Students to Business - Week 3 Navigating the Waters of Business Development
In the dynamic world of high school co-op experiences at U+, each week ushers in a new set of challenges and opportunities for growth. As high school co-op students, immersed in the realm of business development, this week has been particularly enlightening. Our tasks have revolved around expanding U+’s network through the Social Media Outreach project, analyzing market needs for community programs, and honing essential skills such as adaptability, effective communication, and time management.
These efforts directly contribute to U+’s overarching goals and objectives by broadening our reach, fostering community partnerships, and enhancing our personal development, aligning perfectly with U+’s mission and vision.
What were the most significant tasks or projects you worked on this week, and how did they contribute to U+'s goals and objectives?
This week, my most significant tasks revolved around the Social Media Outreach project. I conducted in-depth research on various non-profit organizations to identify potential partners aligning with U+’s mission. Crafting tailored messages, I initiated contact to explore collaboration opportunities, enhancing U+’s network.
Additionally, I brainstormed creative event ideas for Toastmasters, aiming to strengthen our community engagement and communication skills. These efforts directly contribute to U+’s overarching goals and objectives by expanding our outreach, fostering partnerships, and fostering personal development within the organization, all of which align with U+’s mission and vision.
- Sucaad Nuur, Event Coordinator
One of the main tasks I worked on this week was the York Region Program Project, where I was responsible for leading my group to analyze community programs. Some things we had to consider were the price of the programs, the types of programs and the popularity of the programs. This allows U+ to create programs according to the market needs.
- Nicole Lee, Finance Assistant
Describe a challenge you encountered during your work this week. How did you approach and overcome this challenge, or what steps did you take to seek assistance and learn from it?
A notable challenge this week was managing time effectively between my tasks on the Social Media Outreach project and the Toastmasters event brainstorming. To overcome this, I implemented a prioritization system. I allocated dedicated time slots for research and message drafting for the Outreach project and structured brainstorming sessions for Toastmasters.
Additionally, I leveraged productivity tools to help manage my schedule and deadlines efficiently. Recognizing my time management weaknesses, I sought advice from a colleague experienced in project management, who provided valuable insights on optimizing my workflow. This proactive approach enabled me to balance responsibilities effectively and enhance my time management skills.
- Sucaad Nuur, Event Coordinator
While I was working on the York Region Program Project, I had some trouble while analyzing the prices for each of the programs. I asked my co-workers for advice and they were really supportive and helpful, which allowed me to complete my task successfully.
- Nicole Lee, Finance Assistant
Reflect on the skills you utilized or developed this week. Which skills were the most important for your tasks, and how do you see them benefiting your future career aspirations?
Throughout this week, I honed several crucial skills, with adaptability standing out as paramount. Shifting between research, message crafting, and event brainstorming demanded flexible thinking and adaptability. Effective communication skills were vital for articulating messages and ideas concisely and persuasively. Moreover, time management was essential to balance these diverse tasks efficiently. These skills are fundamental for my future career aspirations, particularly in fields like marketing or project management. The ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and manage time will empower me to excel in dynamic work environments and make meaningful contributions to achieving organizational objectives.
- Sucaad Nuur, Event Coordinator
An important skill that I developed this week was collaboration. I was able to work effectively with my team members on group projects and achieve our goals. Another skill that I used was time-management. The project that I worked on required quite a lot of time so I had to prioritize different tasks and manage my time effectively. I believe these skills are important to allow students to succeed in the workplace.
- Nicole Lee, Finance Assistant
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, I had notable interactions with my colleague Carson that significantly enriched my workplace experience. Carson, being well-versed in the Social Media Outreach project, offered valuable guidance and insights. He mentorship improved my understanding of the project’s intricacies, allowing me to contribute more effectively. What stood out even more was Carson’s proactive approach.
Once I completed my tasks, he directed me towards other projects within the organization, broadening my industry exposure. This collaborative atmosphere not only bolstered my professional growth but also highlighted the importance of mentorship and teamwork in achieving our collective goals. It reinforced the idea that learning from colleagues is a vital aspect of career development.
- Sucaad Nuur, Event Coordinator
I had my first in-person work day at U+ this week. My supervisors and the other co-op students were very welcoming, and were happy to answer any questions I had. I had some really positive interactions with them and overall, it made me feel safe and welcome at U+.
- Nicole Lee, Finance Assistant
Consider any insights or lessons you've gained about U+'s industry or the professional world in general. How do these insights align with your career goals, and do they influence your perspective on your future path?
My experiences at U+ this week have provided me with valuable insights and lessons about both U+’s industry and the professional world in general. First and foremost, I’ve realized the significance of adaptability and versatility in today’s workplace. Balancing diverse tasks, from researching non-profit organizations to brainstorming event ideas for Toastmasters, highlighted the need to be adaptable and willing to tackle a wide range of responsibilities. This aligns with my career goals, as I aspire to pursue a dynamic and multifaceted career path, where adaptability will be key to success.
- Sucaad Nuur, Event Coordinator
I have learned more about the internal organization of a company, for example, how tasks are assigned to different departments and communication between supervisors and workers. This gave me a better understanding of how things generally operate in the workplace, because I have noticed that it’s quite different from going to school. Understanding this allowed me to work effectively and focus on improving on certain areas at work.
- Nicole Lee, Finance Assistant
As we conclude this week’s reflections, it’s clear that our high school co-op journey at U+ is shaping our understanding of business development. Sucaad Nuur’s dedication to quality work and adaptability, along with Nicole Lee’s development of collaboration and time management skills, illustrate the important principles that will continue to guide our path. We’ve also learned that mentorship and teamwork are essential aspects of professional growth.
These insights resonate with our career aspirations, equipping us with the skills and mindset necessary to excel in dynamic work environments. With each challenge, interaction, and collaboration, we’re one step closer to achieving our goals in the professional landscape.