While initially applying for co-op positions during my seeking semester, I was specifically intrigued by this position as I always wanted to contribute to a bigger cause – in this case, that includes helping connect students with employers in the industry to gain valuable skills and professional work experience. The Business Co-op Department plays such a significant role in the academic and professional development of SFU students, and being in the HR & Marketing Assistant position, I was able to input my knowledge and skills to contribute to the value of the department.

As a student always looking for challenges and opportunities for growth, I saw the HR & Marketing Assistant position as a way for me to expand my verbal and written communication skills, my technical skills including the use of software such as Access, Excel, and Campaigner, and further my knowledge of working in a professional business environment which I had not previously experienced.

The main skills and knowledge I will take away from this position are my ability to prioritize tasks, my ability to communicate clearly, precisely, and effectively, and my solidified interest in the field of Human Resources. As the HR & Marketing Assistant, there is a large workload that comes along with the role, and it is crucial to learn and adapt to prioritizing tasks and creating a schedule to ensure deadlines are met. It was important for me to keep a schedule and to-do list to ensure that both employers and students are receiving assistance within the co-op process in a timely manner. With the volume of inquiries, job postings, interviews, and job offers to extend, it is necessary to develop the ability to communicate clearly but also precisely.

As much communication in this role is through email with students and employers, I developed a way to ensure my messages would be interpreted clearly while also making sure that there was a professional aspect. Lastly, my co-op experience has been so valuable in that it has helped me solidify my interest in the field of Human Resources as I greatly enjoy connecting people within an organization and ensuring that students are receiving opportunities to grow professionally and academically. The opportunity to work alongside the amazing and supportive Business co-op team has made my experience extremely positive and I will value every skill I have gained from this role!