Sustainable Energy Engineering Co-op
Seeking Students
Once you complete the mandatory steps in preparing for a seeking term, you will be added to the Co-op Seeking Resource Hub (Canvas) and “released to seek” which means you have access to co-op job postings in myExperience.
Students must maintain good academic standing (CGPA of 2.0 or higher) during their seeking term. To remain eligible for positions that may require full-time student status, it is recommended that students enroll in at least 9 units during the seeking term.
Job Seeking Process
Eligibility to Seek
- Completion of Surrey Co-op 100: Orientatio
- Completion of Surrey Co-op 101: Preparation
- Attend First-time Seeker Session
- International Students have valid Co-op Work Permit
Step 1: Upload Documents
Upload your final seeking documents (SIS form, cover letter, resume, Co-op transcript) to the Document section in myExperience.
Step 2: Apply for Jobs
Once you are released to seek in myExperience, you may start viewing and applying for co-op jobs. We recommend you check the job postings regularly as job postings are added as we received them from employers. It could take many applications until you are shortlisted. Speak to your Co-op Coordinator if you need support with preparing your job applications.
Step 3: Prepare for Interview
In addition to the online resources offered by SFU (e.g. InterviewPrep), your Co-op Coordinator can provide you with interview tips and conduct practice mock-interview with you.
Step 4: Secure a co-op Job
Keep applying to jobs until you receive a job offer. When you successfully receive and accept a job offer, you will then register in your Co-op Practicum course and begin preparing for your work term. Further instructions will be provided.
OUT OF TOWN DURING SEEKING TERM
If you will be out of town or unreachable during a seeking term, provide the Surrey Co-op office the details of your absence. Let us know if you will have access to alternate communication methods for interviews, and specify when you will be back in town and available for in-person interviews.
How to be Successful?
Want to be competitive and outsmart the crowd? Here's how:
Be Active
Check the Job Posting section of myExperience daily. Positions are posted frequently and may only be online for a few days. Apply for postings as early as possible as some employers may review applications on a rolling basis and expire the posting before the deadline. The myExperience Co-op Student Guide show you how to use the system and keep track of postings in which you are interested. (Hint: The “Favorite” feature in myExperience is a great way to keep track of postings that stand out to you.)
Avoid Generic Applications
Jobs posted with SFU Co-op are often posted at other institutions too. To get shortlisted for an interview, it’s crucial to prepare a customized cover letter and resume for every single job.
Be Ready to Interivew
Check your email daily to see if you’ve been shortlisted for an interview. If you receive a message “shortlisting” you for a job, sign up promptly for an interview in the interview section of myExperience.
Keep Your Options Open
Each co-op position posted in myExperience will list its targeted programs/disciplines. Many positions, however, cross over into more than one discipline. Therefore, don’t restrict yourself to just looking for “Mechatronics Engineering” jobs, but expand your search other program-areas such as the Faculty of Applied Sciences; School of Interactive Arts and Technology; and the Faculty of Science. Apply to any job you’re interested in and somewhat qualify for.
Explore different ways to approach your co-op experience, through options such as Co-op Abroad; Entrepreneurship Co-op; Student-Developed Work Terms; Co-op & SFSS Student Executives; NCAA Student Athletes & Co-op. Find out more about these options here.
Developing Your Skills
If you are having difficulty securing a Co-op work term, have maintained a high level of activity and effort, and have worked with your Coordinator to market yourself as effectively as possible, you may find that you need to increase or diversify the skills and experiences you have on your resume. Getting involved in student groups, professional associations (through student membership) and/or specialized training can be a great way to stand out from your competition! Here are some ideas:
Sustainable Energy Engineering-specific groups at SFU:
Sustainable Energy Engineering Student Society (Coming Soon)
Engineers Without Borders
Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers – SFU Chapter
Women in Engineering Group
Women in Cleantech
Other SFU groups:
Leadership and Mentorship opportunities
Student Clubs - entire list
Industry Associations:
Association for Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC
BC Sustainable Energy Association
BC Technology Industry Association