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Portfolios

Kimberly holding up her portfolio

Portfolios are one of the best ways to showcase your talents and brand yourself to a prospective employer. The following stories, tips and advice will assist your portfolio building and help you develop personally and professionally! There are many different ways to create a portfolio from rearranging your social media to creating your own website that correspond to your major, interests and prospective job sector. You'll find the many tips creative job-seekers have on creating a portfolio, what to include, how to brand yourself and how to stand out.

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Blog
How to Leverage Linked-In to Make Connections and Gain Experience

In university, it is important for students to initiate connections with individuals around them to make the best of their opportunities. However, networking is hard and is not taught as a skill.  Networking is something that must be practiced to be perfected. Luckily, there are tools that make it easier for individuals to connect with others, which leads to greater opportunities in their careers.

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Blog
Using Social Media as Your Portfolio

Do you know absolutely nothing about social media? Want to ensure that you are on the right track to proper social media management? If you answered yes to either or both questions above, have no worries! Keep on reading to learn how to use social media to your advantage. 

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Blog
Design Zero to Design Hero

Design – a word that has likely resonated with Communication Co-op students at some point. As the field of communication evolves, so do the skills that employers are looking for. Graphic design is becoming increasingly sought after, but where do you begin if you don’t have any prior knowledge? Ryan has you covered with his tips on how to go from design zero to design hero in your next job search! 

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5 LinkedIn Tips to Make Your Profile Pop!

In the digital age, you never know who’s looking and what opportunities can arise. When you’re putting together your online presence, you want to go beyond cutting and pasting your resume, and get your LinkedIn profile in tip-top shape! Kass shares 5 tips to make your profile POP!

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Blog
Lying Stills: Constructing Truth with Photography

Six students from the School for the Contemporary Arts worked with the Capture Photography Festival on a public art project titled "Lying Stills: Constructing Truth with Photography". Read about their contributions to this exciting project!  

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Blog
6 Things Communication Students Can Include In Their Portfolio

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. 

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How Social Media Affects Your Chance of Getting Hired

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... 

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You Get Out What You Put In: Portfolio, Contacts, Resume

Moving through your work term, it is valuable to consider what you will take from your co-op experience that will benefit your future career. Kimberly Blair recommends keeping three things in mind: portfolio, contacts, and resume.

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5 Reasons to Write a Co-op Reflection for the OLC

You might have noticed some amazing co-op stories written by your fellow peers on the OLC, but have you ever considered sharing your story?  Here are five reasons why you should write for the OLC.

 

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Blog
‘Cause Bloggers Gonna Blog (Blog, Blog, Blog, Blog, Blog)

"You need at least 2 years of work experience to get this (entry-level) position.” Learn how one student used volunteer blogging to gain that ever-so-important 2  years of experience and get a leg up in the professional world!

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.

two computer screens showing a portfolio
Blog
Portfolio Review

Ever wondered what it would be like to be interviewed by Facebook?  Bradley Sutherland, a recent graduate from SFU’s Interactive Arts and Technology and a specialist in interactive design, was selected to be interviewed by the social media giant.  Bradley shared this 3 part interview experience with the OLC.

Picture of portfolio
Blog
Print and Digital Portfolio Tips for Every Job Seeker

Whether you’re looking at event planning or public relations, a portfolio can be a significant, helpful resource in your job search. Here are some tips on creating and organizing your portfolio, whether in print or digital format. 

Stephanie talking to a reporter
Blog
Your Portfolio, Your Story

Stephanie Wiriahardja started building her portfolio in 2009, before she applied for her first SFU Co-op semester. 5 years later, with regular updates, her entire online persona is still paying dividends. Find out Stephanie's keys to branding yourself online.

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Blog
How Can You Stand Out in the Job Market with a Digital Resume?

Want to learn more about portfolios and having a professional image online? Check out this blog on building a digital resume and increasing your competitiveness in the job market!

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Making Meaningful Online Connections With Employers

Discover how to best utilize your online presence to grow your career and network!

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Can Pinterest Boost Your Career?

Curious about how Pinterest could be useful for your professional development? Check out this blog on how Pinterest can take your career to another level!

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The Importance of Having a Portfolio

Have no clue on how to start a portfolio? Check out this blog to get useful beginner tips for building your portfolio!

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Tips on Starting Your Portfolio

In this blog post, Patricia shares with us some tips and tricks to creating our own portfolios. Read on to find out more! 

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Blog
Communication Portfolios

Hear what this co-op student had to say about the Communication Co-op's annual "Get the Edge" event. This year's focus was all about portfolios! Read on to see what communication professionals have to say about the importance of having a portfolio and creating a personal brand.

Jerkone's online portfolio
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5 Tips for Online Portfolios: Employer’s Perspective

Portfolio tips straight from the employers, they share with us what they look for in online portfolios and how they decide who they’re bringing in for interviews. 

an interviewee shaking hands of the two interviewers
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4 Tips on Showcasing Projects in Interviews

Why talk about your work when you can show it?  Good portfolio pieces will help set you apart from other candidates. Here are some important tips from Co-op students, coordinators and employers on showcasing your portfolio during interviews.

Piece of paper reading: Ads, Articles, Brochures, Flyers/Sell Sheets, Newsletters, website content, other
Blog
Portfolio Building | Part One

The Co-op work term has already provided a healthy dose of experience.  Now it is time to gather that tangible experience, take it home, and organize it into a general portfolio.

a group of SFU students smiling at the camera
Blog
Don’t Panic: Tips from Industry for Graduating Students

Are you graduating soon and are panicking about job searching in the “real world”? If so, read on to find out what some successful SFU alumni and co-op employers are saying about what grads can do to stand out.

glass door with LinkedIn logo sticker
Blog
Creating an Effective LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is a social networking site. Unlike Facebook, however, LinkedIn is primarily for professionals. It is a great tool to help connect you with professionals, but it’s also great for your job search. In this first part of two series about LinkedIn, we tackle the task of creating an effective LinkedIn profile.

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Bon Voyage: How To Ensure Smooth Sailing As You Wrap Up Your Co-op Work Term

With work terms winding down to a close, most co-op students can’t help but reminisce warmly about friends made, skills gained and career opportunities uncovered while on the job. During this time, it is important to take advantage of a few tips for smooth sailing as you wrap up your work term.

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Blog
What To Put In An Online Portfolio

An online portfolio is a visual representation of your abilities, personality and style. Why not show what you can do instead of talking about it? In fact, some employers go directly to a student’s portfolio first before even glancing at their resume. Even if having a portfolio isn’t a requirement in your current field of study, it will definitely help make you stand out.

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Blog
Career Portfolio: Making Intangibles Tangible

The portfolio makes intangibles tangible offering a complete picture of who you are and where you want to go. Portfolios get attention, provide links, and build your credibility and confidence. If you are wondering how to start building your career portfolio click to read more.

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