World literature student pursues SFU career in student engagement

Elda Hajdarovac, a competitive dressage rider, has ridden horses for 20 years. Naturally, she joined the Equestrian Club when she came to Simon Fraser University (SFU), but not just that—the sixth-year student joined multiple clubs, and describes her time at SFU as “super-involved.” Now working for SFU in Student Services, she hopes to continue her career at SFU upon graduation.

Hajdarovac intended to do a degree majoring in English when she first began her academic career, but partway through her first year, she discovered SFU’s World Literature program. That, combined with an accidental foray into Communication, compelled her to pursue her world literature degree with a minor in Communication.

“I enjoyed the freedom of SFU’s interdisciplinary approach to learning,” says Hajdarovac. “It was a big must-have for me.”

Hajdarovac served as co-editor-in-chief of SFU’s literary journal, The Lyre, which publishes work by undergraduate writers and artists and SFU graduates. She also served as the vice president of events for the World Literature Student Union. Coordinating the first World Literature Student Conference for over 150 people was one of her biggest successes at SFU.

Hajdarovac enjoyed working and collaborating with students in clubs, so she decided to pursue a co-op job within SFU and landed a position as the campus tour coordinator of SFU’s Student Central.

Her growing network of connections helped her land another co-op position as the Educational Outreach Coordinator in the School of Communication. Hajdarovac intends to work for SFU upon graduation, where she wants to pursue a career in student recruitment or engagement.

Hajdarovac is currently working at Student Services Communications as the social media assistant where she provides students with advice and information on events and opportunities through various social media channels.

“I would say my biggest takeaway is to get involved, make connections, and don’t be afraid to make your presence known on campus,” Hajdarovac says. “I didn’t realize how much establishing a presence on campus would help me in securing future employment.”