Katherine's April
Week 2 Reflection
What is your current work schedule (hybrid, virtual, or in-person)? Are you satisfied with it, or would you prefer to switch to a different arrangement?
I chose to work fully virtually and I love it so much. For starters, I’m based in Midtown Toronto, so commuting to Markham really isn’t in the cards for me, but I like the flexibility in my location the most. I have a lot of commitments at school where I have to be there at the beginning of lunch, so being able to choose the best location for the day is so helpful, and something I know I wouldn’t be able to usually do. Recently, I did come across a challenge though—I’m in the TDSB, where they’re currently trying to sue social media companies, so on TDSB Wifi, I can’t use Instagram (which is crucial for our current project). This week I’ve had to be at school as early as possible, so not being able to work on school wifi was an unexpected barrier. Luckily, we have a nearby mall I was able to work at (on their wifi), so everything worked out.
What area of the company would you be most interested in exploring and getting familiar with?
I’m interested in pursuing business as a career post-secondary, so I’m honestly interested in learning as much as I can from as many different perspectives and sectors as possible. Recently, I’ve been fairly focused on the marketing side of business, because of my student council position, past volunteer positions, and current co-op position. I think marketing is incredibly important especially for this generation because we’re all mostly chronically online and fall victim to scrolling on social media. If I had to pick one section of the business industry that I’m the most interested in learning more about, it’d have to be content creation/marketing for that reason.
How have you been balancing your time between this co-op position and your schoolwork?
I have been able to manage everything, but this week especially has been incredibly difficult. From sleeping at 3 AM, drinking caffeinated drinks like an addict, to the twenty sticky notes on my desk and countless reminders, I’m being tested to my limits. I have midterm evaluations and assignments piling up because the end of term is in a week, the entire yearbook is due in a week and a half, and I’m running for an elected position in Student Council, but that deadline is creeping up quickly. I’m hoping it gets easier after midterms and the yearbook is submitted though. The only way I’m making it through right now is an excessively detailed calendar online, a colour-coded, crammed, paper calendar, and so many sticky notes that I’m probably the reason that Post-Its is in business. I try to take everything day-by-day and always get at least 4 hours of sleep. That and weekends are my catch-up days, so I don’t really do anything except homework.
How does your work here align with your future goals and aspirations?
As mentioned previously, I want to pursue a career in business, but there are tons of paths and options that I can take after getting a degree, so I think any work within a business is beneficial. I’m not 100% set on continuing with marketing later on, but there are so many transferable skills that I know will come in handy. Working at UPlus Education has given me a sense of working in a professional workplace (from using Slack to the meetings), which is a priceless privilege that I’m so glad I have access to.