Farewell, Happy Holidays, and All the Best in 2011

Well everyone, this is it: the final entry. I cannot believe how fast time as passed. It feels as if eight months has turned into two. For those who are unfamiliar with my situation, I am an eight month co-op student, which means I am working as an intern at IASTED to gain real-life work experience. I entered IASTED at the beginning of May not sure what to expect, nervous, and slightly clueless as to what was expected of me. I believe that I have learned a lot since working at IASTED, not just about how the company runs, but also about myself and what I prefer in my future working situation. Above all, I am going to miss my fellow co-workers. Thank you all for the memorable moments, laughs, and lunch-time talks. I will not forget them.

Alright, let me update all of you. Well, last week was busier than usual. I’m not quite sure why, but it might have something to do with me leaving and also the holiday break coming up soon. Among making a myriad of newsletters, proofing a handful of things left and right, and uploading new conferences, there was one task that I was assigned that stood out above the rest. Earlier in my work term, one of my co-workers suggested that I create a new banner for the top of IASTED. I took her suggestion and made a few “mock” banners for the website. To my surprise and delight, one of those banners was picked to be the new main entry banner for IASTED. Please check it out by going to IASTED or clicking here!

In other office related news, the cookie exchange went well and was very delicious. It was interesting to see all the different cookies brought and finding out who made what cookie. The gift exchange was fun and produced a lot of laughs and excitement. Of course, Christmas lunch was absolutely fabulous. I think I might have overeaten, but I think I can get away with spoiling myself just this one time ;)

Lastly, I just want to wish everybody a Happy Holiday and the brightest wishes for 2011!

Workplace Survival 101 Tip: Go on a co-op term. Yes, it might be a bit of work to apply and find a job. Yes, it is hard to do 9-to-5. Yes, it might take you a bit longer to finish your degree. But, you will have gained very valuable experience and insight. These eight months have been a roller-coaster ride, but I’m glad I completed this work term, and in doing so, I was able to step-back for a moment and assess myself and my future goals.

Well, for the last time: Over and out.

Yours, as always,

-Poppy.

Winding Down through the Wintry Weather

Hello all and how is everybody? I hope everyone is enjoying their December so far and is getting ahead in their Christmas shopping. From past experience, I think everybody will agree with me when I say that all shopping malls should be avoided at all costs come December. I have managed to get half of my shopping done this year, but alas, there is still the other half. C’est la vie, I suppose.

As for the office, work has been steady. As I mentioned before, most of the conference work will start-up again probably mid-January, so right now, I have been tying up loose ends here and there while completing a few small tasks. Currently, I am taking a break between answering an email and writing up Meta tag descriptions for IASTED’s website. In other office news, I think there is a bit of a cold going around. Two of my co-workers are currently sick, and they were both sitting in the same section. I hope they get better soon, and that I do not catch anything before the holiday season.

Upcoming events around the office are (as you can probably guess) holiday themed. We have a planned cookie exchange being held today where each person bakes 3-5 cookies (depending on the size) for each person. I am planning on making a simple (yet yummy) type of cookie called Cream Cheese cookies. Some other rumoured types of cookies making an appearance are melting moments, dim sum cookies, and ginger snaps among many others. Furthermore, we are also going to have a gift exchange on December 20th. I’m very excited for both of these events!

Workplace Survival 101 Tip: Participate in office events. It gets everybody in a communal spirit and it makes for a great opportunity to get to know co-workers better. Just remember to keep such events light and enjoyable for everybody and not to get too caught up in them.

Well, that’s about it.

Thinking about delicious sweets,


-Poppy.