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Communication

Communication

The bridge connecting you to success.

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Welcome

Welcome to Communication, one of the most integral professional skills anyone can further develop. Because communication is one of the top skills an employer is looking for, the following stories show how you can strengthen your communication skills, confidently convey your thoughts, and excel in any professional, academic, or personal setting. As you scroll through, you will be able to see how communication comes in a variety of forms such as interpersonal, non-verbal and intercultural, but is also the foundation of other important situations such as networking, public speaking and marketing.

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4 Reasons Why You Should Do Your Co-op with the SFU Co-op Program

Wondering what's it like to do a Co-op term with Co-op? If so, check out Sarah's experience working as the Digital Design and Communications Assistant for the SFU Surrey Co-op Programs, where she had had the opportunity to work with four different Co-op programs!

Three people on a Zoom call discussing a cosmetic product
Joanne Kim: Working in the Cosmetic Industry as a UI Designer

Ever wonder what it would be like to work in the cosmetics industry as a UI/UX Designer? If so, read more about Joanne's co-op experience with Three Ships Beauty!

7 people sitting around a table in a meeting
7 Ways to Have a Successful Meeting With Your Supervisor or Team

A big meeting is coming up at work and you have no idea how you will contribute in a way that is meaningful. Jacky went from anxious to ambitious during his co-op work term as a Student Researcher, learning the ins and outs of leadership and proactive participation in team meetings. Here are his 7 tips for preparing for your upcoming work gathering.

Illustration of 6 people talking in different languages
When English Isn’t Your First Language

“Gosh Roop! Are you really an international student? But you do not speak with an accent. Wow, I would have never guessed that.” Through anecdotes and introspection, Roop shares a compelling narrative of the struggles of why International students face challenges due to language barriers and biases.

A closeup of the Mail app
Writing a Professional Email 101

Former SLC English as Additional Language Peer Bessie W. returns with tips and tricks for writing a professional email. Just in time to help you reach out to your professor or TA to get clarification on those first assignments...

A woman standing with a cardboard box on her head
How to Navigate Student Mindset Traps

When students enter their first or second Co-op work term, there can be a risk of falling into student mindset traps. These are the habits we pick up as students that are detrimental to our professional performance and development. Read on to learn more about how Bowen learned to avoid student mindset traps after four Co-op semesters working for three different companies.

Girl standing next to sign that says "Schneider Electric", pointing at sign.
What it’s Really Like Working at a Multinational Fortune 500 Company

As a Marketing and Communications Intern at Schneider Electric’s Solar Business, I’ve gotten the opportunity to work with so many professionals around the world. Don’t worry, it’s not as stressful as it sounds. In this blog, I'll talk about some of the things I've learned while working for a multinational Fortune 500 company.

A young women with glasses is smiling in the camera.
Kayla Wu: Working as a UX/UI Designer in the Financial Sector

SIAT co-op student, Kayla Wu, describes her interesting job as a UX/UI designer at Remitbee. Remitbee is a financial organization whose mission is to “Spark the financial revolution by connecting people and money - across borders, currencies, and cultures and is currently looking to hire 15 co-op students for the Fall 2021 semester, so SFU co-op students seeking for a co-op placement this term are highly encouraged to apply.

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4 Reasons Why Administrative Work is Essential

While an often overlooked role, administrative work provides multiple opportunities for growth and skill development. Read on to learn from Nicole how the Co-op position she wasn't originally looking for (but found anyways!) taught her how to appreciate the Front Desk.

iPad, notebooks, camera, and graph over a neon background
3 Skills You Can Leverage to Land Your Dream Digital Marketing Co-op

If you’re like me and obsess over Instagram aesthetics, peruse like-minded communities on Twitter, or aspire to be TikTok famous, then you’ve probably considered a digital marketing career at some point and are ready to make your debut in the industry. Here are four Do-It-Yourself skills that will spice up your resume, helping you to leverage your digital marketing talents before your search for your Co-op opportunity!

A sad woman hiding her face in her hands
How my Co-op Job Stopped me from Apologizing (Especially When I Really Don’t Need to)

See how co-op student Marielle Juan learned how to break the cycle of over-apologizing from her first Co-op job experience. 

Two people facing each other from the knee down
Four Benefits of Being Part of a Mentorship Program

Does the word mentor scare you? Maybe you don't know what the word Mentorship even means! These are thoughts Bessie had before signing up for a mentorship program at their Co-op workplace. Read Bessie's article on the benefits of working with a mentor!

eight jackets hanging in order of the rainbow
4 Reasons You Won't Regret Working in Customer Service

After spending 5 years in retail, Sydney was ready to pursue a career related to her studies. Looking back, although there were trials and tribulations, her time in customer service was a spectacular triumph as she developed new ways of communicating, leadership skills, and other attributes that have propelled her professional and personal development. 

sun peaking through the trees
10 Tips on How to Navigate the Hiring Process: An Insider's Perspective

Nisha’s second work term as a curriculum and programming assistant on a hiring committee for Career and Volunteer Services made her realize that with so many qualified candidates, decisions are sometimes based on the tiniest details. Here are Nisha’s 10 tips for how to stand out from other candidates and the reasons why employer’s value them.

Soccer players playing in the rain
Improving your thesis statement

Hermine shares some tips on making your thesis statements more effective and in-depth.

Woman sitting on cliff, looking out at view of mountains and body of water
Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude: How I Found Value in All of My Internships

How you carry yourself in your working environment will determine your growth, achievements, and what kind of work environment you engage in. Read more about how Tiffany realized what she has made out of her experience is what ultimately defined her workplace.

person working on her laptop, sitting on the ground
How to Boost Your Remote Teamwork Experience During the Pandemic

As a university student, have you been having some trouble making remote teamwork fun and engaging? Des'ree shares what she's learned from her remote semester experience and provides some tips on how to improve the quality of your teamwork experience.

Picture of res team
Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting my Marketing Communication Co-op

In this article, James details a few things he wishes he knew when he was starting out in his Marketing Communication Co-op placement. Read more to find out what James' top tips for rocking a co-op as a first-timer are. 

Someone sitting on the floor by the window, typing on a laptop, with notebooks and coffee next to them
Four Things No One Will Tell You in a Co-op Term

Heading into your first co-op without a clue of what to expect? Read about some the the lessons Katheryna learned through her own co-op experience. 

Image of Sarah Kim standing in front of a mural
Practicing Resilience During the Pandemic

Sarah, the only design and marketing coordinator at her workplace, found herself in a tough spot when she had to shift to working from home. Here's what she learned on her journey to becoming resilient and adaptable while transitioning. 

a girl saluting in front of a statue
The Role of a Social Media Project Manager

Many of us have heard of a project manager, but few of us know what this role actually entails. In this article, Bethany details what an average day might look like as a project manager, and the many steps it takes to pull a project together.

the author working from home
Surviving the Shift to Remote Work: A Message from One Co-op Student to Another

Have you stopped commuting to work? No more walks to your favourite local coffee shop? Stuck at home working on your tiny laptop? Maria and her team are figuring out new ways for effective communication your teammates while staying sane. She realized that she's not the only student struggling while undergoing the shift. To learn more about the resources that helped Maria turned her hectic reality a bit more manageable and enjoyable, read on.

Man writing notes on paper at a desk with a macbook on the side
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Co-op

Thinking about doing a co-op term but not sure how to have a successful experience? Starting a co-op term for the first time can be daunting. Here are a few tips to make the best out of your co-op opportunity. 

a neon glowing building
Cultural Competence and Working Abroad

Have you landed an International Co-op work-term and begun preparing for your semester abroad? Surely, you have done your research and are aware of the cultural differences and nuances between where you are going, and your home country? If you haven’t, have no fear! This article is meant to help you understand the basic tips and tricks to adjust to the cultural differences in your new workplace, making your transition much easier.