Skip to main content
Communication, Art + Technology › Communication
SFU Co-op Student

Kelly smiles next to a graphic that says, "Maximize Your Co-op".
Starting a new Co-op can be exciting, overwhelming and intimidating all at the same time. The key to flourishing in your new position is learning to maximize your work experience.

1.     Take initiative

Checked everything off your to-do list today? Now is your chance to pursue additional opportunities within the office. Broaden your professional skill set by taking on additional projects and gaining new experiences. Rather than twiddling your thumbs at your desk all day, let your supervisor know when you don’t have a lot on your plate and take the initiative to seek out new opportunities. Express your keen interest to learn by asking to sit in on meetings, work with different clients and shadow colleagues from different departments.

For example, every morning at the office, we hold a team-huddle to discuss daily goals, collaborate and communicate effective strategies. I take this opportunity to offer my colleagues a helping hand and take on new assignments, gaining exposure to all facets of the company. 

 2.     Request feedback

Constructive feedback is fundamental to the success of your Co-op. Check in with your supervisor throughout your work term to ensure that you are not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of your role. Half way through your co-op work term, an advisor will coordinate an on-site visit to check in with you and your supervisors on your progress thus far. Rather than waiting for that half-way period, take the initiative to approach your supervisor for feedback at an earlier stage in the game. Always be receptive and open to critique – feedback is invaluable.

 3.     Set Goals

The only thing more important than requesting feedback is learning how to receive it. Take note of the feedback you have received and create a list of professional objectives. Apply suggestions and strategies provided by your supervisor and keep track of what is most effective for you. I keep a journal to record the feedback I receive, the strategies I develop to apply said feedback and the final outcome to the novel approach I employ.

4.     Ask away

“The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge” – Thomas Berger

Tackle the unknown by asking questions. As a student you are not expected to be 100% confident and familiar with everything right off the bat - don’t be afraid to ask questions. Posed with a task you are unfamiliar with? Let your supervisor know! Gain a stronger grasp on the task at hand by asking your colleagues to further elaborate, explain or demonstrate. Whenever I am sitting in on a meeting or phone call, I jot down a list of questions for my supervisor that arise during the conversation. I find this to be the most effective way to catch on to new lingo, concepts or ideas that I am unfamiliar with.

5.     Network

Establish a strong working relationship with your supervisor and fellow colleagues within the office. Chances are, you will probably work with some inspiring people – given the appropriate opportunity, pick their brains! Grasp a more comprehensive understanding of what it takes to move forward in your industry by listening to everyone’s unique story. I am always fascinated to hear more about my colleague’s background and how they got to where they are today.  After you complete your co-op, stay in touch with your colleagues on LinkedIn.

Keep in mind that at the end of the day, your Co-op experience is entirely dependent on your efforts; you will only walk away with what you contribute to the role. It is ultimately your responsibility

SFU Co-op Student
Connect with Kelly on Twitter and LinkedIn
visibility  90
Jul 31, 2014

Posts by Author

A woman in business attire smiles confidently for the camera in Blusson Hall.
Blog
Samples Required - 5 Tips for Showcasing your Work

As a first-time Co-op seeker with little real-world work experience, it can be daunting to read the words ‘work samples required’ in a job posting. Here are 5 useful tips for showcasing your work at your next interview.

Dave and his father sit on lounge chairs at the beach. A straw umbrella shades them from the sun.
Blog
Advice From My Dad: Make Yourself Irreplaceable

In this entry of Dave's Diary, Dave shares another tidbit from his dad. Read all about how Dave learned to bring value to the workplace in an innovative way.

A partly cloudy sky sprawls above a grassy prairie field.
Blog
Discipline Beats Time Management

Could learning discipline be the key to effective time-management? Here's what Dave has to say.

You Might Like These... During the Work Term, Professional Development, Workplace Success, Workplace Transition, Communication

Co-op coordinator wth student during site visit
Make the Most of Your Co-op Site Visits

Your Co-op Coordinator, supervisor, and you in the same room -- time for a site visit! Co-op site visits are a time for reflection on your work term including what could be improved and what has been great so far.

person with their head in a book
Responsibility and Success

One of the most memorable parts of my time in co-op was the collection of accidents, errors, mistakes, and mix-ups that happened in the course of working in the laboratory.

 

Picture of Katelyn smiling
SFU Home to Canada’s Top Co-op Student

SFU Biology and Biochemistry Co-op student Katelyn Mueller was awarded the 2008 National Co-op Student of the Year award from the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education during National Co-op Week, March 23rd - 27th, 2009.

You Might Like These... Work Talk

Three people sitting outside and talking
Navigating a Naturally Extroverted World: The Introvert's Guide to the Communication Workplace

Being a Communication major, people tend to automatically assume you have this gargantuan, larger than life personality, and that you’re just a natural people-person. But what about those of us who are, what some might call, introverts?

A person on their computer at a work desk with a landline phone on the side
The Unteachable Skills

Beedie student, Alex Beechney, shares his experience in learning essential life skills such as decision-making, communication, and working under pressure during his Co-op work term at ACD Systems. 

The author and colleagues
Welcome Sessions, Onboarding, and the Handling of Snacks

Linh shares her experience working in the HR department of a biotech firm.