Orientation and First Weeks
My first day at WorkSafeBC was beyond anything I could have imagined, gratitude filled me as I stepped into such an esteemed organization. Despite the commute from Burnaby to Richmond, which would have seemed long on any other occasion, the excitement kept me energized. Upon entering the office, I was greeted by my supervisor and my mentor, who would guide my progress throughout the semester. Their warm welcome, complete with decorated surroundings and thoughtful goodies, made me feel truly valued and affirmed my sense of belongingness. As I delved into the learning modules and familiarized myself with the organization in those initial weeks, my mentor, whom I deeply admire, patiently introduced me to the essential systems and gladly answered my myriad of questions during the first few weeks of training. With each passing week, I gained confidence and independence, eventually taking charge of cases and crafting my own schedule. This newfound autonomy not only instilled a sense of accomplishment but also provided an opportunity to showcase my capabilities and worth.
Day to Day
In my day-to-day at WorkSafeBC, I handled tasks like conducting open-source investigations, drafting reports, and updating my supervisor on my progress. Alongside these duties, I managed my schedule, attended team meetings, and chatted with colleagues but beyond the tasks, I prioritized building meaningful connections. It is about more than just working together; it is about fostering a supportive and empathetic atmosphere where we uplift and inspire each other every day.
Accomplishments and Challenges
Despite an enriching work term, I encountered some challenges, particularly in adjusting to the newfound freedom in managing day-to-day tasks. As a university student accustomed to structured accountability, the autonomy at WorkSafeBC posed a significant challenge for me. To address this, I reframed my perspective by considering each case as impacting real lives, fostering a heightened sense of accountability to the individuals and families involved. Additionally, to manage my work effectively, I implemented daily schedules and meticulous to-do lists, along with proactive questioning to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and my work goals
Social and Extracurricular Activities
At WorkSafeBC, a variety of social and extracurricular activities contributed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. From yoga and pilates sessions held throughout the week to 15-minute stretch breaks led by instructors, employees had opportunities to rejuvenate and stay active amidst busy workdays. Additionally, having access to our fitness center allowed for quick workouts before or after the workday. Beyond fitness activities, I was invited to a retirement party during my first week, which provided a chance to connect with other investigators and witness the strong sense of unity within the WorkSafeBC community, forming bonds akin to a workplace family.
