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Alexis

Every co-op term presentsÌýitsÌýown set of unique challengesÌýand obstacles to overcome,ÌýandÌýallÌýare opportunities to grow and develop.ÌýFor me, adjusting to working from homeÌýwas a learning process; testing out what worked, findingÌýalternate arrangements andÌýaccommodatingÌýunexpected changes.ÌýI appreciate the patience and understanding that were provided by my supervisors and team.ÌýÌýÌý

My advice for co-op studentsÌýin every setting isÌýtoÌýstay connected.ÌýKeep up steady communication with your managerÌýby providing regularÌýupdates. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request help and take every opportunity to learn from the people around you. Keep looking for those opportunities in your workplaces where your skills and interests intersect with their needs.ÌýÌýWorking from home can be a blessing when you find yourself spending your days around the people you love, so ensure you make time for yourself and the people you care about.Ìý

Angelica

Whether you’re starting at aÌýnew workplace orÌýentering universityÌýfor the first time, new experiences can be dauntingÌý— especially at a time of uncertainty.ÌýIt will take some time to adjustÌýto theÌýlearning curvesÌýthat appearÌýalong the way. But it is all part of the process and you will eventually find a good, steadyÌýroutineÌýthat works best for youÌýso long as you persevere.ÌýÌý

My piece advice for incoming students or current co-op studentsÌýabout to embark on theÌýwork from homeÌýenvironmentÌýisÌýto have an open mind.ÌýWelcomeÌýevery newÌýproblem as a solution to be found,ÌýandÌýevery new opportunity as a learning experience.ÌýLastly, tryÌýto make connections with colleagues and classmatesÌývirtually.ÌýEven during a pandemic, time does go by fast and you may miss theÌýoverallÌýexperience if you don’t immerse yourself in the moment.ÌýBe kind to yourself andÌýeveryoneÌýin your work environment — and remember that they are thereÌýto support you.

Lena

Patience and flexibility. Those have been the two values that have helped me during my co-op term. Patience is highly appreciated during this term, as everyone is trying to navigate their own unique situations and some days,Ìýyou need someone’s patience as much as they need yours.ÌýFlexibility played a huge role this term because as the pandemic evolved, companies are evolving with it. A lot has changed from the beginning of theÌýtermÌýto the end, so it’s essential that you roll with the punches!ÌýÌýÌýÌý

One piece of advice that I’d like to share with co-op students is,Ìýthat the term gets easier as you start to let go of those expectations of what a co-op term should look like.ÌýThisÌýterm has been nothing like a typical co-op termÌýand that’s been part of the fun of participating inÌýa remote experience.

Manreet

This co-op term was a wild ride! It was hard to have any expectations for working remotely, but that wasÌýdefinitely notÌýa bad thing.ÌýOne keyÌýelementÌýI learned was that maintaining a good work environment makes all the difference. I dedicated aÌýspace in my home to working andÌýI immediately associated this space with getting my work tasks done. I also learned that having a healthy sleep schedule really motivated me and kept me energized throughout the day.ÌýÌý

One piece of advice I’d offer to co-op students working from home is toÌýkeep theÌýlines ofÌýcommunication openÌýwith your supervisor.Ìý They’ve had someÌýmonthsÌýofÌýexperience working from home, so let them know if you have any challenges.ÌýTheyÌýwillÌýunderstand more than anyone else and are there to help youÌýdevelop your skills.Ìý

Ryan

I really didn’t know what to expect as a co-op student working from home, but I’m glad I got to do it. I thought it would be weird, not being in the office and seeing everyone inÌýperson, butÌýmeetingÌývirtually was a pretty good substitute. Sometimes it wasÌýactually easierÌýto concentrate on projects, without the usual workplace distractions.Ìý

My advice for co-op students working fromÌýhome?ÌýIt’s really the same as working in anyÌýother setting. Get to know your team and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Each morning,Ìýplan your day by prioritizing tasks,Ìýand reward yourself when you complete them.ÌýWorking fromÌýhome, youÌýhave more reward optionsÌý—ÌýlikeÌýhaving more time to spend on some of your favourite hobbies outside of work hours.