Skip to main content
Beedie School of Business
SFU Co-op Student

Crystal Fung at work
A few tips that I would like to share based on my co-op experience as a manager.

Five years ago, I would have never imagined that I would become a manager so early on in my life. Reflecting on the moments when I first began to think of searching for a part-time job, many of my high school buddies suggested working in retail stores, such as McDonald’s or Aritzia. I almost decided to send in my application but realized that it was not something I was interested in.

My passion for music was what influenced me to work at Showcase Academy, a subsidiary of Showcase Pianos. Unlike other typical teenagers, I continued working with the same organization from the time I was sixteen, until today. Two years ago, I was promoted to become an academy administrative assistant manager at Showcase Academy. However, as I was working part-time while being a full-time student, I was restricted to a limited amount of work responsibilities. Therefore, I decided to work there as a co-op student instead, with the expansion of a second location of the organization in Vancouver in order to further explore my interest in human resources.

Now reminiscent of these past seven months of my co-op experience, I realize this distinctive opportunity of working full-time as a manager has allowed me to develop confidence, professionalism, leadership skills, and enhance my management abilities. Here are a few tips that I would like to share based on my co-op experience as a manager:

It is Okay to Say “No” 

Everyone has a different threshold when it comes to stress and the number of tasks they can handle. Sometimes it is smart to notify your supervisor when you are feeling overwhelmed by work and would like some support and assistance. Management will not be aware of your problems unless you talk to them, especially if you are new to a work environment. I appreciate it when my colleagues ask me for help, and it makes it easier for me to do the same. There is a phrase that I was taught at work: “we are a team, so always remember that you are not alone”.

Ask Questions and Clarify 

As a manager and supervisor, I find it productive for junior employees to ask questions for clarification purposes prior to performing allocated tasks. This ensures that they fully understand what is being asked and are able to perform the tasks set out for them. This also allows supervisors to know that the employees are trying their best to perform by clarifying any confusion. For myself, I realize it is challenging to absorb information by simply listening to what others tell me, which is why I find it helpful to conduct a role-play exercise with junior employees. Also, when one asks questions during roleplay, they are able to retain information well.

Build a High Tolerance Level 

A common aspect among all industries and workplaces these days is stress and frustration among employees. It is normal to experience a “bad day” at work, just as long as you learn how to overcome it. Sometimes I encounter complicated situations where a demanding parent is yelling at me on the phone, asking me to fulfill their impossible request while I try to run around and complete other urgent tasks. At times like these, I often joke around with my colleagues by saying “I wish to have a clone of myself so that I can be more efficient.” While it can be challenging to deal with such problems and to move past them, it is always wise to leave work-related stress at work before going back home.

Further, being the youngest employer in the organization who has the face of a twelve-year-old, I have to be honest about the difficulty of being taken seriously at work. However, I have proved myself capable of being a manager throughout these years by demonstrating my hard work and strength to my employer while maintaining a level of sincerity and willingness to learn as I welcome everyone with a big smile on my face every day! 

SFU Co-op Student
Connect with Crystal on LinkedIn.
visibility  369
Aug 8, 2018

You Might Like These... Prospective, Professional Development, Career Exploration

Co-op students jumping in the air
The Co-op Connection Helps Retention

In this blog post, Heather shares with us why co-op is an important experience for all students, whether it be to further career aspirations or to gain future employment opportunities. 

author, courtney, smiling
A Second Term in Government: More of the Same?

Having completed my first work term for Health Canada as a Communications Officer Intern, I was eager to try something new, and the government was not where I believed that was going to happen. That is until I was offered a position at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada...

Working on campus
The 10 Minute Commute – Resources and Useful Information for Working on Campus

Have you ever thought about working in a place that you are familiar with?  Perhaps a Tim Horton’s close by? For many students the idea of working at SFU might be a great option, if you prefer a 10 minute jaunt to work after class or an opportunity to learn more about how a university operates.

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections

Group of SFU students posing in a corridor
Consulate Communication Builds Connections

Diana completed her first Co-op work term with the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver. Read on to find out how this experience has enhanced her skills! 

Paull standing beside the Google headquarters sign
My Long Journey Through Computing Science

Paul takes us on his journey as a Software Systems student and how a field trip helped to inspire him to greater heights eventually, helping him to land his dream job. His journey highlights the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity given to us as students.

white desk with open laptop, computer mouse, phone, notebook, and plant
Non-Profit, Start-Up or Corporate: What's Right for You?

Co-op can be an overwhelming process. You are entering a trial adult experience where you look for and apply for jobs. But what do you do when you are scrolling through the long list of job postings and a wave of companies and organizations blind your eyes? Continue reading to learn about Carissa's experience working for a variety of industries.