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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
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Did your Co-op Term Confirm your Career Path? It’s Okay If It Didn’t.

If you are anything like me, one reason that you might have applied for Co-op was because of the many success stories that you've read and heard about. While these stories can be so inspiring and motivating, I have realized that it’s also important to remember that it’s okay to come out of a Co-op term still unsure of what you may want to do. Continue reading to learn about what I learned after my first Co-op work term.

A headshot of Rifayat against a white background.
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. 

Two people using a computer in a top-down point of view.
From Volunteering to Working: How My Volunteer Experience Helped Me Land a Job That I Love!

Wondering how to land a co-op job that you enjoy with no experience? Volunteer! My volunteer experience with the SFU Health Peers translated into a co-op job with the Canadian Mental Health Association. Keep reading to find out how volunteering can lead to a full-time job!

New Westminster's Pattulo Bridge at night.
Placemaking at My Urban Planning Co-op

How rewarding it is to be able to work for the city you live in? As an immigrant, it was a unique way of strengthening ties with my new city and gain work experience at the same time. 

A multitude of stepping machines in a gym.
7 Tips for Overcoming Your Fear of Going to the Gym

They say starting is the hardest part, but how do you start? How do you overcome that initial fear and anxiety of the gym? Read SFU Recreation's blog to find out some tips to help get you motivated.

Audrey Heath posing in front of a red mosaic
Communicating Indigenous Narratives

As the Communications Program Assistant at the Indigenous Student Centre at SFU it is my job to create content to share with students that not only promote our programs, but foster community. Read more to find out how it went!

A picture of Vancouver's Gastown while snowing.
Things to Do During Winter

It’s getting chilly outside, and you might feel like there’s nothing to do. Never fear, there are always options for fun here in Vancouver.

A picture of six smoothies of differing flavours.
The Endless Possibilities of Smoothie Making

Need to spice up your morning? No fear! This article by SFU Recreation gives us a few tips and recipes for perfect smoothies. 

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SEE Co-op: Look at Sustainability from a Different Perspective

SEE Co-op student - Jack Le has a very interesting experience working with one of the largest energy companies Baker Hughes as an engineering intern. Find out more about his journey in this article.

A person working at a laptop with a cup of coffee besides them.
Yes, You Can Have It All: A Post-Graduate Degree, Professional Experience, and Peer-Reviewed Research!

There's so many ways to do a Co-op! Read about Diana's experience with Mitacs and learn about how fellow graduate students get experience in their field.

woman holding a piece of paper with a laptop in front of her
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 photo of boots standing on wet leaves
Finding Positivity in Your Everyday Life: How to Deal with the Changing Seasons

Spring forward, fall back – daylight savings time has taken effect again, and we're in for a long, cold winter. Read our tips on how to see the bright side of things during such a dark time.

Open laptop, pen, and clipboard on a table. Paper on clipboard reads "my resume".
Imposter Syndrome and Finding My Confidence With Co-op

Michael joined SFU’s Co-op program during his first year and quickly realized one thing as he began the job search process: projecting confidence and composure are key to showing your best points and skills. Continue reading to learn more about how Michael dealt with imposter syndrome and found his confidence with Co-op. 

Eight people in a circle cheering.
Ways to Stay Active in the Summer: Team Sports Edition

Team sports are a great way to have fun with friends, especially when the weather is nice during the summer. However, it isn't always easy to organize or find the people, space, and equipment. That's why we would like to help you out. With this blog we will discuss some of the different teams and drop-in leagues throughout the Lower Mainland that you can join!

Five members of the SAH Network, two sitting and three standing.
A Social Innovation Seed Fund Guest Blog: South Asian Healing (SAH) Network

The South Asian Healing Network is a group dedicated to the wellness of South Asian students at SFU and is a 2021 SFU Social Innovation Seed Fund recipient. Read on to hear about the group's philosophy and goals for the future!

Two people sitting at a table with masks on.
The New Normal: Transitioning Back to In-Person Meetings

 As you initiate or continue your time as an SFU student or employee, there are a lot of important things to consider when returning to public spaces. Whether it be large-scale activities or one-on-one meetings, we have you covered. 

A portrait of Hanna at a conference, with a nametag on.
Finding a Place in the Fight for Climate Justice

Read Hanna Araza's piece on her experience with SFU's Semester in Dialogue program to learn about how you can involve your passions with your work! 

Three SFU students standing in front of a laptop.
Six Tips to Make the Most of Your Undergraduate Degree at SFU

The undergraduate experience is what you make of it – whether you volunteer, do research, join Co-op, or just go to class. Read on for more tips on how to make the most of your time at SFU.

A woman lying on her back in a field with roses and a phone next to her.
How to be Mindful

Are you feeling frazzled? Do you have a lot of fatigue or forgetfulness? It may be time to take action and bring yourself back to balance with a self-care tool like mindfulness. 

Three people riding their bikes down a road.
Ways to Stay Active in the Summer: On Wheels Edition

Looking for a new adventure on wheels? Read more for some local suggestions from SFU Recreation!

A person serving soup to people in line.
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.

A picture of a canyon and a lake.
Ways to Stay Active in the Summer: Hiking Edition

BC offers so many amazing hiking opportunities whether it is a 1-day hike or a weeklong backpacking trip. Learn more about what you need to prepare for your next hike.

An illustration of a bunny with text all around them, representing different life paths such as trade school, uni or college, and travel.
I’m Considering University and Panicking! What’s Next?

Louise Bindon shares their journey to SFU, dealing with uncertainty and cultural pressures to go to university, as well as their day-to-day as an undergraduate student. "Attending university has introduced me to like-minded and diverse groups of people. It teaches you about yourself, about employment and volunteer options, and about your community."

A portrait of Justine in an outdoor setting.
Co-op Work Experience Propels Economics Student's Career Trajectory

Even as a child, economics student Justine Mok loved helping others and she aspired to pursue a career that would allow her to make a meaningful difference. Read on to see how she used her time at SFU Economics to fuel her future.

A woman in a gym standing in front of a weight rack.
ABC's of Setting up a Home Gym

Want to start doing home workouts? Check out SFU Recreation's blog on tips for setting up your workout space and how to get started.

Four silhouettes on a beach with a sunset behind them.
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. 

A person in a wetsuit surfing a wave.
Ways to Stay Active in the Summer: Water Sports Edition

With an abundance of beaches and lakes on the West Coast, there are lots of different activities that you can do outside while staying cool. Here are some of our recommendations for ways to stay active in the summer, water sports edition:

Aleisha Fernandes, Michelle Lam, Alisha Rana
The Student Experience From a Retired Commuter Student

Aleisha shares her experience as a commuter and how it helped shape her university experience and how it helped her in her studies.

An illustration depicting many people exercising in a park.
The 5 Components of Fitness

Keeping a well-rounded fitness approach is important for overall physical health. Focusing on the 5 components of fitness can help with this.

Painted sign of the sun and blue skies that says "Burnaby"
What Is It Really Like Working For a Non-Profit?

I have always wanted to work at a non-profit organization. While my main objective during my first Co-op term was to gain experience in the Communication field, that goal to work at a non-profit had always remained in the back of my mind. Keep reading to learn more about my experience working for a non-profit. 

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