Alan's December Week 3 Reflection
Reflecting on your job performance, what factors (e.g., environment, intrinsic motivation) contribute to your productivity? Please briefly explain how so.
I find that the amount of tasks I have at hand often contributes to my productivity. When I have more tasks, I would work harder to complete them as soon as possible, so that I have less tasks left. The importance of the task also motivates me. For example, if I am assigned a task that is crucial to my team and my team members are relying on me in some way, then I would also have higher productivity.
Interviewees often ask the interviewer about the company culture during interviews. Reflecting on your placement experience at U+, how would you describe the U+ company culture?
I would say that the U+’s company culture is to encourage learning among employees, ensure active communication even in a virtual environment and be very inclusive. As a co-op student, I am always asked to reflect on what I learned and am given many opportunities to learn. There is also a lot of communication between supervisors and co-ops, as well as between co-ops. Co-ops are also tasked with important projects, such as presenting U+ with promotional materials.
What are two things you are grateful for that is related to your placement? (E.g., an opportunity to work on a certain project, making new friends)
One thing that I am particularly grateful for in my placement is that I had the opportunity to design logos for RES branches. This is my first experience with designing something as important as logos that represent organizations with promising programs. Another thing that I am very grateful for is the support I get from supervisors. I made a lot of mistakes and they are always patient towards me, helping me out and prompting me to improve.
Our sister organization YRES has a mascot called Nova, a big horned sheep. There are no other details about her other than she always wears a red kerchief and that she is always ready for an adventure. What do you suppose is the backstory of Nova?
Based on how Mojo changes colour when he learns a new language, I suppose Nova would have a part of her body changing when she learns something new—in fact, I think her horn grows bigger every time she learns something new. She could also have come from the mountains that are in YRES’s logo, which is likely a cold place, due to her scarf. She likely learns through her adventures.
