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The 201st Application

It’s been two months and 20 days since my first day of my Co-op term at Westcoast Family Centres, but I still find myself waking up every other day in utter disbelief that things worked out!

Letters
“What Do You Study in Communication?”

“So, what exactly do you study in communications?”

Leana Li using a computer with papers on the table
My Love-Hate Relationship with Accounting

"I knew very little about accounting and definitely had no passion for it" - read on to find out how Leana overcame her aversion towards accounting.

Featured

ALL BLOGS
Connie
Can’t find a Co-op Job? Create Your Own!

Feeling bummed because you don’t have a Co-op job yet? Nearing the end of the term and you’re still not getting interviews or have been rejected by them? Well don’t give up! You and other Co-op students are sharing that hot seat together, and although you haven’t been placed yet, there is still a solution!

blank notebook with a pen on top
3 Resources to Ace Your Next Paper

Having trouble researching for your next paper? Here are some tips on how to use the Internet to its fullest to help ace your next essay.

people holding a bc lions flag running across the field
Life After Co-op: From Footballs to Law

As an SFU Co-op alumni Susan Seto is one of the many success stories of the the program. Since graduating in 2008 her co-op experience has shaped her career and changed her life.

Image of Yat with other students at SFU
Leaving an Imprint

During the past five years at SFU, Yat has been asked multiple times: what do you want to become after you graduate? Every time, he would hesitate before answering. He didn’t have an exact position he wanted to be in, nor did he know whether he would have the skills for whatever that ended up being. Hence, his typical answer: “I don’t know.” To many, uncertainty is uncomfortable. Read more to learn how Yat overcame uncertainty, and left an imprint. 

Canucks Team
An Intern's Perspective

Marla Liguori is a Communications co-op student at SFU, and for her first Co-op experience she was able to spend the 2010-2011 season with the Vancouver Canucks as a marketing intern. She shared with us what she’s learned and why she thinks the Co-op program is a stellar addition to any degree.

India
International Spotlight: India!

With a splash of colors embedded in a fervent and deep culture, where history seems to have no beginning and end, India nurtures her inhabitants. Tradition of tolerance and the togetherness/fusion seen in the family and racial harmony, add to the vitality and variety of Indian life and fundamental values inspire each generation. Read on to set the wheels in motion for your international experience in India!

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Four Tips For A Successful Co-op Experience

Co-operative Education can be an excellent way of enriching your academic experience and narrowing down your potential career options. Employers increasingly cite real-life or internship experience as one of the most desirable qualities in applicants.

A photo of money on fire
Money Makes You Less Motivated

Money is a terrible motivator. If I were to say to you, “Reader, I’d like you to come up with a creative way of solving this problem we have,” or “I’d like you to complete this complex task requiring somewhat sophisticated cognitive abilities,” you’d actually perform worse if I offered you a nice chunk of change as a reward.

Picture of Michelle Molas, a recent graduate from the Philippines who shares her story in this blog post.
Discover Your Passion with AIESEC!

“After I graduated, I was unsure of which career path to take. Through working with Career Services, I’ve found that Project Management and Event Planning is something I really enjoy doing.”

A large group of people walking towards the Golden Temple situated on a lake
From Amritsar to Sonagachi

Have a sneak peak at the girls' quick getaway visit to Freeset, an organisation similar to Destiny Reflection, located in Kolkata's red-light district. While they were there, they managed to visit some wonderful sites such as the Taj Mahal and the Golden Temple. 

an SFU student presenting
Why Portfolio? Inside a Portfolio Workshop

Many students struggle to figure out the best way to put a portfolio together. They commonly ask: “Which projects do I put in a portfolio?” or “I don’t know how to do HTML or CSS, how can I make an online portfolio?”

Canucks team photo
Giving Back

The Vancouver Canucks are well known for their community involvement, and every semester they hire two interns to work with the community relations team. Michelle Muravi was one of these lucky picks last season and she shared with us what it’s like to work behind the scenes in the latest instalment of the We Are All Canucks series.

Cartoon drawing of a student sitting at a computer with a sad expression and the word "fail" on their computer screen.
Getting Over “Post-Midterm Heartache”

Hallelujah — midterms are finally coming to a close! Perhaps you breezed through your exams like a swan gliding through water, declaring “Einstein” to be your middle name. But if you’re like the rest of us ‘poor unfortunate souls’, your exam experience resembles more of a paper plane ramming into a wall and crumpling sadly to the ground.

Elena Barbir posing with a friend at a soccer game
RISE to the Occasion

We highlight the experience of Elena Barbir, Chemical Physics major, in the RISE program which has sent her to Germany. RISE is a dynamic summer program that offers undergraduate students from Canada, USA and the UK in an opportunity to receive work experience in research labs for a period of three months.

Table and chairs lined up in a classroom with classroom paraphernalia on the tables
The Archana School for Girls

Martyna, Lindsay, Christine and Silvia share their visit to the Archana School for girls and what they have learned from this invaluable experience. 

Poster with a list of services provided: CT Scan, Digital X-Ray, Ultrasound
SFU IS AWESOME!

As the girls further their learning experience in Kolkata, they come across new findings and lessons everyday - either from each other or from their new surroundings. In this entry, Christine shares her thoughts on a Gender and Health seminar the group participated in and how that has helped her develop a better understanding of Indian culture. 

student smiling during an interview
How to Act Confident in a Job Interview

Your palms sweat, your head's buzzing, and you've got those butterflies in your stomach. Sound familiar? You've been struck with a case of interview anxiety. But have no fear as these tips will help you make your interview slide!

Group of people gathering around a table, looking at a document together.
Details Matter – In Defence of Grammar Police

Grammar police can be annoying. Infuriating, even. Yet, I can’t help but feel a small triumph whenever someone exposes themselves as actually caring about proper spelling and grammar.

Guy wearing his graduation gown, standing at the edge of a cliff overlooking the city
Justin's Journey

After Justin and Samantha decided to create Career Friends, the rest was history. They have kept each other on track while job-hunting post graduation. Read Justin's story about his experiences after graduating in 2002, and how he overcame the challenges of finding full-time employment.

Head of the BC Public Service Don Wright welcomes everyone to the public service oath renewal ceremony
Student Interview Tips from the BC Public Service

The BC Public Service is hiring! If youre considering applying for a position with the BC Public Service or have an upcoming interview with them, read on to learn about their interview tips and strategies.

Two women looking at an application
The Value of a Practice Interview

The interview process can be a very intimidating and overwhelming process for many job applicants. The stress of being in the hot seat can make even the most composed interviewee melt under the pressure. Interview anxiety can be tamed and even prepared for with the help of an understanding and insightful SFU Student Advisor...

two people shaking hands
Preparation = Successful Interview!

There are many factors that make a successful interview, but by far the most important is preparation. It seems simple, but it's not necessarily easy. Preparation is not only being able to answer the standard questions, but also being able to convey  how outstanding you would be in the organization.

Picture of Adam Kingsmith, an SFU student interviewed by the author about his internship in El Salvador.
Make a Difference with AIESEC!

Everyday, the media informs us of new global issues arising in different parts of the world. We think about how troubling the situation is for a little while and then go on with the rest of our day. In most cases, this is where the story ends.

Silvia, Lindsay, Christine and Martyna smiling at the camera with their co-worker, Diya
SFU Health Sciences Takes India!: Introductions

Meet the girls! Martyna, Silvia, Lindsay and Christine introduce themselves here by telling us about their hobbies, their likes and dislikes and what they love about India so far. Get to know them and follow them on an arm chair journey around India! 

flower petals
Picking Your References

The references you choose ensure your work history comes up smelling like roses and is crucial to obtaining a job offer.  Do they love you, or do they love you not?  Learn how to pick your references and stop plucking the petals.

Dog standing next to basket with ducks in it
Misconceived Perceptions About India

We all have our own sets of biases and preconceived notions, but unless we experience things first hand, they are merely based on conjecture and not facts. Martyna is here to break down some common misconceived perceptions about India by providing a comparison between horror stories she's heard from friends before leaving and the true reality of living in India. 

Picture of a building with a fence known as Cherington Place, a nursing home located in Surrey, British Columbia.
My Experience Volunteering at the Nursing Home

Several days ago, I was able to visit Cherington Place with my friends, a nursing home located in Surrey.  Our task was to keep the elderly company, so we made them cards and cookies, and prepared performances to keep them entertained (offering our time, treasures, and talent).

Kwon
Simon Kwok: Working at RIM

From working at RIM (Research In Motion) for a year before graduating, SIAT convocation speaker Simon Kwok shares the bits and bytes of his Co-op work experience as an interaction designer in Toronto.

Handmade clothing
A Little More About Destiny Reflection

Looking to find out more about Destiny Reflection and all the opportunities they have to offer? Here are some details on who the foundation is, how they came about and what their plans are for the future. Come take a peak! 

Children sitting on a fully decorated float
The Liminal Moment: Our Arrival to India

This is where it all begins. Four SFU Health Sciences Co-op students share their incredible journey to India as they land in Mumbai, one of India's largest cities. Along with some new friends, Lindsay, Martyna, Silvia and Christine take a quick tour of Mumbai before heading off to Kolkata.

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