The 5 Things I Learned on my HR Co-op
Hello hello hello! My name is Kenzie and I am a third-year Communications Studies major with a minor in Psychology. On January 8th, 2018, I set out for my first day on my first co-op at a human resources office. For those of you just tuning in, let me define what I mean by co-op with a quote from Northeastern’s website: “. . . an educational program in which you alternate semesters of academic study with semesters of full-time employment in positions related to your academic and/or career interests in the U.S. or globally.”
Here are the 5 things I learned during my six months of full-time work experience during my sophomore year at Northeastern:
- Timing matters
Show up on time! Make your deadlines! Being timely is professional. In the real world, there’s no such thing as ‘I will mark you down one letter grade for each day your project is late’. Set deadlines for yourself and work efficiently!
- You’re all on the same side
If you’re ever feeling nervous about working on a project, about speaking to a person in a position of power at your company, or about something as simple as presenting an idea to your coworkers, remember that everyone working around you is on your team. You work for the same company or organization and likely just want the best for your employer. No idea is dumb, no question is annoying, and introducing yourself to others around the work place is encouraged. I’m sure everyone has been on a team at one point in their lives; this is just one more. Keep that in mind.
- Ask questions, be curious, be ambitious
This one speaks for itself. Co-op is supposed to be a learning experience. You won’t make the most of it if you only do the bare minimum. So, if you’re interested in a project that your coworker is working on, ask them about it! People like to talk about what they do, and asking a question adds a curiosity dimension to yourself as a professional.
- Six months? Totally do-able
When a full-time employee signs an offer letter, they are agreeing to work for a company indefinitely; until either they quit or the company fires them. When Northeastern students sign offer letters for co-op, we are agreeing to just a four to six-month stint at a company. This time frame is a blessing; it allows people who really enjoy their co-op to love it for half a year, and it also lets students who are not fond of their co-op get a break after half of a year. You are not bound to this position forever.
- Not liking your position is still a step in the forward direction
If you end up hating your co-op, you can still use that information for good in your future. You’ll at least know that you must find another path to pursue in another field. Having any sort of feelings about your co-op is a good thing; feelings provide direction.