Preparation Tips for Future Students
The best way to prepare before starting your work term is to do some research about your company. Some of the things I have done to prepare are to look up the company's vision and mission, learn more about the things your company does and study your duties listed in the job posting. Preparing before starting your work will make your training and orientation from your supervisor go much smoother, as well as show your interest in working for their company. Also, be prepared to learn a lot as the knowledge and skills you acquire in school may differ substantially from what you will encounter in the workplace.
SFU library has a nice collection of books where you can read the methods and theories of any topic. Reading introductory texts such as journals or textbooks can help impress your coworkers as most new co-op students do not know much about the topic. Gaining a head start and familiarizing yourself with a topic can make you stand out and establish a good reputation.
My advice for future students in their job search is to consider volunteering for various fields. Personally, I volunteered in a research lab since I knew that I wanted to do research. But for others who may not know their interests, volunteering can help discover what you enjoy without the long-term commitment. Additionally, having volunteering experience also helps with building a stronger resume.