October Week 2 Reflection – Matthew Lee

Matthew'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?

At first, I thought my role at U+/YRES would be straightforward: go in, do the work, and log out. However, after a couple of weeks, I realized it was much more about carefully working through each step, paying attention to detail, and building a strong foundation in teamwork and other skills. It became clear that the experience is about gradually learning and growing together with the team, rather than just completing tasks individually.


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 effective time management. I make a weekly schedule, prioritizing tasks for both school and work, and set aside specific blocks of time for each. This helps me stay organized and ensures I meet deadlines without feeling overwhelmed. One thing that U+ does really well is providing flexibility. They understand that balancing school and work can be challenging, so they offer a supportive environment, allowing me to manage my co-op responsibilities in a way that fits with my school life. Which helps me maintain that balance effectively.


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 want to achieve a few key goals. First, I want to develop a strong understanding of the accounting processes and software used in a professional environment. This will help me decide whether I want to pursue accounting as a career. Second, I aim to improve my communication skills, as sharing information clearly and efficiently is crucial in the workplace. Lastly, I want to build teamwork skills, learning how to collaborate effectively with others in a professional setting. Achieving these goals will give me valuable experience and help me grow both personally and professionally.


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, working with Aryan on a budgeting task really stood out to me. We collaborated closely to break down the task and ensure we were thorough with every detail. This interaction helped me understand the importance of teamwork and communication in the workplace, as we had to constantly check in with each other to make sure we were aligned on the project. Through this collaboration, I gained deeper insights into the budgeting process, which is important in the accounting industry. It also highlighted how tasks are often a group effort, relying on teamwork skills and knowledge to succeed.


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