Political Science Co-operative Education Program
SFU provides a terrific opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience as part of their undergraduate and graduate degree programs. You can spend up to four terms of your degree in placements with a variety of employers. Not only will you get a chance to apply your academic skills in a practical setting, but you will likely improve your chances of finding a good job after you have finished your degree.
"Co-op" is an international model of enriched education, which integrates a student's academic studies with related work experience. The name reflects the co-operative relationship between the educational institution, the employer, and the student in realizing the program's objective.
The program is committed to providing quality opportunities, service and relevance to the needs of both the workplace and the student body. Following SFU's academic trimester system, students are available for full-time, paid work terms year-round, for four or eight months, beginning any term.
A survey of Arts and Social Sciences Co-op alumni who graduated between 1992-2000 found that 85% received job offers prior to, or just after, graduation. And, 65% of those offers came either from a former Co-op employer or from contacts made while in a Co-op placement.
Information sessions are held on campus, and applications are submitted, at the beginning of each semester. Accepted students then proceed through the job competition process, as administered by the coop-coordinators. Counselling on interview skills, resume development, and possible career paths, helps students prepare for their co-op programs.
Undergrad Students
Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) - Research Assistants, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) - Environmental Policy Analyst, BC Ministry of Education - Writer/Researcher, Special Education Unit Peppy Kids Club, Japan - English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, Lion's Gate Rotary Club - Community Events Assistant, Western Economic Diversification - Client Services Assistant
Grad Students
CBC Television - Researcher, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada - Policy Analyst BC Hydro - Major Projects Assistant
For further information please contact: tel: 291-5839 or email: cmcrosby@sfu.ca)
The Arts and Social Sciences Co-op website is Arts and Social Sciences Co-op