Get Uncomfortable
// October 6, 2011
One of the main reasons I chose to study public relations at the Mount was because of the co-op program.
“You mean I get paid to gain valuable work experience? As in, they give me money?”
Glamorous and rewarding internships awaited…right?
My first co-op turned out to be not-so-rewarding. I began to panic: what if I’m just wasting my time on these internships? How am I going to add, ‘was paid X amount of dollars an hour to twiddle my thumbs’ to my resume?
I made the decision to defer my second co-op, and chose instead to study abroad. I was pleasantly surprised by the low stress-level during this time. As my peers spent months writing cover letter after cover letter after cover letter, I day-dreamed about Europe. When friends were discouraged, I offered the standard “Don’t let it get you down, you’ll get a co-op sooner-or-later” condolences.
Once I returned to Canada, however, I had a semester of classes and very abruptly the honeymoon was over. I once again found myself in panic-mode, worrying that I wouldn’t be able to find a co-op that would give me the experience I thought I needed. I eventually landed a position with Health Association Nova Scotia, but my panic was far from gone. Though the job description was good and my interview went smoothly, I was afraid I had settled into the position, taking it as soon as it was offered for fear I wouldn’t be offered another job. Did I rush into this? Am I going to be bored every day? And the worst thought of all: am I going to leave this co-op with an empty portfolio?
On my second day of co-op at Health Association (yes, second; even the bravest of the brave need prep time), I was determined to make my concerns known. I took one final swig of my double-double, grabbed my work term plan hot off the printer and marched into the director’s office. I reiterated what I had told her during my interview – my portfolio is lacking and I need to use my time as effectively as possible on this co-op to bulk it up. I admitted that my learning plan might seem ambitious, but if she was willing to let me take a stab at some of the loftier projects I was willing to give each project my all. Who says an internal communications audit can’t be done by one individual with only a three-month window and tight schedule?
I waited, ready to validate myself and my skills at the drop of the hat.
Then, I was a deer, and the words of my director hit me like a Mac truck barreling down the 102. “This all sounds really good. Great! Where do I sign? Let’s get you started”.
All of my worry, tears, and cuss words evaporated as I was filled with pride and excitement. I had spent so much time panicking over fabricated assumptions about my new co-op that I had condemned it before even giving it a try. Now, exactly two weeks into my co-op, I already have two newsletters, one special edition article, multiple fundraising efforts, a feature article, and interview to add to my portfolio.
The moral of the story, you ask? Don’t get worked up over assumptions. True, sometimes co-ops aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, but sometimes it’s you that has to go out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to ask for, nigh, demand the work you need to succeed in your career. Co-ops are a great opportunity to build your portfolio and prepare for the “real world”. Know yourself; know your strengths and weaknesses and, most importantly, know when to speak up for yourself.
Emily is a fourth year public relations student from New Hampshire. She has represented MSVU at St. Petersburg State University in Russia and currently lives downtown with her cat, Peter.
