The Latest

Are you interested in joining Co-op and wondering what the process is like? Are you wondering when exactly you should be starting Co-op? This article provides insight on what the Co-op job search is really like through my own personal journey.

So, you’re at university to get yourself a degree, and that degree is going to get you the dream job that you’ve always wanted, right? After you graduate, maybe you’re thinking of sending a few resumes off, just to see what happens. Did you know that employers evaluate you on your resume before they even meet you? If you want to increase your chances of landing that dream job, you really need to make your resume stand out from all of the rest, especially if you want to land that interview.

Meet Samaah Jaffer, an Arts Co-op student who has worked at the US Consulate and SFU's Vancity Office of Community Engagement. Read about Samaah's experiences during these co-ops, and their invaluable advice for other students!

Although important, your resume and cover letter don't do your skills complete justice. So, instead of simply telling a potential employer what you can do, Karen Leung discusses how to show them through selecting specific items to build your portfolio. 

I’m a young and trendy fashionista. A self-identified accessory-lover. A student. And I’m obsessed with how to make a great impression at my new co-operative education job without compromising my style. This article highlights my opinions on how to dress professionally, while still maintaining your sense of style. 

Inspired by his childhood hero, Iron Man, Sheldan eagerly accepts a co-op placement at Tesla. Read on to find out what his experience was like. 

Not sure where to seek professional help? Having a mental breakdown over an assignment? Looking to improve your study habits? No worries! Here are 5 SFU services to help.

Attending post-secondary school gives endless possibilities. However, choosing a major or career can be overwhelming to the point where people get swept away in passionless choices. Here is some of the personal advice of experienced SFU students to help you choose your future major or career.

Discover how volunteering influences your mental health and wellbeing. Learn about the ways your happiness, social relationships and feeling of purpose are affected by engaging in volunteer acts. 

A summary of Janice Acoose's trail blazing book, Iskwewak kah’Ki Yaw Ni Wahkomakanak: Neither Indian Princess Nor Easy Squaw.

I’ve always had a passion for helping people. For the longest time, I wasn’t sure how to apply this passion.

Yongyi Wu applies his newly acquired skills as one of the first cohorts of the Professional Master's Program in Big Data at his co-op work term with Ericsson's Research and Development Centre.

Erik Bainbridge, a Political Science student, shares his international experience doing four work terms in three different positions in China and Hong Kong. He worked as an English teacher in Shandong, an Event Manager at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CamChamHK) in Hong Kong, and a Trade Intern for the Consulate General of Canada in China.

Halloween is just around the corner. Natalie shares her office-costume tips, successes, and lessons learned. 

Panicking because you’re still undecided or unsure of your major? Keep calm and apply for a volunteer position! It can help you in more ways than one. Here’s how.

Do you find yourself discouraged and in need of advice? Do you find yourself procrastinating and wondering when the right time to get started on your career is? This article highlights the importance of starting early and some fun ways to get started.

Working at an IT company was a refreshing experience for someone like Vanessa, who has never been exposed to this industry before. Here she shares a few tips on how she made it through and got the most out of her 12 months at BCNET.

If you had told me in high school that I would be the leader of a non-profit organization in just a few short years, I probably would have stopped talking to you. And yet, here I am, a President at age 20.

Ever consider working for a communications agency? Terence Chu certainly has. Currently in a co-op position for global communications consulting agency FleishmanHillard, Terence presents three reasons why working in an agency is a wise career move.

Read about Joanne's four-month co-op journey at Providence Health Care Research institute. 

If you don’t vote, you’re handing your future away to those who will be making decisions on everything from how much you’ll be paying back in student loans and taxes, to what kind of jobs and career opportunities you might find. 

Work and live in Mexico, a popular tourist country, and experience the pleasant weather and great food. Visit museums, pyramids, beach resorts, and see the unique architecture.

A 6th-year SFU veteran drops WISDOM to his younger self. Read this if you would like some perspective on your university journey from someone who has been here before you even started high school.

Have you ever wondered whether future or current employers actually check your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram before or after the interview? You might say that you’re safe; having already privatized all your accounts, but well the truth is... 

Have you ever felt unsure of your major? As if maybe it is not what you really want to do for the rest of your life? These are questions Jose pondered over before his co-op with Lungpacer Medical Inc. and Kardium.

Do you ever think there are limitations to what you could do with your degree? I did. SFU co-op has allowed me to experience my major in action in a non-conventional way and it has forever changed the way that I look at my kinesiology degree. 

This summer, Ashley Gregerson landed her dream co-op position as the Communications Assistant for the City of White Rock. Here, she worked as part of a small communications team consisting of only two staff. Ashley shares what she learned and what you can expect joining a tiny Communications Department.

Working in development and for Non-governmental organizations (NGO) is a tricky and delicate field. In Naiomi's article, they discuss the new approach that the Sustainability though Agriculture and Microenterprise (SAM) Project has taken on for their work in Zimba, Zambia.

Environmental justice and climate change; taking a look at how we communicate about it and how we might change our worldview in an effort to stop the destruction of the planet.  

Learn about the Racing Readers program, and discover how you can "engage the world" as a volunteer.

Learn what it is like to volunteer for Racing Readers. Celina shares her typical day volunteering for the program.

Hesitant about doing an Out-of-Town or International Co-op? So was Mandy! But, opportunities come from all sorts of places. For Mandy, it was Kelowna, and the opportunity was too good to pass up. Read Mandy's tips on moving away, and getting accustomed to a new city.  

Natasha shares why she found waiting for the ‘right’ co-op was worth it for her. After a lot of determination and persistence, she was able to land a job that was worth all the hard work and spent an amazing summer at Options. Read Natasha's story for more insight!

Read about Brandon's role with Rebalance^MD as he takes us on an educational journey about total musculoskeletal care. 

James shares what he learned about User Experience (UX) after his co-op placement at Hootsuite. Read on to to find out how he overcomes challenges and learns how to "embrace ambiguity" as a designer.

Read on to find out why Karen took a step out of her comfort zone to embrace the unknown that is co-op.

Asking your professors for reference letters is an important part of applying to professional programs, graduate programs, and scholarships, and it is a lot more complicated than just sending a quick email. Eric Cai explains how you can make this process easier for your professors, and more beneficial to you.

In this article, Software Systems student, Frank shares about doing a co-op at Sage in an interview style post. 

Walking into my first day of work for my co-op term at The Right Shoe, all I expected was just another retail job. But upon arriving at work, I quickly realized how much more informative and applicable to my degree the experience would be. What I thought would be just another retail experience turned out to be one of the most interesting, informative and relevant experiences of my life.

Communication Co-op student Kit Crowe gives you 5 good reasons why you should accept that co-op work term extension. 

Read about her opportunity to take BUS491: Diversity Management with Professor Paola Profeta from University Bocconi and how it gave her more perspective about diversity in the workplace.

"I will continue to encourage students out there to dream and that its okay to be scared but don’t’ let that fear hold you back." Read Tracy's story of determination, will and understanding oneself. 

"Just do it! If you get invested in your education you want to continue, and the rewards are extraordinary! Even when it is hard, you continue to do it. I’ve learned so much since starting, it’s phenomenal." Read Kayla's story of hard work and determination.

"I hope to be someone that other Indigenous youth can look up to, and a person that others can count on in my everyday life. And hopefully I can get into Law school so I can help Indigenous peoples fight for their rights." Read Carmen's story of overcoming adversity, and their reason for continuing their education. 

FILES OF UNCERTAINTY #1: To Bear witness, the open musings of a Metis Student trying to understand her rage when Brian Bowman only half admitted his culture. 

"In all of my years, I worked to be well known, respected and network with many people.  Those networks proved to be worth-while as I worked my way up the ladder.  It pays to make good connections that has strategically helped me out when I needed them." 

In my work term with BC Technology Industry Association (BCTIA), I had the opportunity to help plan and organize the company’s biggest event of the year, and it just so happened to be BC’s biggest and longest running technology awards celebration.

Noah did his co-op at PMC-Sierra. In this article he introduces the engineering term “ramp up” and identifies five ways to get up to speed when you start a co-op.

"I currently hold a diploma from College; however, I have just enrolled into University to acquire a degree. My mom received her Master’s at 52 and so I’m now 48 and it’s my turn to go back to school!" Read Malcom's story of understanding his Indigenous status, and continuing his education.

Understanding the importance of applying classroom knowledge to the workplace, Tessa decides to apply for a co-op position with Live Well Exercise Clinic. Read about their journey and find out what you can't learn in a classroom!  

For some employers today, a degree has become the minimum requirement for most entry-level jobs. Having spoke with this year's winner of the SCOY Award of Merit, Terence Chu, the solution to this conundrum, for me, became apparent.  

Consider the benefits of doing an international co-op and exchange.

Learn how communication is one of the most important skills to develop at work. 

Adrian Quiroz is a fourth year student of French, Linguistics, and Speech Sciences at Simon Fraser University. After teaching English in France, he wanted to share his tips for success. Read more to learn about Adrian's experience, and his invaluable tips!