Aryan's October Week 2 Reflection
What were your initial expectations coming to work at U+/YRES, and how have they evolved after your first couple weeks on the job?
When I initially joined U+, I expected a fast-paced work environment involving a lot of collaboration, and a variety of tasks. I was excited about the potential to work with others and contribute to meaningful projects. I did think that it would take a while for me to have an impact and receive work related tasks. After my first couple of weeks, my expectations have evolved quite a bit. I was really excited when I started to receive projects and tasks to work on, right away. So far I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the team dynamics and the basic structure and schedule. I’ve also realized how important communication and collaboration are in our work culture especially virtually. It’s been really exciting to see the ways I can contribute to our goals. Overall, I’m feeling more connected to the team and motivated to grow with U+.
What is one strategy that you use to manage co-op and academic work? What’s something that U+ does well in helping you in maintaining that balance?
One strategy I use to manage my co-op and academic work is prioritizing tasks through a detailed schedule and an agenda. I break down projects into smaller, manageable parts and set specific deadlines for each. This helps me stay organized and ensures I allocate time effectively for both my academic work and my responsibilities at U+. One thing U+ does well to support this balance being overall flexible. This flexibility allows me to adjust my schedule around academic commitments, making it easier to meet deadlines and attend classes while still contributing fully to my role. Also open communication helps me maintain that perfect work-school balance.
One of the key parts of success in a workplace is setting goals. No matter the magnitude or length, goal-setting helps you recognize what you want to accomplish in any professional work setting. What are some things you want to achieve during your co-op at U+?
During my co-op at U+, I have several goals I hope to achieve including skill development, networking and being able to improve. I want to enhance my technical skills, by using softwares like google sheets and QuickBooks, to contribute more effectively to projects. I would also like to improve my soft skills like communication and collaboration. Next I aim to build relationships with colleagues across different departments. This will not only help me learn from their experiences but also help me improve on my collaboration skills for future projects. Finally I wish to receive feedback and learn from others. I plan to seek regular feedback from my supervisor and peers to identify areas for improvement so I can always adjust my approach and put feedback into effect.
What interactions or collaborations with colleagues or supervisors stood out to you this week? How did these interactions enhance your understanding of the workplace and the industry?
This week, a few interactions and collaborations really stood out to me. One was a brainstorming session for a grant application expression with Matthew L, whom I was working with. We were able to work together to solve and understand problems. Another impactful interaction was a one-on-one meeting with my supervisor and teacher. They provided constructive feedback on some of my work and assured that everything was good at the placement. Overall, these interactions enhanced my understanding of workplace dynamics and taught me the importance of collaboration and communication in any industry.