

What do Dungeons & Dragons and whitewater rafting have to do with software development? Aidan did an 8-month co-op work term at Safe Software where he participated in many such team building activities. Here, he discusses Safe's amazing work culture and shares thoughts from his experience. 

Author standing in front of mountainous background
Blog
Things You Learn Journeying (Close) to the Top of the World

Nowhere are the dire effects of climate change more apparent than in the Arctic. Join Sarah as she recounts her 3-week expedition at the top of the world and the 3 invaluable life lessons learned along the way. 

Flatlay of laptop, a chalkboard, headphones
Blog
Your First Day: Preparation Timeline

Congrats! You’ve landed that job you worked so hard to get. Now what? Here's a guide with tips on how to to prepare for your new co-op term!

Image of the author
Blog
Alumni Spotlight: Almira Bardai, the Globetrotting Communicator

A globetrotting communicator, Almira Bardai is a PR and communications professional with over 17 years of experience in the field working all over the globe from Vancouver to Australia. Read on to learn more about her journey!

Image of the Author
Blog
My Journey of Indigeneity (From a Non-Indigenous Perspective)

In this blog, I take you through my personal life story from immigrating to Canada, working and living in a rural First Nations community, to finding a sense of belonging and a second identity, which has forever changed the way I will view the world.

Image of the author
Blog
Invest in the Unexpected: Why You Should Join Co-op and Share Your Story with the OLC

Taylor joined SFU’s Aboriginal Co-op Coordinator, Trina Setah, as a Work-Study student to help promote co-op to SFU’s Indigenous community. Read about Taylor’s personal experience with co-op, and why she thinks you should join too.

a long dark hallway
Blog
The Waiting Room

"'I'm here for an interview with, ah... Mr. Jenson." He felt more than saw her purposeful scan of his appearance. In his mind, the just-noticeable wrinkles in his only white collared shirt became words scrawled in thick, black permanent marker. I'm not good enough. A days' stubble. Hastily tied necktie. What am I even doing here?

Rachel
Blog
The Road Less Traveled: Taking a Chance in Co-op

With co-op, are we better off sticking to our field of study, or should we take a chance at something entirely different? In this article, Rachel reflects on her work term with the RCMP, what she learned about the industry as well as herself in a field that she would have never considered if it wasn’t for co-op.

Stephanie Wu
SFU Story
Clubs Leaving an Impression
Networking Event
Blog
Afraid to Network Alone at an Event? Here's How I Did It

Have you ever gone to a networking event alone? Learn how to make quality connections with these tips on attending networking events on your own and some conversation openers you can use to initiate those connections!  

Article Banner
Blog
How References Can Make or Break Your Job Offer

Most people don’t maintain solid relationships with their references. Don’t be one of those job seekers scrambling to put together a list of references before an interview. Follow these basic practices to maintain connections and maximize your chances of landing the job. 

image of laptop with social media screen open
Blog
How to Succeed as a Social Media Coordinator

Imagine you get paid to create multiple *twooshes* a day, curate funny gifs, browse Instagram, post awesome pictures and share on Facebook. Yes, being a Social Media Coordinator is very fun, but one must not neglect these four important points to be one.

Web development workspace
Blog
Five Tips on Being a Successful Web and Mobile Developer

Being a successful developer doesn’t come easy. In this blog post, I offer five tips that I have learned through my co-op experience as a Web and Mobile Developer to help you get there with fewer bumps in the road.

Kory
Blog
Co-op in Toronto: My Experience Working for the Ontario Public Service

Are you a student who, like Kory, has struggled deciding what career path best suits you? Have you ever wondered what it was like to work in Toronto? Are you considering a career in public service? If you answered yes to any of these, read this post! 

 Doctor working with patient in hospital. Rehabilitation physiotherapy
Blog
An Inspiring Co-op Experience

"There was a point in my degree when I started to question whether I had chosen the right path. Is this the career I want to spend the rest of my life in? Are these the people I want to surround myself with day-in and day-out?" Read on to find out how co-op answered these questions for Ashly!  

Convocation Reflection Lead Image
Blog
Is Co-op Worth Delaying Your Graduation?

Practical experience isn't always gained in the classroom. Sure there are labs and projects, but nothing tops a real workplace environment. If you’re second guessing participating in co-op because of delaying your graduation, this post is for you! 

Two people mountain climbing
Blog
Who Knew Co-op Would Confirm My Career Choice and More!

As a fourth year Biomedical Physiology student, Amy wished to pursue a career in family practice medicine. In this article, She shares how her co-op at CHANGEpain Clinic confirmed her career path, but also went well beyond that. 

Men jumping off a cliff
Blog
How I Left My Comfort Zone and Realized Self Growth

Being shy and not much of a risk-taker, I was shocked at having been asked to interview people. Read on to find out how my co-op with Beedie School of Business helped me step outside my comfort zone and gain a newfound confidence. 

Cheryl
Blog
A Beginner's Guide to Hootsuite

Hootsuite is a great tool for managing social media platforms and can be incredibly helpful on the job! Cheryl shares a few tips on using the program for Hootsuite beginners.

Tong and their co-workers posing for camera
Blog
Graduate Co-op at SAP Vancouver

Tong completed a year-long co-op work term at SAP's Vancouver office. Click to find out what it's like working for a world leading enterprise software development company. 

International Co-op In France
Blog
Finding a Balance Between Work and Life During an International Co-op

International Co-op positions provide the opportunity to discover the world while developing professional skills and contacts. But there’s a conundrum: all work and no play or no work and all play? Read Mallory's blog on how to find balance between work and life during your international co-op!

Jaclyn
Blog
Join Co-op: Your Future Self Will Thank You

Have you found yourself thinking about joining the co-op program but aren’t yet sure if it’s worth your time or the best bang for your buck? Let Jaclyn help you get off that fence and convince you why the co-op program is worth your while. 

Author's front profile. He is wearing a blue half-sleeves shirt and black square framed glasses. He is standing in front of a blue building and some foliage.
Blog
A Humbling First Experience

On the first day of school, your hearts racing, sweat is forming across the forehead and you're nervous beyond belief. Now imagine attending school as a co-op student on your first work term at Mediated Learning Academy - That's exactly how Andrew felt. Read about his experience with MLA!