Jessica Lee, 4B Economics student. Jessica is all smiles at OPG!
Okay, so you can’t feng-shui your cubicle, but these tips will help you feel at right at home on the job!
Andrea Banerjee
- Media & Publications Associate
Co-op students know that it can be tough to be the new kid in town - or more literally, the new (and temporary) employee in a company. Many students have just 16 short weeks to overcome an initial learning curve,
make a measurable contribution, and forge real connections with temporary colleagues. It’s a tall order.
Yet many Waterloo students come away from work terms in triumph, having carved an identity for themselves in a short time at their respective places of employment. Some even secure offers for consecutive work terms. So how do they do it?
4B Economics student Jessica Lee recently wrapped up her fifth co-op term, working with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) as a Market Monitoring and Compliance Student. As a senior, she’s become highly capable at settling into new roles and work environments. Jessica has consistently been able to pursue her goals and create a real work identity, thanks to a
winning recipe for success.
A Heaping Cup of Personal Direction
Understanding her own interests has helped Jessica enjoy her work at OPG. After her first two co-op terms she was able to gain a better sense of where she wanted to take her professional development. “I realized
after my first two work terms that I wanted a career in the Ontario power sector,” she recalls. She moved forward with an understanding that diversifying her experience could also enhance the interests for which
she’d built a foundation on earlier terms. She thought critically about what the job with Ontario Power Generation could offer her. “I knew that working for a generator as big and diversified as OPG would give me
great industry experience,” she says. “It would allow me to see the market from a whole new perspective.”
A Hearty Dose of Initiative
Feeling comfortable on the job means feeling competent on the job. Jessica acknowledges that this can be challenging initially. “The energy sector is full of technical jargon, acronyms, and complex concepts,” she
says. “The learning curve can be pretty steep.” With the right attitude, this doesn’t have to slow students down however. Your employer will help you get started. OPG did an excellent job of providing support and training; in fact, Jessica cred its a thorough orientation program with providing her “with a better understanding of the work I was doing, and its
context in relation to the market as a whole.” She then took her learning
further by being continually proactive. “I learned a lot by talking to my
co-workers and attending group, division, and cross- divisional meetings,”
says Jessica. “I sat close to my small group so I could easily pop over
to a nearby analyst to ask questions, or join in a discussion.”
A Dash of Independence
Another key ingredient in Jessica’s time at OPG was the independence granted to her. “I liked that there were daily tasks that provided structure and routine to my day,” says Jessica, “but there was also opportunity
for me to take on research projects and larger tasks.” An openness to such projects made her time more rewarding. “My manager gave me a lot of autonomy, and my director always had interesting topics to look into,” she says.
A Sprinkling of Fun
Last but not least, Jessica prioritized her own social involvement at Ontario Power Generation. With a connected and supportive staff, and an effective inoffice structure, she was able to build relationships with those around her. “The floor that I worked on is designed like a trading floor, so the cubicle partitions are low. This set-up invites conversation,” she says.
This resulted in a very comfortable atmosphere for Jessica, who says, “The people were super friendly. Every Friday we took turns bringing in homemade treats.” Talk about a sweet environment!
As Jessica points out however, there’s plenty that students can do to create their own sense of connectedness on the job. “Get involved at your workplace!” she encourages others. “Join the student social committee, volunteer for workplace charity events, and take any opportunity to meet people you wouldn’t encounter in your everyday line of work.” Her own
success proves her advice to be sound. “Taking these opportunities enriches your work experience and makes it more fun,” says Jessica. “Both you and your employer benefit as a result."
