Jason's February Reflection
What were your main responsibilities and tasks during your co-op placement? How did they relate to your academic studies?
During my co-op placement at U+, my primary responsibilities encompassed daily problem-solving and ensuring task progression. This involved not only addressing challenges within my own assignments but also providing assistance to high school co-ops and volunteers, guiding them through obstacles they encountered. These duties directly correlated with my academic studies, as I consistently applied knowledge and skills acquired across multiple subjects to tackle real-world scenarios. Through collaborating to find solutions, I not only enhanced my own learning but also contributed to the team’s overall success. My co-op responsibilities helped to reinforce my real-world problem-solving skills.
How did your co-op experience contribute to your personal and professional development? Were there any unexpected challenges or benefits?
My co-op experience played a significant role in shaping both my personal and professional development, particularly in fostering patience and improving my listening skills. As a marketing coordinator and web developer, I encountered various unexpected challenges and benefits throughout my placement. Learning to remain calm and composed during challenging situations and unexpected issues not only improved my problem-solving abilities but also enhanced my overall resilience when faced with a problem. Additionally, working closely with many different colleagues required active listening to understand them accurately to communicate effectively. Overall, my co-op experience was very helpful in enhancing my patience, refining my listening skills, and equipping me with valuable tools for personal and future career growth.
Can you describe a specific project or accomplishment from your co-op that you’re particularly proud of, and how it helped you grow as a student and a professional?
One specific accomplishment from my co-op experience that I take pride in is the successful management of Google Ads for YRES. Over the course of January and February, I worked on creating and updating these ads, utilizing various features and tools while researching strategies to boost their effectiveness. Through careful observation and analysis of the results, I was able to identify which factors contributed most significantly to the increase in clicks and impressions. Much like a scientist refining their methods based on empirical evidence, I adjusted different parts of the ads to optimize their performance. The results were great, with a 38% increase in clicks compared to the previous month and a 48% increase when compared to December. This accomplishment has helped me grow both as a student and as a professional, providing me with practical experience and knowledge that will benefit me in my future academic and career advancement.