Anita's January
Week 1 Reflection

What movie/book (standalone or series) best represents your co-op experience at U+? Explain why.
I personally don’t watch many movies or read books, but I can definitely relate my co-op experience at U+ to Sandy Cheeks from SpongeBob SquarePants. Sandy is an intelligent and resourceful character—she’s a problem-solver, a multitasker, and always stays calm under pressure.
When I first started, I didn’t know how to use some of the tools, like Monday.com, but I was able to pick them up over time, especially when I got assigned a lead role. At first, I felt unsure, but with a little persistence—watching YouTube tutorials, asking questions, and troubleshooting issues as they came up—I became more comfortable with them. Just like Sandy updates SpongeBob and her friends, I stayed on top of last-minute project changes and helped the team address unexpected issues. This made me realize how important it is to be adaptable and proactive, much like Sandy.
Sandy is also an expert multitasker—she handles multiple big projects at once and always stays organized. . We were given multiple work assignments, and it was up to us to manage our time and priorities. Staying organized and on top of deadlines was key to success, just like Sandy manages different activities without losing control.
The environment at U+ was really supportive and interactive, which made it easier for me to learn. At times, it got busy, but I learned how to manage stress and stay productive through small breaks and by finding what works best for me. I also realized that I enjoy working in person much more than online, which prompted me to hold google meets just to have some interaction with the team 🙂
What learning and/or skill development took place on the job that you wouldn’t have experienced in school?
During my co-op, one of the most unique experiences I had was the opportunity to experiment with real-world impact. Unlike school, where learning is often theoretical, I was directly involved in projects that had tangible results. I was able to apply classroom knowledge to real business situations, and my work would actually affect outcomes. It wasn’t just about grades anymore; it was about actual results and real-world consequences.
This experience was also a huge opportunity for personal and professional growth. I made mistakes, took risks, and learned from them. I discovered who I am as a professional—what I’m good at, where I need to improve—and that’s something I couldn’t have gained in a classroom.
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 of work definitely changed this semester, especially in a virtual environment. What stood out to me the most was how U+ was strict about deadlines and tasks, but at the same time, they gave us a lot of freedom to try things out. It felt like there was this great balance between being held accountable and having the space to explore new tools or approaches.
In a lot of traditional work settings, there’s often less room to experiment and more pressure to just follow the process. But at U+, I really appreciated how they trusted us to figure things out while also providing guidance when needed. It made the experience both challenging and rewarding at the same time.
The virtual aspect of the work was also a big change for me. Since we weren’t physically together, it meant a lot more personal responsibility to stay on track and manage my time. But I liked how much autonomy I had. I had to be proactive, especially when I needed help or feedback, which is something I hadn’t thought about before in a virtual setting. It really made me realize how important clear communication and self-motivation are in remote work.
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.
Understanding Environment—Supervisor and Friendships
Usually the first thing I notice about a company is the people they hire. That is usually the first touch-point a person has with a company. When I first met Tanya, I thought she was super nice and it made me want to start ASAP. Tanya is super understanding; she quickly solves issues, making me feel supported. Whereas if i was not supported, I would have been stressed out of my mind and burnt out…
Accountability:
At work, taking responsibility for a task is important. I value when colleagues admit their mistakes because it helps create honest conversations and helps us improve. This builds trust and creates shared goals, making the team more efficient. The environment allowed us to take initiative without fear of blame, promoting growth and innovation.
Fun and Enjoyment:
While work should be serious, I believe in balancing it with a bit of fun. I want to major in something that I am super passionate about (something that I can talk about for hours). The onboarding activities at U+ were a great way to bond with the team in a virtual setting. While work should be focused and serious, it’s also important to have moments of lightness during breaks and when checking in with the team (that’s why I always used google meet to check in) 🙂