As an SFU co-op student you are eligible to apply for co-op jobs within any program (i.e. Business, Communication, Sciences, etc.), provided that you meet the qualifications noted in the body of the job posting. You are encouraged to look at the postings in all programs.
It's important for you to be prepared when applying for jobs and participating in the interview process. Co-op offers numerous free career skills workshops to provide you with the skills you need to develop a resume, write a cover letter, prepare for an interview, and more. Be sure to check them out on Symplicity.
In addition, through your networking efforts you may already know of employers with whom you would like to work, or you may want to develop the job-hunting skills you will need after graduation. Either way, it is to your advantage to gain experience by developing your own Arts and Social Sciences Co-op position. This is called a self-directed work term (SDWS) because you find the employer to hire you.
Coordinators can provide assistance in your job search and will supply you with information that you can use when approaching prospective employers. The following guidelines, found at the end of the page, will assist you in securing a self-directed Co-op position.
For every job you choose to apply to, you must submit an application package via Symplicity (unless otherwise specified in the job description). Every application must include the following documents in the order listed:
- SIS (Student Information Summary Form; available in the Document Library in Symplicity)
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Transcript
The due date for each job is posted with the job description. Application packages are due at 12:00 midnight on the date noted in the posting.
For step-by-step instructions on how to create and submit an application package, please read the Symplicity Manual (PDF).
You are encouraged to check the web site every day and note the company name, contact name, and deadline date for the jobs you want to apply to. Each job posting will appear for at least three days, and sometimes up to two weeks. Be sure to keep track of deadline dates carefully so you don’t miss out on opportunities! We also suggest that you print a hard copy of the job descriptions for the jobs you apply to because they will be inaccessible once the application deadline has passed.
This is an opportunity for you to locate a placement on your own with a company that you are interested in working for.
Interested? Fill out our Self-Directed Work Term Form and bring it to your Co-op office.
