Aryan's January
Week 1 Reflection
What movie/book (standalone or series) best represents your co-op experience at U+? Explain why.
Starting my co-op placement as an accounting assistant felt like stepping into The Lord of the Rings. Just as Frodo leaves the comfort of the Shire for a challenging and unfamiliar journey, I entered a new professional environment that pushed me out of my comfort zone. The experience required me to adapt quickly, create new goals, and learn. Along the way, I met many new people, who all positively contributed to the workplace. Similar to Frodo, I encountered many difficulties throughout my co-op journey, but remained resilient and kept going. The new environment, and my accomplishments I have achieved throughout my co-op experience makes The Lord of the Rings a fitting representation of my co-op experience.
What learning and/or skill development took place on the job that you wouldn’t have experienced in school?
During my co-op placement, I gained hands-on experience in accounting and developed valuable skills that go beyond what I have learned in a classroom. In school, we focus on theories and practice, but in the workplace, I was able to apply that knowledge to real-world tasks such as working with accounting software, and organizing budgets. The overall nature of the job also taught me how to manage my time effectively, prioritize tasks, and adapt to different types of challenges, skills that are a lot harder to practice or develop in a school environment. Additionally, working in a team and attending regular meetings allowed me to develop communication skills, both in collaborating with others and in presenting information. These practical experiences have given me a deeper understanding of a workplace and the importance of teamwork and communication, which I wouldn’t have fully developed just through school.
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 as a result of my participation in co-op this semester. Before starting, I had a general idea of how the workplace operates, but actually being in a professional work environment gave me a much deeper understanding. I learned how important time management and organization are in a real-world setting, especially when balancing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines. I also was able to recognize critical thinking as a fundamental skill in the workplace, since it is always important to have well thought out ideas, and be understanding of all perspectives. These experiences have made me realize that the world of work is complex, and requires a mix of technical skills and social skills to thrive.
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.
Based on my experience at U+, the top three values that I want in a future workplace are creativity, critical thinking, and variability. Throughout my co-op experience, I discovered that creativity is key for problem solving and innovation. Critical thinking is also important since facing a challenge requires a lot of analysis and thoughtful decision-making. Additionally, I realized that I thrive in environments where there is variability, as I don’t want to be stuck doing the same repetitive tasks every day. A workplace that allows for creative solutions, encourages critical thinking, and offers diverse challenges and projects will keep me motivated and ensure I continue to grow professionally.
