This marks my first co-op term and, simultaneously, my experience in an office setting. Prior to this co-op opportunity, my professional journey unfolded in the retail sector, where I spent two years honing my teamwork, customer service, and interpersonal skills. Entering the co-op seeking term without a portfolio and lacking hands-on experience in the communications field left me grappling with uncertainty.

I underwent roughly 20 interviews, both in person and virtually, during my co-op-seeking semester. Failing to secure a position initially left me feeling somewhat defeated. I began taking notes during interviews and reviewed them afterward. Over two semesters of job searches, with guidance from the co-op coordinator who helped review and enhance my application and interview skills, I finally secured a position at BCNET as a digital media coordinator. The opportunity came to my attention through the co-op job posting portal, prompting me to apply. I skimmed through the job description and realized that my profile matched 60 percent of the role’s requirements and skills. Considering this was already my 30-something application, I couldn't help but felt a sense of incompetence. 

The interview process consisted of a single virtual round with the director and my current supervisor, with the final step being a background check. Before the interview, as usual, I researched the organization, reviewed my notes, prepared nessessary documents. During the interview, I fielded several questions about my knowledge and experience in graphic design, social media management, teamwork, ability to pay attention to detail, and interpersonal skills. I didn't feel confident after the interview, given that I was not satisfied with a few of my answers. I received an email from the co-op coordinator a couple of days later, confirming my preferred contact details as the employer couldn't reach my former manager at a retail store. I recall receiving that email in the middle of another interview, inducing a moment of panic. A few hours after confirming my contact list, I received a job offer from BCNET. At that moment, I knew my dedication and persistence had paid off.

Before my onboarding day, I dedicated time to refine the skills that I felt less confident about. Specifically, I worked on enhancing my graphic design skills by watching tutorials on YouTube and LinkedIn Learning.