Robin's work term with KPMG was filled with exciting clients, top-notch teammates, and continuous learning in a challenging and changing business arena. They decided to article with KPMG during the Auditing busy season which runs from January to April. The busy season is always daunting, and in particular, starting a Co-op work term during one was terrifying. Read Robin's experience to learn more about KPMG!
Many are aware of the multitude of benefits Co-operative Education has to offer. However, some fail to consider the less obvious but equally important advantages. Co-op is a significant means of determining where you belong and where you fit in the world of work.
Working internationally can open new career doors, offer opportunities to travel, and even lead to a permanent position - just ask Safia Kassam, SFU Kinesiology Co-op student.
SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB) In this article, the second in the series, Kayla shares her experience of heat stroke in the Kalahari Desert.
SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB). In this article, the first of a series, Kayla shares her insights, experiences and reflections of working in a Hospice with HIV/AIDS patients in Gaborone, Botswana.
SFU Co-op student Neil Nunn may be the one grain of rice that can tip the scale toward improving the earth. His determination shines through both of his self-directed work terms: first with Nechako Reforestation in Prince George and most recently working in Ghana with a local community school.
Neil Nunn, a third year Geography student specializing in environmental studies is passionate about environmental, developmental and social justice issues. In this article, the second of a series, Neil discusses the issue of deforestation and shares his co-op adventures at a community school in Ghana.
Neil Nunn, a third year Geography student specializing in environmental studies is passionate about environmental, developmental and social justice issues. In this article, the second of a series, Neil discusses the issue of deforestation and shares his co-op adventures at a community school in Ghana.
Neil Nunn, a third-year Geography student specializing in environmental studies is passionate about environmental, developmental and social justice issues. In this article, the second of a series, Neil discusses the issue of deforestation and shares his co-op adventures at a community school in Ghana.
The Canada Prospects Youth Research Team crossed the country to discover what job seekers like you need to know about employment in Canada. Read on to learn the answers to your most common questions.
Ly Viet Vu recently completed his undergraduate degree in the field of Computing Science. Ly shares how his term with Co-op Japan altered his career path, providing him with the confidence to relocate to Viet Nam and establish his own business.
If you're interested in an international Co-op internship experience, you'll be happy to hear that there are resources available to help you finance your trip. International Co-op Coordinator Amy Lee answers questions about the International Co-op Award.
From weekend getaways to the Alps, to challenging engineering work for Daimler, Sanaz Jahanbakhsh had an amazing experience on her international co-op term in Germany. Read on to find out more about the work placement that put her time-management, communication skills and travel savvy to the test.
On her 6 month international co-op term, based in Sindelfingen, Germany, Sanaz Jahanbakhsh worked on a sophisticated electro-engineering project for Daimler. Find out how her work has contributed to an effort that will save lives on the road.
SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB) In this article, the first of a series, Kayla shares her insights, experiences and reflections of working in a Hospice with HIV/AIDS patients in Gaborone, Botswana.
Make a great first impression at your new workplace by following some of the tips provided by Co-op staff. It’s your time to shine so make this work term your best!
Like most grads, I wanted to see the world after I finished my degree. But with student loan debt and not a lot of savings, I knew that I would have to work and travel in order to fulfil my dream of seeing the world!
Adam Keizer, an Environmental Science major, was one of the nominees for the 2006 SFU Co-op Student of the year. In the following article, Adam provides a personal account of his experience on a Co-op term in the rocky tundra of the far north, housed in a camp with only thirty other people.
While life in Kootenays may bear the reputation of being laid back, Co-op student Adam Brayford finds that within the realm of emergency communications, the province's warmer region is abuzz with activity.
Interviewing frequently with TV, radio and print news media, seeing the province’s most beautiful locations by plane or helicopter, taking part in a job where the stakes are high and the responsibility is great: Highlights of the BC Forest Service Co-op experience. Check out a day in the life of a Fire Information Officer.
Co-op has sent me touring the province of BC in a branded Toyota Prius, pouring my creativity into written works at SFU Burnaby, and soon, it will send me to Southeastern BC where I will practice Media Relations. For me, this has resulted from fully taking advantage of all the services SFU Co-op has to offer. Read on to hear my tips on having a successful Co-op experience.
Not only does China have a fantastic reputation for employing many Simon Fraser University co-op students each year, this global giant has a culture steeped in superstition and lore.
Do you have a specific country you would like to live and work in? Is there a specific language that you would like to learn? If you have specific international intentions, a self-directed International Co-op is likely the best fit for you. Read on to find out how you can begin searching for a self-directed work term.
The OLC happily presents the following as Craig Vandermeer’s first interview with the OLC after his return from Uganda Fall Semester 2010. Having finished his undergrad at Carleton University with a degree in Political Science, he is continuing his education here at SFU in the International Studies Master’s program.
In her final edition to the series, Kerri Jang finds herself reminiscing about her top memorable moments in Moldova. From an all-night fishing trip to at times being the only person of Asian descent on the scene, Kerri heads home with more than just memories.
Journey through Moldova with BPK student Kerri Jang in this five part series. In this article, Kerri moves from the city into a village in Moldova, she finds herself surrounded by animals and fruit trees as she lives with a host family, while organizing wheelchair basketball and tennis through The Motivatie Association.
Journey through Moldova with BPK student Kerri Jang in this five part series. In this article, Kerri was able to observe her first real-life surgery. Read on to find out what this experience was like!
Part two of the series finds Kerri Jang, volunteer with Projects Abroad, spending time in a city of parallels; Chisinau, in Moldova. Having never experienced a surgery before, Kerri ventures into unknown territory during her adventures in some of the city's hospitals.
In the fourth and final entry of her series, Kali reflects on her final weeks in India working at Destiny and the Socio Legal Aid and Research Training Centre, as well as taking time to travel and appreciate all that India has to offer before heading home to Canada.
In the third entry of her series, Kali is getting comfortable with the daily routines of living and working in Kolkata, India. Through her research into adolescent health, she developed and delivered workshops for young women on nutrition and exercise.
In the second installment of her series, Kali encounters some of the challenges of an international Co-op term. Find out how her determination led her to an amazing experience with Socio Legal Aid and Research Training Centre in India.
Journey through Moldova, a small country situated between Romania and Ukraine with Kerri Jang as she volunteers with a medical project in Moldova's capital and a care project in the nearby village of Vadul lui Voda this five part series. In this article, Kerri begins her journey in Moldova!
Kali Penney had three missions when she left on her volunteer co-op to India; to survive living in a developing country for 3 months, to learn about major health issues in Kolkata, India, and to complete work that will have a continuing impact long after she has left the country. In her first article, Kali recounts her arrival in India and introduction to the local culture.
In her third year as a Communication major, Sheena Rupani returns home to Mumbai, India and proves that an SFU student has what it takes to compete on the international marketing scene. In a setting where high stakes rely on time management and clear cross-cultural communication, this international co-op celebrity takes self-directed study to the next level.
Whisk your imagination off to the world’s smallest continent and the sixth largest land mass on Earth. Not to mention a great place to do a Co-op semester. Meet: Australia!
Is your career portfolio feeling a little outdated? Tune in to a local makeover phenomenon that's taking the job market by storm: SFU Co-op. Communication Major Jessica Doherty knows first hand what co-op can do for building confidence, contacts, and a killer resume. Read on to follow her on her journey from drab to high profile.
For Laura Lush's fourth Co-op work-term she had the opportunity to work with Tamwood International College in beautiful Whistler, BC. Read about her experience here.
Co-op Japan: 9 months in Japan can seem like a long time away from the comforts of SFU. But as we all know, if you’re having fun, time flies. For Duncan Chan, all he saw was time fly as he experienced life in Japan like no other. He worked his Co-op work terms, developed friendships, and gained new skills he can utilize in the future – everything he did in Japan was that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and he took it until the very end.
Read about David Moloney, the Executive Vice President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and someone who "“…can’t decide what he wants to do when he grows up,” as he shares with us his experience working in government.
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) is known as a hub for innovation and technology in Asia. The following article is a translated excerpt from Takungpao, featuring Simon Fraser University students on international work terms at HKSTP.
Q & A's with Autumn Mochinski, a student who participated in a funded international placement with the PAHO/ WHO to prepare an assessment of social determinants and health and Tuberculosis in Lima, Peru.
Tired of the same ol Vancouver scene? Want to travel, but think you cant because your student bank account is plummeting somewhere in the negatives? If you said yes to both these questions, sounds like youre suffering from a classic case of travel bug blues. But dont worry, theres a simple solution to your ailment. Start searching for co-op jobs out of town!
While Switzerland is a great place to travel and eat, its more than just a land of cheese, chocolates, and msli! Its also a great place to work and study, allowing students gain experiences of a lifetime!
Welcome to Office Life 101. A wealth of friendly advice for the first time or inexperienced co-op student, and some advice as to what is required of you to not only survive, but to flourish in an office environment.
Mila Lukic, who immigrated to Canada from Serbia with her family at age 16, convocated this June with a B.Sc. in molecular biology, biochemistry and business administration with First Class honours. During her time at SFU, she completed four Co-op work terms including an international placement in Scotland for the Encouraging Global Dynamic Entrepreneurs (EDGE) program. Learn more about her achievements and experiences here.
Trying to decide whether devoting your time to a club or professional association is right for you? Public Relations Executive, IABC member and former Communication Co-op student Stephanie Vicic gives insight into the value of pursuing the extracurricular. Read on!
Classroom, volunteer and Co-op experience led SFU Alumus Josh Pablo to an exciting and challenging position with VANOC, preparing for the 2010 Olympic Games. Read on for more about Josh’s road to 2010 and for more on volunteering for VANOC.
Being an arts and social sciences student means having a vast variety of career options open to us. One of them being a treaty negotiator at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)! Read Ryan's blog to find out more about what this position entails.
Through Arts Co-op, I landed a position which has helped me bridge the gap between education and the workforce, and has also provided me with valuable experience working in the Canadian public service.
Upon graduation in June 2008, Kaili Rand had achieved the highest cumulative GPA in her faculty, maintained a balance between her schoolwork and volunteering, and has been accepted into medical school. Did I also mention she’s a Co-op student?
Famous for its windmills, clogs, bicycles, tulips and liberal policies, the Netherlands is a fantastic destination for students to gain work experience in one of the leading European economies!
Enrich your life experiences while working on an international Co-op placement. Learn life-long skills that French culture offers which can be transferred into the Canadian work environment and education.
Alex Briede, a Molecular Biology and Biochemistry student, convocated this June. Along with his BSc, he received a Co-op designation on his degree for his five Co-op work terms! Read all about his experiences and why he recommends joining the Co-op program.
When Adam accepted the position of Fire Information Officer for the BC Forest Service, he knew that the job might entail long hours, a steep learning curve and a major lifestyle adjustment. What he did not know was that the whole experience would set off with a week at firefighter boot camp. Read Adams story about surviving bootcamp.