This student blog series is written by third year Mount Saint Vincent student Tesa Court.
As 2015 rolls in with unpredictable weather, resolutions, and a can-do attitude for the year ahead, I find myself embarking on a new venture in my life. I’m a third year Business Administration student at Mount Saint Vincent University and I just started my work term as an Administrative Coordinator here at BOYNECLARKE LLP.
I started January like most of you, begrudgingly. Why can’t Christmas break go on forever? I try to remember that with a new year, comes new challenges, opportunities and adventures to be had. If there is one thing you can learn about me from this post, and those that follow is I’m an advocate for all three things. The position at BOYNECLARKE LLP comes to me as an opportunity – to learn as much as I possibly can from some of the best and brightest minds that Nova Scotia has to offer. A challenge – learning the lingo, computer systems, policies, and procedures, anything new is challenging. Lastly an adventure – how many students really get the opportunity to get hands on experience working with industry professionals? Not enough! So I’m prepared to be a sponge. I like to treat every single day as a learning experience and a new adventure. Let’s be serious, this is so much better than sitting in a classroom all day long. After almost three weeks, this is what I have learned:
- BE ORGANIZED – Finding a new way to stay on top of duties is key! During work hours you won’t find me glued to my MacBook, or iPhone, the devices I so heavily rely on for keeping my life in order outside of work. So using the resources available to me at my desk have been crucial for keeping me on top of my to-do list at the office. Giving myself deadlines, reminders, and updating my calendar religiously have proven to be musts for an effective work day.
- TAKE NOTES – In those first few days there is going to be more information thrown your way than you know what to do with, let alone retain. Take notes, lots of notes, write down everything, save emails that outline how to’s. Storing everything in an organized file makes life easier.
- THERE’S ALWAYS MORE TO LEARN – Realize that you don’t know everything (not even close). There is so much to learn, and that’s why these work term experiences are so valuable. I’m being open to constructive criticisms, tips and tricks, and open to learning about all the new things that are going to help shape me in my journey as a student, as a professional and just as everyday me.