What Are My Opportunities?

Through my internship, I learned the importance of digital literacy in the workplace, specifically in widely recognized online tools like Microsoft’s portfolio of apps.

I spent a large portion of my time in my internship on Microsoft apps, where I had to navigate and create work products without any prior experience. Here, I realized how crucial developing a strong technical foundation is, especially after watching my supervisor’s incredible Excel and Powerpoint skills.

Because finance is a dynamic, evolving industry, employees have to constantly strive to improve their digital literacy in order to improve their employability. As well, technology opens the door to new kinds of tasks that help companies make more informed investments.

In addition to teaching me the importance of digital literacy in finance, my laptop and its use throughout my co-op placement helped me understand how crucial a growth mindset and adaptation is for any work setting.

Because I had never used online tools to the extent I had to during my co-op placement, I had to adjust and constantly improve my skills to keep up with my workload.

Constant improvement meant that I had to adopt a growth mindset, understanding that I hardly know anything, and that I should always look for opportunities to better myself.

Artefact #1: Laptop

Artefact #2: Water Bottle

My waterbottle represents the intense nature of my co-op placement, where I had to ensure I had time for myself to rest.

Finance is a highly demanding field and I experienced this firsthand when I found myself having to complete strenuous yet rewarding tasks that tested my knowledge and work ethic.

Whenever I was struggling, I reminded myself to refocus and understand that my hardships would help me grow as a person. I would sip my waterbottle before refocusing my energy.

My waterbottle taught me more than the nature of the finance industry. Because my co-op placement was one of the most challenging experiences of my life, it was paramount that I pace myself. I tried to schedule breaks to make sure I did not overexert myself.

Sometimes, I caught myself stuck on an issue or in the middle of long tasks. Here, my waterbottle was a steady tool that helped me relax.

As I enter university and eventually the workforce, I will ensure that I am staying on-track with my work and still maintain my wellbeing by using relaxation tools like my waterbottle.

Artefact #3: PRESTO Card

My PRESTO card represents the great number of places I visited to complete my co-op placement. I learned about finance from my PRESTO card: that the industry involves a lot of travelling and on-site work.

Using my PRESTO card, I often took the bus or subway to local businesses in order to conduct market research.

I asked associates questions, from how certain products were compared to others, or what kinds of services they provide most. Using this information, I was able to decide whether certain investments were worth it, depending on if their product/service was looked favourably upon.

In addition to providing me with interesting information, my PRESTO card also enabled me to work in a number of different environments. Through this, I learned that the habit of surrounding yourself with a friendly workspace is crucial to productivity.

I tried visiting different cafes and libraries during my co-op placement, where I often found success in new places, harbouring a fresh perspective.

Going forward, I will look for opportunities to build a supportive and interesting space around me to maximize my focus at work.

The finance industry involves a lot of analysis and due diligence, where it is important to apply these findings into a bigger picture. Because of this, focusing on the most impactful information is important.

I used my paper and pen to take a step back and jot down notes when my files online became overwhelming. Stepping away from technology and trying to reframe my perspective was often extremely helpful to conclude my research and find the “so what.”

Finance is an industry that has migrated to technology - and though it is clearly an integral part of the job, a classic pen and paper is also useful to de-clutter your mind.

My paper and pen showed me that using new methods of getting work done is more effective than “beating a dead horse.”

My laptop has many distractions and a lot of different kinds of information. Pen and paper gets rid of these distractions and forces simpler thinking, forcing me to prioritize. When completing tasks in any situation, prioritization is necessary to make the most of your time.

Moving forward, I will ensure that I incorporate offline work into my schedule to ensure that I can see things from different perspectives and eliminate distractions. This will allow me to become a more effective worker.

Artefact #4: Paper and Pen

Artefact #5: Headphones

My headphones were extremely important to me because they helped me immerse myself into my work. They represent my laser focus, a skill useful in finance.

Throughout my co-op placement, I faced many tasks that required critical thinking and focus to do well. My headphones sucked me into this world, where I would often be able to do hours of work at once without feeling distraught by whatever was happening around me. This was particularly important when completing new assignments.

It’s important to talk when it’s appropriate to do so. But in finance, most of the most difficult work is done independently, where a tool like my headphones is the path to complete these kinds of tasks.

My headphones also taught me about the importance of focus in any work setting. Working effectively despite distractions is a skill applicable anywhere.

In addition, listening to relaxing music is great to stay positive and place me in the right headspace to get work done. I am able to escape into my own world, one where I feel secure and ready.

I will use my headphones or other earphones to listen to music when I enter the workforce, providing the right atmosphere to be productive. This will help me become an efficient worker.