Day to Day
As a Design and Research Assistant at SFU Co-op, my day-to-day experience was both rewarding and engaging. Here is a glimpse of what a typical day looked like:
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Monday Morning Briefings: Every Monday usually started with morning briefings, where I met with my supervisor to discuss the tasks for the week, ongoing projects, and any upcoming deadlines.
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Project Work: The majority of my time was dedicated to working on various design and research projects. This involved conducting previous projects review, data analysis, and creating design prototypes.
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Meetings and Discussions: Throughout the day, if there is a meeting scheduled, I would participate in them for project updates, seeking feedback, and sharing progress.
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Skills Development: In addition to project-related work, I dedicated time to enhancing my skills and knowledge through self-directed learning. This continuous learning aspect was an integral part of my day-to-day experience.
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Documentation and Reporting: Keeping track of progress and documenting the work done were essential aspects of my role. I regularly updated project reports, research findings, and design iterations.
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Breaks and Relaxation: While the work was challenging, there were moments to take short breaks and unwind. Taking breaks helped me stay refreshed and maintain productivity throughout the day.
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Reflecting and Goal Setting: At the end of each day, I would take time to reflect on my accomplishments, challenges faced, and areas for improvement. Setting goals and tasks for the following days helped me stay focused and motivated.
Overall, my day-to-day experience at SFU Co-op was enriching, providing me with a balance of creativity, research, and skill development. It was an opportunity for personal and professional growth that I will always cherish.
Accomplishments and Challenges
During my co-op experience, I accomplished strengthening my technical skills, such as, analytics, research, information deliverance, branding, and marketing collateral. As a designer, a major challenge I faced was finding the right balance between creativity and practical constraints, considering factors like functionality, branding guidelines, and requirements, which at times limited my creative ideas. Successfully managing these priorities required thoughtful decision-making and effective communication with colleagues.
Cultural and Environmental Observations
During my time at SFU Co-op, I observed a strong sense of community where everyone seemed as close as friends, fostering an environment of trust and mutual support. This camaraderie encouraged open communication, allowing individuals to share ideas freely and collaborate effectively. This sense of unity not only enriched the learning experience but also created a supportive network where everyone could rely on each other for guidance and encouragement.
