Orientation and First Weeks
I had the opportunity to overlap with the previous co-op student which was extremely helpful. She was incredibly patient and I was able to see what a day in the position looks like. We went over current projects that she was working on and she demonstrated some of the more difficult tasks that I would have to do. She left a handbook about projects that were in the works, passcodes for all the social media accounts and instructions on how to conduct some of the tasks.
My boss was incredibly patient. We went through tasks together for the first couple of days so that I could see how things were done. After that I had full reign of tackling tasks by myself and would just show my boss before I submitted them. All of the faculty and staff were super welcoming. I had lessons from the tech crew to show me how to use the photography and videography equipment and they accompanied me to my first video series shoot to ensure that it went smoothly.
I also worked with the SFU engagement co-op student and together we got familiar with the office.
Day to Day
My day-to-day tasks involved administrative duties such as answering emails, attending meetings and scheduling sessions with people to create content. Most of my time was spent using Canva where I created graphics for upcoming events and newsletters. I was in charge of creating and posting content on our main social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. I worked on two video series: "Faculty Feature Videos" and "Comms Corner." These involved setting up times with faculty and students to meet and then film. For the "Comms Corner" I created a new question each week and then coordinated with undergraduate students to be interviewed. Once I had the footage, I was in charge of editing it into a format for reels on Instagram.
Other tasks that I had day-to-day were updating the CMNS website using AEM, helping faculty members create event graphics, using Hootsuite to schedule posts throughout the day, using Linktree to put links into our Instagram bio, using Instagram threads and creating a digital metrics report for the end of the semester.
The CMNS 50th Anniversary was our focus throughout the term. We had four keynote speaker talks, an alumni event and a two-day research symposium. I was in charge of creating the graphics for these events that were used for the posters, the event slideshow, the programs and the pamphlets. We had ads that were put on CBC to promote this event. I then attended a few and helped with registration, taking photos and helping the event run smoothly.
Some of the larger events that I was a part of this term were helping at Convocation, running the monthly Coffee Hour, helping prepare and run the seven CMNS 50th Anniversary events, the Faculty Headshot Day and doing the graphics for the honors' showcase.
Learning and Adaptation
There were many new tasks that I learnt during this position. It was nice because once I learned them, I had the opportunity to continue using the same platforms over the duration of the term. I had experience using Canva before, but it is a platform that I have used every day on the job. I have greatly improved my ability to use it and being able to download and resize different forms of my graphics. I have learnt how to use Hootsuite to schedule my posts and Linktree to put my URLs into the Instagram bio.
This was my first official office job and with that comes a lot of learning and adaptation in itself. It is new for me to sit at a desk all day, in my previous jobs I have always been on my feet. I would say that was one of the biggest adaptations to working in this position. I have gotten into the routine of constantly checking my emails, responding in a timely manner and attending professional meetings.
I have learnt a lot more behind the scenes about the School of Communication. All the staff that keep things running smoothly and getting on a first name basis with some of my professors. I have a better understanding of the School itself and this will be invaluable to me going forward in my degree.
Accomplishments and Challenges
One of my most notable accomplishments was creating the post that got the most amount of likes on the CMNS Instagram. I was able to track this achievement by conducting the monthly analytic report and comparing it to all the other posts. I have learned so much more about using social media and how to maximize engagement. Another accomplishment that I'm proud of is seeing all of the preparation for the CMNS 50th Anniversary events come into fruition. From the beginning of the term, we have been working on the graphics and socials for these events and then being able to attend the events and seeing them all in person is highly rewarding.
The two biggest challenges that I had to face in this position were using AEM and dealing with the TA strike. I was granted access to AEM but for some reason it would not let me access the functions that I needed. Because of this, I missed out on quite a bit of time that I could have spent learning it. Due to the loss of time I did not get to learn as much on the platform as I would have liked.
The TA strike was another obstacle that we had to overcome. We had to cancel our faculty headshot day and other events, which decreased our content production of the whole month. At times, it was difficult working partially from home and in the office because we could not get all the things done that we would have liked to. Once the strike ended, there were a lot of missed filming opportunities that could not be made up because everyone else was also behind.
Cultural and Environmental Observations
It was a transformative experience to be able to work with such a talented and driven group of professors. Being in a workplace where everyone is passionate about their work and on a high paced schedule is the kind of job that I would like in the future. The culture prioritized academia and the continuation of learning. Other environmental observations that I had about the faculty was that it always seemed like they were up for a healthy debate. The staff were all very friendly and just doing their best to support the faculty and students.
Social and Extracurricular Activities
The work group was quite social. We got to spend a lot of time together outside of work hours at all the CMNS 50th Anniversary celebrations. We would go out for lunch together at times, the staff would go to the dining hall or out for lunch. I had the chance to work with the outreach engagement co-op student and we spent a lot of time together in the lounge working on joint projects.
At the CMNS 50th Anniversary celebrations I was always working with the president of the CMNSU (Communication Student Union) and through this exposure I joined the student union. I am now a creative coordinator for this club and I wouldn't have been if not for this co-op.
Wrap Up
Nearing the end of the term I have been able to reflect on how much I have learnt. In wrapping up I have been in charge of putting all my files onto a one drive account so that they will be accessible after I leave, I must conduct a digital metrics analysis of all the social media accounts for the term and work on a handbook for the next co-op student. In writing this report I have really been able to be more appreciative of the experience that I have had. I am excited to update my resume and list all of the things that I have learnt within this position.
