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.

First Week at IASTED Calgary

So, it is approximately 3 in the afternoon on a Monday, and I feel that I should recap what the first week of working at IASTED Calgary was like.

Before I go into the major details of my escapades at working at IASTED, I think I need to outline the major preconceptions of (highly likely) most Co-op students:

1. You are going to be the coffee maker/server.

Myth Busted: The only coffee getting that occurs is if you want to make it yourself. Seeing as I don’t drink coffee (sacrilege, I know), I haven’t made any, not even once =).

2. No one would actually give you tasks requiring responsibility.

Myth Busted: This one is completely untrue. In my first week alone I have created 3 different newsletters, an advertisement for a journal, re-done a brochure for ordering journals, and sent out and prepared a sponsorship package for a potential sponsor.

3. Working an office job is easy.

Myth Busted: Not at all. You would think sitting down in front of a computer is easy, but it certainly is not, and it also is most certainly not just sitting down. I have had to commute from one desk to the next in order to correspond with various people in the workplace to approve and complete projects.

So, given we have all the misconceptions out of the way, here are my initial observations from working at IASTED Calgary.

First of all, the hours are flexible. This means that there are two sets of hours, and you can come in and leave between those two sets as long as you fulfill the minimum requirement of 37.5 hours per week. This I find very useful, for I can leave early if I need to or stay a bit later or come earlier if I need to get work done. Secondly, the people here are very friendly and made me feel quite comfortable when I was settling in the first week. Also, IASTED is located very close to the Calgary’s Farmers’ Market, which is convenient especially when the summer months roll around. After work, I can easily pick up some fresh fruits and veggies. Yum.

The Downside is probably the traffic jam coming and going home. It takes quite a bit of time to go to and from work, but of course, almost everyone probably understands exactly what I am talking about.

So, some things to wrap up this entry:

-Workplace Survival 101 tip: Remember to stretch every once in a while. I came home stiff in the neck the first day. Not a pleasant sensation.
-Goal for this week: Fix up a brochure I have been struggling with.
-Quote for the time being: "No pain, no gain" –Unknown

Well, that’s it for now.

Yours, confused but staying optimistic,

-Poppy.