With the aim to engage in a variety of pursuits to determine my interests, I've done it all. From content writing and learning about social media marketing to developing my own portfolio, and submitting my work online to be published. I have also written technical documents, critical analysis papers, personal essays, and everything in between.
And based on my prior writing and learning experiences, I concluded that I am a strong writer who gravitates toward writing about subjects related to marketing and communications due to both my academic and personal interests in these fields.
Knowing what I wanted to specialize in allowed me to start making plans for my first Co-op term. In all honesty, getting your first Co-op term can be exciting and intimidating. However, with a little planning and effort, you can position yourself for success.
It's never too early to begin your Co-op job search. Begin by conducting research on companies and organizations in your field of interest, and then contact them to inquire about Co-op opportunities. Send out as many applications as you can. The more places you apply to, the better your chances of getting a job are.
Making connections is crucial when looking for an internship or a Co-op term. Get your name out there by visiting career fairs and networking with professionals in your field at events like these, as well as by asking your network for recommendations for jobs. The more connections you have, the more doors you can open for yourself that you might not have known existed otherwise.
It's important to put your best foot forward when applying for jobs. This means having a cover letter that is well-written and professional, a resume that is clear and to the point, and the ability to communicate well in interviews. To demonstrate why you would be an asset to the team, you should come prepared to talk about your qualifications, experiences, and future plans. One thing I did to prepare for the interviews was to schedule a meeting with my Co-op Advisor to prepare. In addition, I researched sample basic and behavioral interview questions online. Finally, but certainly not least, I made sure I had read the job description before the interview.
While knowing exactly what you want out of a Co-op placement is essential, keeping an open mind and being willing to learn from any experience is equally crucial. Be willing to consider jobs in different fields, locations, or different types of companies. You can never tell where an opportunity will lead you or what you'll learn in the process. I applied for the Technical Writer position, and to my surprise, I was interviewed despite having only a rudimentary understanding of the field. So do not hesitate to take chances!
Get the most out of your Co-op experience once you land one! Do not be afraid to try new things, to seek clarification, and to actively pursue ways to expand your knowledge and abilities. It is important to make the most of every opportunity that presents itself to you because participating in a Co-op is an excellent way to build your experience and your resume.
I have already finished my first semester working as an Internal Communications Assistant for the Communications and Marketing team at Simon Fraser University. And I cannot place enough emphasis on the things that I have learned thus far by being open to new opportunities and by seeking assistance when it is required.
Overall, it takes some work to land your first Co-op job, but the experience and skills you gain are well worth the effort. Get a head start, network, keep your cool, show some flexibility, and you will be well on your way to success!
In conclusion, my co-op experience was incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. The festive Christmas party named All that Glitters was a highlight of my time with the C&M team. Sparkles ruled the day, as you can see in the pictures!
Through working closely with my team, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and develop my professional skills. In addition to the wonderful Christmas parties and team bonding opportunities, I also had the chance to meet the president, Joy Johnson, during my time here. This was an incredibly valuable experience for me. This picture shows me and my teammates (all nervous and excited at the same time) standing by Joy.
Also, I had the exhilarating opportunity to be featured in a video for SFU's forthcoming big project. Participating in this was a thrilling experience that enabled me to display my proficiency and imagination in an exceptional and captivating manner. Here is me facing the lights and camera for the first time! In all honesty, I didn't have the guts to see the end result, but I have no doubt I had a good time working on it.
I am grateful for the chance to have been a part of this amazing team and for the support and guidance that I received from my colleagues and mentors throughout my work term here. Here is my awesome Internal C&M Team.
