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Tips, stories and strategies by and for co-op students at SFU.

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Blog
Winging it in Edmonton: Navigating the Turbulence of Moving Away from Home for an Aerospace Co-op

When you think about the space industry, you probably picture astronauts travelling lightyears away from home in search of the universe’s many unanswered questions. As a student I have questions of my own, including ones about my own journey and the learning experiences that I want to have. Even though the scale of travelling done by astronauts seems impossible right now – why not start by making a space mission of my own by taking a solo trip out-of-province to complete a co-op?

Image of a person walking on a rock arch over water during a pink sunset
Blog
Bridging the Gap from Classroom Learning to Co-op

As I get closer to graduation, I think about how much Co-op has changed my life, especially since I'm an introvert. It's not just the projects you work on or the skills you learn; it's a unique journey of making yourself known; of stepping beyond your comfort zone.

Me on the right talking with one of my peers about the Burnaby Mountain gondola! I was enthusiastic about the project and engaging with the public.
Blog
What IS public relations? My Co-op experience with SFU Communications and Marketing

“What is public relations?" This question feels as vague as someone asking me what majoring in Communications studies leads to. I admit that I want to pursue a career path in this industry, but I have repeatedly asked myself this question throughout my academics. In my search to find out, my experience working as a Communications Assistant in SFU’s Communications and Marketing office has given me a clearer picture of public relations.

person standing in front of blue sky
Blog
Diving Headphones-First Into the World of Podcasting

I’ve always been deeply fascinated with audio as a medium. After all, I’ve worked with it plenty–I picked up the flute at age 12, and music’s been playing nonstop in my life ever since. Not just performing, either: composition, production, sound design, even a bit of voice acting as a hobby. So, when I saw the post from SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement, I was curious. Continue reading to learn more about my experience working in the world of podcasting!

Workplace at Wawanesa
Blog
How to Navigate Your First Weeks at Your Co-op

Working at a big insurance firm for your first co-op might be intimidating, and SFU Beedie student Yelena shares her experience acclimating to her job during the first few weeks. 

Jordan standing outside the WIL offices.
Blog
Don't Just Survive, But Thrive: Balancing Being a Co-op Student with Other Responsibilities

SFU Co-op student Jordan talks about his time working for Work-Integrated Learning while balancing other commitments. 

Person standing in the sunset holding up the sun.
Blog
Working for the Sun: 3 Tips for a Strong Interview

The day before an interview tends to be the most anxiety-inducing, especially as a Co-op student. Maybe it’s because you really want that specific position, have little professional experience or generally have social anxiety in new and uncomfortable situations. With a little reflection on my interview process, I came up with three tips to hopefully calm your nerves before, during and after your next interview.

2 people sitting at a round white table on their laptop
Blog
Behind the Scenes of an Interview: What I Learned While Hiring My Co-op Replacement

Whether you’re like me and have been doing Co-op for a while now, or just have had your fair share of job interviews, then you probably think you know everything there is to be prepared for one. However, I will tell you right now that, unless you have actually conducted a job interview, you most likely do not. Continue reading for some insider tips on Co-op interviews that I feel everyone should know.

A person writing on a whiteboard.
Blog
The Big Leap: The Transition from Being a Student to Working a 9-5

Close to graduating or just want to know what the transition from being a student to working full-time is like? Check out Simran’s post about some of the challenges she faced due to her student habits and how she overcame them!

A wiener dog sitting in a box.
Blog
Lessons Learned After Moving Out During a Global Pandemic

Moving out during COVID was a daunting prospect, but taking that leap of faith has led me to having the best semester since before the pandemic. The skills I learned from this experience have helped me find balance even when life throws challenges my way.  

A person typing on a computer.
Blog
5 Email Etiquette Tips Every Employee Needs to Know

You probably know that dreadful feeling you get after opening an email that is so long your finger gets tired from scrolling. While the process of sending an email may seem intuitive, there are many considerations that should be made before hitting that “send” button. Therefore, I present to you, essential email etiquette tips every employee should know.

A headshot of Rifayat against a white background.
Blog
MA student establishes career in health economics through co-op work experience

A master's student recently graduated from Simon Fraser University (SFU)'s Department of Economics, Rifayat Raisa had always been interested in venturing into the field of health economics. Read to discover how she broke into the industry using SFU Co-op. 

woman holding a piece of paper with a laptop in front of her
Blog
Business Development & Sales World for Dummies (and Communication Students)

As a Communication major, I’m comfortable with hearing “the medium is the message”, getting lost in 15-page essays, and wondering why a picture of a pipe is in fact, not a pipe (shoutout CMNS 110). Throw me in a tech start-up in a (remote) business development position and well, I’m a touch out of my comfort zone. Keep reading to learn about my experience working in a business role as a Communication major. 

A person serving soup to people in line.
Blog
Finding Your Path in Community Justice

A co-op student at SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement speaks with her boss and a fellow colleague to gather advice for students who are looking for a future in community organizing.

Four silhouettes on a beach with a sunset behind them.
Blog
How to Capitalize on Your Mistakes

Mistakes and regrets are a part of life, but there will always be a way to move on from them. Look at OLC staff member Terae’s blog on how she learned to accept her failures and find a new perspective on her path to the future. 

Four people sit around a table in business casual wear.
Blog
Value People as Much as You Value Your Work!

When a company invests in its people, the work experience can go from good to great. Roop Gill’s anecdotal piece on how she prospered in her co-op despite massive setbacks proves that there is nothing more valuable than workplace connection.

A stethoscope resting next to an open laptop.
Blog
How I Created My Own Co-op Opportunity and How You Can Too

Interested in self-directed Co-ops and want to know more? Read on as Jessica shares her experience creating a self-directed Co-op at TELUS and gives advice that can help make your work term run as smoothly as possible!

5 people waiting to go into an interview
Blog
How I Found a Self-Directed Co-op in the Non-Profit Industry with No Experience

This article outlines my tips for those looking to find their own self-directed co-op and break into the non-profit industry with no experience.

Abstract art of business and fun cartoon man
Blog
Protecting Work-Life Balance when Working in Non-Profit

“Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life” has been attributed to several thinkers: Confucius, Mark Twain, and Marc Anthony. Regardless, this sentiment is unrealistic.

View of Dusseldorf, Germany at sunset
Blog
Building Bilateral Relationships: International Co-op in Germany During a Pandemic

Though a move across the world during a pandemic was daunting, I was comforted by my German language ability, my experience having spent time in the country, and the strong co-op support team that stood behind me. 

The staff of Streamline Athletics and Moment Energy pose for pictures
Blog
Two SFU Emerging Tech Companies Among New Ventures BC Top 10

Two SFU-Alumni founded companies, Moment Energy and Streamline Athletes, are SFU’s Coast Capital Savings Venture Connection incubator startups at the Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship this year! Read on to see how each company was formed and what the future looks like. 

People in a meeting
Podcast
Seeking your First Co-op
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Blog
Wrapping Up 2020: Our Top 12 Inspirational Blog Articles

2020 has been an unprecedented and extraordinary year. What we at the OLC have been pleasantly surprised by is how inspiring our contributing authors have been. Many of our posts touched on the reality of the pandemic, but they were written from a place of positivity and resilience. To wrap up 2020 at the SFU OLC, we've curated our top 12 inspiring posts and summarized how they can continue to inspire you in the New Year.

Taylor Playing Softball
Blog
An Interview with Taylor Gillis, a Varsity Co-op Alumna

It's no easy feat being able to stand out from the crowd when job-seeking after graduating. For Taylor, her unique SFU background comes from her combined SFU Athlete and Co-op work experience. Read on to learn more about why she recommends fellow athletes to join the Co-op program.

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