Orientation and First Weeks
Amidst the uncertainty, I received acceptance into the work-study term program. While my excitement was tempered, it was a step forward. Simultaneously, I continued to attend interviews for the co-op program, though my optimism wavered. Then, in a surprising turn of events, I received two emails on the same day that changed the course of my journey.
First, I received confirmation to work with a supervisor in the work-study term program. Though not my dream opportunity, it was a start. Later that day, a second email arrived from my co-op coordinator, bearing the news I had longed for: I had secured a position for my first co-op term in the coming fall. In that moment, joy and gratitude washed over me. I reflected on the challenging times that had broadened my perspective, enabling me to find the silver lining in every complex situation.
Day to Day
My daily routine throughout my co-op experience was meticulously planned and well-organized. I initiated each day by checking my email and messages on Microsoft Teams, ensuring that I stayed abreast of any new information or overnight changes. This practice is highly commendable as it enables you to stay informed and preempt any potential issues that might arise later.
Next, I start reviewing my daily meetings to maintain organization and attend each one punctually. Every Monday, I participated in a team meeting with my colleagues, which was dedicated to reflecting on the tasks from the previous week and discussing upcoming assignments. This meeting proved incredibly beneficial for understanding and delineating the tasks each team member would be handling.
Learning and Adaptation
Adapting to my new work environment was a crucial factor that allowed me to successfully transition into my new role. Beginning my journey at SFU was an inspiring experience for me, as I was already familiar with the university atmosphere. This familiarity made me eager to immerse myself further, knowing that SFU provided a comfortable and secure work environment. This assurance was essential, as it alleviated any concerns, I might have had in a different workplace setting.
The support and resources I received from my colleagues and supervisor were invaluable. However, what truly enhanced my learning experience was my ability to ask in-depth questions and learn from the experiences of others. From my very first day, I learned how to pose meaningful questions to the right people, enabling me to extract valuable insights and expand my knowledge. Additionally, being sociable and outgoing with my team members was immensely helpful in fostering connections. I built strong social relationships with all the co-op students, extending our interactions beyond university meetings to informal gatherings for lunch or coffee. These interactions not only enriched my professional network but also contributed to a positive and collaborative work environment.
Accomplishments and Challenges
During my initial three weeks on the job, many aspects were unclear. My original supervisor, who hired me, had to take some time off, leaving me without clear guidance. Additionally, other staff members were uncertain about the projects I would be handling and the specifics of my role. This ambiguous start presented a challenge for me as I attempted to find my footing and thrive in my first co-op position.
However, in the second week, I was temporarily assigned to work with another supervisor. Despite the short duration, I decided to dive in and start working. Surprisingly, this experience proved immensely beneficial, enabling me to adapt to my new environment and gain diverse work experiences by collaborating with two different supervisors.
On a positive note, two of my significant accomplishments in this role include honing my content writing skills and refining my ability to tailor my writing for various audiences, such as students, alumni, and the university community. Additionally, I gained valuable experience working with Adobe Experience Manager (AEM,) a Content Management System utilized by SFU for its websites. I successfully completed numerous tasks on AEM, showcasing my proficiency in utilizing the platform effectively. Throughout my co-op term, I have amassed a diverse range of experiences across various facets that will undoubtedly shape my future career. One significant takeaway has been the cultivation of effective teamwork and active participation in group projects. This has not only honed my ability to collaborate seamlessly with other members but has also instilled in me the understanding of the immense value of being a team player in any professional sector.
In addition to fostering teamwork, I have markedly enhanced my time management skills. Juggling multiple projects with stringent deadlines was a common occurrence, and I successfully met all deadlines which empowered my ability to do multitasking work, especially in navigating the challenges encountered during my inaugural co-op journey.
Furthermore, my experiences encompassed a wide array of tasks, including content writing, drafting, editing, and utilizing AEM. These skills align seamlessly with my career interests and aspirations. The exposure to AEM has been enlightening, providing me with a deeper understanding of its functionalities. I am confident that the skills acquired in this position.
