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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

 

SFU students looking at their laptop
Blog
A Letter to A Reader

Why do you volunteer? There are many reasons why people volunteer for both professional and personal reasons. This is a personal article on why I volunteer at specific organizations. 

Students in a classroom
Blog
What Volunteering Can Do For You That Classrooms Can't

Academics are certainly important, but volunteering can certainly help you in other aspects of your life, both personally and professionally. Nicola explains some key benefits to gain from volunteering.

View of Hancheon Elementary School where Corina taught
Blog
TaLK in Korea

Third year Business student, Corina Inigo, shares about her co-op experience with Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK).  She discusses what TaLK is all about and also shares personal anecdotes from her teaching experience. 

Shot of a police building from an aerial view
Blog
Accounting with the RCMP

Joey Mak: Fighting crime one journal entry at a time. Business student Joey Mak worked an eight month co-op with the RCMP, gaining enriching experiences. From processing salary reconciliations to conversing with officers at the Pacific RCMP Headquarters with a little bit of database management and programming in the middle, this co-op experience had it all.

Student meeting with an advisor
Blog
Employability Skills You Can Gain Through Volunteering

How does volunteering help your employability? Kim goes through a few of the top skills that you can gain from volunteering that will also help you as a working employee.

logo of Her Campus at Simon Fraser University
Blog
Campus Chapter Spotlight: Her Campus SFU

Are you looking for opportunities to share the pictures you have taken? Are you interested in developing your writing skills? Are you curious about writing for a magazine? Learn more about Her Campus, an online campus magazine, and how it got relaunched this year!

Picture of person look at the apps on their phone; instagram, facebook
Blog
The Social Media Network (SFUSMN)

This week, Emily features The Social Media Network as the SFU Club of the Week. Read about how their activities aim to increase students' professional social media prowess!

view of town in germany
Blog
My Co-op in Germany

Hubert Tam shares about his experience in Germany working at SAP.  Hubert is a 7th year Business student who spent 3 co-op terms at SAP.

Headshot of Ashley
Blog
Be Social! 5 Tips on using Social Media for Business

Will your workplace require you to tweet? Ashley explains how to run social media accounts for a business.

Triumph person cheering
Blog
The Payoff of Perseverance

Raymon Gulati faced his fears by interviewing with BlackBerry, landing a fantastic job, and learning that his talent & skills could successfully overcome what seemed to be his biggest obstacle.

Meghan Ogden at a information desk
Blog
Developing an Understanding of Non-Profits

Meghan shares the benefits of working at a non-profit based on her experience at the Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

Andrea Bajcetic
Blog
Taking on Progressive Projects

Andrea takes on the non-profit world as a Community Services Assistant at the Progressive Housing Society. 

Group of SFU students posing in a corridor
Blog
Consulate Communication Builds Connections

Diana completed her first Co-op work term with the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver. Read on to find out how this experience has enhanced her skills! 

Nicole in front of a poster at work
Blog
Inclusion Illuminates Work Experience

Political Science student Nicole shares about her experience doing marketing communications work for Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion (BACI), a non-profit that supports over a thousand individuals with developmental disabilities.

IAT 499 Graduation Project
Blog
Dream Internship Follows Less-than-glamorous Co-op Placement

Nick Doering was not looking for a co-op job at SFU, but soon discovered that his work at SFU’s SIAT department was a great first step to landing a position at a high profile company.

Jordana in front of Posabilities banner
Blog
The Other Side: What Employers Want to Hear During an Interview

While completing her co-op with posAbilities, Jordana Fridman had the opportunity to observe the other side of the interview process. Here's her insight into what employers are really looking for.

Jill in scuba diving gear on a boat
Blog
“I Never Dreamed About Having a Job Like This!”

Read about Jill's summer co-op with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, where she spent her time scuba diving, documenting algae and invertebrate species, hanging out with sea lions and possibly having the best summer ever!

laptop screen with lines of code
Blog
Working in Tech for the Non-­Technical

No experience in the tech industry? Break in anyway! Communication and Economics Co-op student Terence Chu shares tips he learned firsthand as a Technical Writer for Ericsson, a multinational Swedish telecommunications corporation.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Poster
Blog
My Experience Volunteering as an In School Mentor with Big Brothers and Big Sisters

Anju recounts her experience as an In School Mentor with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley, and what she learned about herself and others.

Vlad Tkachenko
Blog
What I Learned During my Co-ops at RIM and SAP

Vlad Tkachenko is a 5th year Computing Science Student who spent 2 co-op terms at RIM and 2 co-op terms at SAP. He shares what he learned and some tips for success on the job.

a coach in the fighting ring
Blog
4 Reasons to Become a Coach

Coaches. We have had them since we were five-years-old in sports, academics, or life. Throughout the years, we learn from other people, and this has had an influence on who we become. This is an article on reasons to become a coach. 

Picture of calculator beside a graph
Blog
Getting Ready for Math-Related Classes in the New Semester

Many university classes require a lot of math and problem-solving. Eric Cai, an SFU alumni currently working in statistics, shares his top tips on how to excel in these challenging courses. 

Christie Atkins at HydroOne
Blog
Advice from a Corporate Communications Guru

Starting a new co-op position can be stressful and overwhelming at first. Communication Co-op student, Christie Atkins, shares workplace transition advice from her mentor, Melissa Fast.

YMCA Open House
Blog
My Co-op Experience: Be Open to the Unfamiliar

Are you having a hard time landing that ideal Co-op job? But, what is ideal? Explore Jeanie’s experience this summer at the YWCA Health + Fitness Centre.  She shares her experience about how a job description might not stand out at first, but can lead to a stand-out placement.

Messy desk with a laptop and papers
Blog
How to Work, Study, and Volunteer at the Same Time

If you're finding the prospect of working and volunteering while being a student daunting, don't fear! Hear from two SFU students leading busy yet productive lives.

Volunteering makes your future easier banner
Blog
Taking On More Challenging Volunteer Roles

Challenging volunteer positions require more time and effort, but they can also be important stepping stones in your career path. Check out what Nicola says you need to be successful in a more difficult volunteer position.

Students discussing at the campus
Blog
Strategic Volunteering: Lessons From a Mature Student

Averyl from SFU Public Square shares some insights from experiences volunteering, and has created this list of tips to help you get the most out of your volunteer positions!

group of students sitting in a circle, discussing
Blog
UNICEF SFU

In this week's Club of the Week, Emily takes a look at UNICEF SFU, and interviews their current President, Katie Mai. Read more to learn about UNICEF's activities on campus!

Scenery
Blog
Friends and Allies

Christina Coolidge is an Indigenous Program researcher with Career Services at SFU.  In this four-part series she discusses the creation of the Sacred Trust Initiative (STI), with the purpose of stopping the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion.  This is the second post of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the Sacred Trust Initiative Series.

Ship cargo on water
Blog
Kinder Morgan

Christina Coolidge is an Indigenous Program researcher with Career Services at SFU.  In this four-part series she discusses the creation of the Sacred Trust Initiative (STI), with the purpose of stopping the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion.  This is the third post of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the Sacred Trust Initiative Series.

People on a kayak
Blog
Implications

Christina Coolidge is an Indigenous Program researcher with Career Services at SFU.  In this four-part series she discusses the creation of the Sacred Trust Initiative (STI), with the purpose of stopping the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion.  This is the fourth post of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the Sacred Trust Initiative Series.

Jacky smiling, with a view of China to the right
Blog
My Co-op in China

Jacky is a fourth year Business Student who spent his co-op in Beijing China.  Read his interview to discover what his co-op abroad was like.  Jacky covers preparing for the work term, work life, and living abroad.

People on a kayak
Blog
Timeline

Christina Coolidge is an Indigenous Program researcher with Career Services at SFU.  In this four-part series she discusses the creation of the Sacred Trust Initiative (STI), with the purpose of stopping the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion.  This is the first post of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the Sacred Trust Initiative Series.

Children holding hands and playing in front of a hut
Blog
My Time At Destiny Reflection/Foundation

Nicole Molinari is a Health Sciences BA student who shares her experience working in Kolkata, India, where she worked with Destiny Reflection/Foundation, an organization that works to empower survivors of human trafficking and at-risk women.

A woman in business attire smiles confidently for the camera in Blusson Hall.
Blog
Samples Required - 5 Tips for Showcasing your Work

As a first-time Co-op seeker with little real-world work experience, it can be daunting to read the words ‘work samples required’ in a job posting. Here are 5 useful tips for showcasing your work at your next interview.

Julia smiling
Blog
Working Abroad: Overcoming a Language Barrier in the Work Place

Learning how to effectively communicate in a new work environment can be difficult enough, but add a language barrier and things get even more complicated. Here are Julia's top tips for overcoming language barriers in the workplace.

Indigenous women graduates
Blog
Language Revitalization

Christina Coolidge is an Indigenous Program researcher with Career Services at SFU.  In this four-part series she shares how Indigenous women are the keepers of language and discusses various issues and topics around language in the Indigenous community.  This is the fourth post of the four part series.

Christina with her friends
Blog
Language Maintenance

Christina Coolidge is an Indigenous Program researcher with Career Services at SFU.  In this four-part series she shares how Indigenous women are the keepers of language and discusses various issues and topics around language in the Indigenous community.  This is the third post of the four part series.

a student is asking his professor/coach for advise
Blog
Can I Have Your Number (For a Reference)?

Will your next volunteer organizer remember you? Our human nature is we lose some memories. But there are strategies to keep your references strong. This is an article on the importance of gathering references.

Chat bubbles
Blog
Language Loss

Christina Coolidge is an Indigenous Program researcher with Career Services at SFU.  In this four-part series she shares how Indigenous women are the keepers of language and discusses various issues and topics around language in the Indigenous community.  This is the second post of the four part series.

Portrait of Christina
Blog
Lost in Technical Translation: How to Succeed in an Unfamiliar Environment

We’ve all been put into situations where we have felt lost, unsure, or unfamiliar with our surroundings. Here are a few tips to help you make the best of a new or unfamiliar corporate environment.

Kelly smiles next to a graphic that says, "Maximize Your Co-op".
Blog
5 Ways to Maximize Your Co-op Experience

Want to make the most of your work term and thrive in the position? Public Relations Intern Kelly shares 5 tips on maximizing your Co-op experience. 

Cree symbols
Blog
The Keepers of Language

Christina Coolidge is an Indigenous Program researcher with Career Services at SFU.  In this four-part series she shares how Indigenous women are the keepers of language and discusses various issues and topics around language in the Indigenous community.  This is the first of the four part series.

Image of Kelly
Blog
5 Ways to Maximize Your Co-op Experience

Want to make the most of your work term and thrive in the position? Public Relations Intern Kelly shares 5 tips on maximizing your Co-op experience.

Keep track picture
Blog
Keeping Track of your Volunteerism

Are you making sure to keep a record of your Volunteer involvement? It is more important that you think!

Anju Chhokar
Blog
How to Balance School, Work And Life While Still Enjoying the Summer Sun

Ever feel overwhelmed by all of your responsibilities in the summer months? Check out this helpful list for guidance!

Seagull on a beach
Blog
Using Your Vacation to Develop Your Career

Statistics professional Eric Cai used part of his recent vacation to learn Python programming, and found it a great way to further his skillset while keeping his mind sharp. He encourages students to consider devoting part of their next vacation towards professional development.

View of BC Cancer Research Center from W 10th Avenue looking North
Blog
Branching Out and Standing Out at the BC Cancer Agency

Working in a huge building can be intimidating and make you feel very small, especially as a temporary Co-op student. Check out what Josh did to make sure everyone in the BC Cancer Research Center knew who he was!

Interview Illustration
Blog
Turning the Tables During Co-op Interviews: How to Showcase Yourself as the Candidate They Want

A lack of confidence can make you feel like you are getting raked over the coals in an interview. Learn what you can do to flip the situation on your interviewers in order to look like a pro and learn what they are really looking for in an employee.

Portrait of Laura
Blog
Applying Communication Skills in the Workplace

Ever wondered how your academic Communication skills stack up in the workplace? Co-op student Laura Tuturas sheds insight into how Communications prepared her for her workterm at ZE Powergroup.

William Thomas
Blog
Ergonomic Exploration

Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology students often find themselves lost in the hazy fog of physiotherapy, med school, chiropractic’s and post-graduate studies.  New graduates can find salvation in a challenging, but rewarding field that calls upon the creative and the technical sides of an individual. Read on to learn about working in the field of Ergonomics.

group of three students having a discussion
Blog
SFU Student Marketing Association (SMA)

In the second part of her series, Emily highlights the Student Marketing Association and how they help students connect with the exciting field of Marketing!

Evgeny and colleagues
Blog
Improving Professionally and Personally

Evgeny not only met his goals professionally at Broadcom, but he was able to improve in more ways than he could imagine - including meeting his personal goals and growing as an individual. In this four part blog series, Evgeny shares with us his co-op experience at Broadcom. 

A painting made by Evengy
Blog
Staying Motivated

Evgeny not only met his goals professionally at Broadcom, but he was able to improve in more ways than he could imagine - including meeting his personal goals and growing as an individual. In this four part blog series, Evgeny shares with us his co-op experience at Broadcom. 

image of the author
Blog
Training for the Role

Leo Ng is a fifth-year BBA candidate in the SFU Beedie co-op program.  He worked at Canada Revenue Agency for 8 months. He shares what it was like to train for his role as a Taxpayer Services Agent.

a CRA directory
Blog
Learning on the Job

Leo Ng is a fifth-year BBA candidate in the SFU Beedie co-op program who worked for Canada Revenue Agency for 8 months. In this article of his three-part series, he shares his experience learning on the job.

tax papers with a coffee mug next to it
Blog
Reflections

Leo Ng is a fifth-year BBA candidate in the SFU Beedie co-op program who worked at for Canada Revenue Agency for 8 months. He shares what training is like, learning on the job, and in this article, he shares his overall reflections on what it was like to work as a Taxpayer Services Agent.

Sam
Blog
The Honest Truth: What it Takes to Land a Co-op Job

After working for a year with Arts and Communications Co-op here at SFU, I’ve seen students land amazing Co-op opportunities, and I’ve also seen students struggle when it comes to following through, and landing the job. Here are a couple of truth bombs from yours truly that I hope will help you buck up and land a Co-op job.

Evgeny and colleagues
Blog
Finding Your Strengths

Sometimes in a co-op position, you might not get tasks that you absolutely love.  Make the most of it as Evgeny did, Evgeny went from feeling this way to having his co-workers ask for his advice! Read about his experience in this four part blog series! 

an ibm logo
Blog
My Second Work Term at IBM

Patrick started his career as an elementary school teacher and now he is completing SFU’s Computing Science Second degree program. Patrick shares his experience of transitioning from teacher to computing science, his first co-op at Malaspina, and here he shares his second co-op experience.