In addition to applying for positions from our online co-op postings, co-op students are encouraged to create their own co-op work term specific to their unique interests and career goals with a new employer contact.    

A new contact is an employer who has not previously posted a job with the SFU Co-op program. 

Through creating your own self-directed work term, you will develop targeted job search skills that you will need after graduation.  You will be supported by your co-op coordinator through this process.    

We encourage every student to make a self-directed work search a part of their total co-op experience.  

A $100 SFU Bookstore gift card will be awarded to eligible students in recognition of their role in securing their own co-op job.

Student must register as a co-op student to receive co-op credit.  If you are not already in co-op, you may be eligible to fast track your entry into co-op through creating your own Self-Directed Work Term.

• The employer must be a new contact
• The position must be full time, 12-16 weeks, minimum of 420 hours/semester  
• The work term must pay at least minimum wage  
• The employer must provide on-the-job supervision and training
• The work environment should be one that encourages you to learn new skills and is related to your studies

• Student submission of a work report, student self-evaluation form, and supervisor evaluation form
• Student and employer participation in a 1-hour site visit during work term with your Co-op Coordinator
• Student registration in the approved self-directed work term practicum course (and registration of any extensions)
• Student and/or employer reporting of any problems or issues that may come up during the work term to the co-op office so that these can be addressed in a timely manner
• Co-op employers to comply with federal and provincial employment standards and human rights codes
• Student professional and personal conduct on the job

Employers are busy people; respect their time by preparing ahead of time what you will say or discuss. Indicate that you are a co-op student exploring the possibility of a co-op position within their organization.  Discuss your approach with your Co-op Coordinator in advance.  They will be able to assist you with ideas of how to approach an employer, provide a letter of support and can follow up with the employer to explain the co-op program in more detail. If an employer is interested in meeting you, treat it like a formal interview by:

• Doing research on the organization and industry ahead of time 
• Dressing as you would for a formal interview
• Bringing copies of your resume
• Asking for contact names if there do not appear to be immediate opportunities available
• Indicating that you will follow up with regard to future possibilities
• Sending a thank you note/email, acknowledging the time and information they gave you

Consult with a Co-op Coordinator before this stage

Complete the Self-Directed Work Term Application and submit to your home co-op program

Review the Co-op Student Guide, paying special attention to Partnership Responsibilities page. Partners include the student, employer, SFU Co-op and the University 

A $100 SFU Bookstore gift card will be awarded to eligible students in recognition of their role in securing their own co-op job. If the Self-Directed placement is for a double (ie. 8 month) work term, the student will be eligible to receive a gift card at the end of each of the two 4-month terms. Awards are subject to available funding.

In order to qualify for the gift card:

• The role must meet the Self-Directed Work Term Criteria (see above).
• The student must register in the correct co-op practicum and pay the practicum fees.
• The student must achieve a Pass in the co-op practicum course.

Awards are subject to available funding.