January Week 1 Reflection – Aaron

Aaron's January
Week 1 Reflection

What movie/book (standalone or series) best represents your co-op experience at U+? Explain why.

A movie that best represents my co-op experience at U+ Education, would be The Martian by Andy Weir. Just like the protagonist, Mark Watney, experiences hardship while travelling a vast landscape of data and challenges, just like how I had to experience a new landscape by learning new things and it was hard at first but later on it became much more easier using my problem-solving skills and resourcefulness to find solutions. The collaborative spirit and innovative thinking at U+ education along with the teamwork displayed in the story.

 

What learning and/or skill development took place on the job that you wouldn’t have experienced in school?

Some skill/learning I’ve developed that they don’t teach you in school is Real-World Problem Solving. Unlike textbook problems, real-world challenges are often more complex and require creative solutions. I’ve learned to think on my feet and adapt to changing circumstances. Another point is collaboration and Teamwork Working with a team has taught me the importance of communication, and working well with each other to complete the task assigned. My final skill I learned is Time Management Balancing multiple projects and deadlines has honed my ability to prioritize tasks and manage my time effectively.

 

Did your understanding of the world of work change as a result of your participation in co-op this semester? How so/why not?

Yes my understanding of the world has changed ever since attending U+ education for the practical seeing how would different the real world is compared to school has been eye-opening. It’s one thing to learn concepts in a classroom, but applying them in a professional setting brings a whole new level of understanding. There are many other things that are different too like workplace dynamics. Experiencing the dynamics of a workplace, including teamwork, communication, and office culture, has given me a deeper appreciation for the soft skills that are crucial for success. Adaptability is important as the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of the work environment has taught me to be more adaptable and resilient. I’ve learned to handle unexpected challenges and pivot when necessary.

 

Your personal values shape the needs you require in a workplace and motivates you to make certain career decisions. With your U+ experience, what are the top three values that must be satisfied when you consider a future workplace? (For example, but not exclusively: advancement; altruism; autonomy; creativity; detailed work; leadership; fast-paced; friendships; high salary; problem-solving; solitary work; teamwork; supportive supervisor; variability/change; work/life balance.) Briefly explain why you chose those three values.

The top 3 values that must be satisfied for my future workspace is Creativity as the field I want to go into you must be innovative and think outside of the the box thinking are encouraged. Creativity allows me to explore new ideas, solve problems in unique ways, and continuously improve. It keeps the work engaging and fulfilling. Another important is teamwork and Collaboration is key to achieving great results. Working with fellow peers brings different perspectives and strengths to the table, leading to more effective solutions. It also fosters a sense of camaraderie and support, making the workplace more enjoyable. And finally the last value is Work/Life Balance: Maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is crucial for overall well-being. It ensures that I can be productive and focused at work while also having time to recharge and pursue personal interests. A workplace that values work/life balance demonstrates respect for employees’ time and well-being.

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