Anastasia Halapats

ANASTASIA HALAPATS: SFU CMNS STUDENT SHARES HER EXPERIENCE WITH THE CO-OP PROGRAM AND TRANSFER PROCESS

Before transferring to SFU in 2020, Communication student and Co-op Student Engagement and Event Planning Assistant with the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology, Anastasia Halapats found herself where many young students find themselves - in a place of uncertainty.

After beginning her studies in psychology at a local college, Anastasia found herself researching other institutions with more program opportunities and a bigger campus experience.  After discovering the Communication program and student opportunities at SFU, Anastasia says she finally made the decision to apply to the School of Communication.

“I decided to study communications at SFU to improve my writing and public speaking,” she explains, “I was anticipating a career in public relations and event planning.”

With the help of academic advisors, Anastasia was accepted to the School of Communication and ready to experience campus life. The initial transition from college to university was different than she expected, yet Anastasia says she learned a lot from the experience.

“I felt a lot of emotions like excitement and nervousness,” says Anastasia. “The online application was challenging but I’ve come to realise that people want to help you and make it easier for you.”

As classes returned to in-person learning, Anastasia started to look for ways to better connect with the SFU community and become more immersed in campus life. In her pursuit, she turned to her advisors and learned about the co-op program.

“My advisor shared what co-op was and the benefits of it,” she says. “She explained that a co-op allows you to gain work experience and qualifications with major companies before graduation.”

Anastasia says it was one of the best decisions she’s made in her academic career.

“I'm broadening my knowledge and I am able to work on my industry skills!”

In the co-op program, Anastasia has been able to explore passions in public relations and event planning, culminating in her current co-op position with the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology (FCAT) planning the 2023 FCAT Undergraduate Conference. The position has allowed her to make new connections and learn big lessons.

“I've connected with so many people within our workplace, who give me great tips about SFU and the classes that I'm in,” she reflects, “I feel like those connections are really important, especially after graduation. It's just great to have those industry connections.”

Though her academic career may not have ended up where she expected, Anastasia feels more positive about her experience and future than ever - a change she attributes to the many people who helped her and gave guidance along the way. To anyone else out there feeling uncertain about their own futures, she offers a few words of words of advice and encouragement.

“This is a learning experience for you, take it one step at a time. Don't feel like you can't ask questions or ask for help. Everyone here is wanting to help you. Do your research and book those advising appointments. Connecting with SFU is where I benefited most and gave me the push to transfer. Talking one-on-one with someone really helped me further my interest into applying. And I'm thankful that I did it. Because I've made so many friends, I'm experiencing coop, and I'm actually enjoying my classes.”

If you’d like to connect more with SFU and your fellow students, join Anastasia and FCAT on March 3^rd for the 2023 Undergraduate Conference (UGC). Details below.

About the UGC:

The UGC is an amazing opportunity to connect with grad students from your department, and with SFU alumni. As Anastasia explains, the speaking skills and the presentation skills you will gain from the conference are useful for your resumes and CCR, and the experience will be a great reference when you want to apply to grad school.

About the BC Transfer Guide:

The BC Transfer Guide is a resource for students to learn how they can move their credits from one post-secondary institution to another. They support many different transfer pathways for students, such as Block Transfer, Degree Partnership, Associate Degree and Program Specific Transfer. Find more info here.

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