Evelyn's January
Week 1 Reflection

What movie/book (standalone or series) best represents your co-op experience at U+? Explain why.
A book that best represents my co-op experience at U+ would be The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. The journey in the story is filled with challenges, unexpected turns, and moments of personal growth, much like navigating through different projects and tasks at U+. Just as Bilbo starts off as an unlikely hero and gradually grows into a confident adventurer, my experience at U+ has been about growing my skills and adapting to new challenges. The companionship of fellow adventurers (like how I work with other tools and resources) and the feeling of contributing to something larger than myself also mirrors the collaborative nature of the U+ environment.
What learning and/or skill development took place on the job that you wouldn’t have experienced in school?
On the job at U+, one of the biggest learning experiences that wouldn’t have been found in school is the hands-on application of problem-solving in real-time. School provides a foundation in theory, but at U+, the challenges are dynamic and require quick adaptation and creative thinking. The process of balancing multiple tasks, learning to prioritize under pressure, and collaborating with various tools to achieve a goal has been a major growth area.
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 has definitely changed through my co-op experience this semester. I’ve come to realize that the work environment is much more dynamic than what I had imagined from school. While academic learning focuses on theories and individual tasks, the real world of work requires flexibility, quick problem-solving, and collaboration. At U+, I’ve learned that success is often about how well you work with others and adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines. I’ve also gained insight into the importance of professional communication, not just with colleagues but with a wider range of stakeholders, from clients to customers.
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.
From my U+ experience, the top three values that would guide my future workplace decisions are problem-solving, collaboration and teamwork, and work/life balance. Problem-solving has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role, as it provides a constant challenge and the satisfaction of finding solutions. The opportunity to tackle complex issues and improve continuously is something I’d prioritize in a future workplace. Additionally, collaboration and teamwork have been vital at U+, and I’ve come to value how working with others, sharing ideas, and learning from one another leads to innovation and success. A collaborative environment is key for both productivity and personal growth. Lastly, work/life balance has been a crucial aspect of my experience at U+, and I recognize the importance of maintaining flexibility and time to recharge. This balance is essential for sustaining long-term performance and well-being. Overall, these values: intellectual challenge, cooperation, and personal well-being, align with my vision for a fulfilling and sustainable career.