How does my co-op placement experience inform who I am?

My co-op work experience informs me of who I am by fostering metacognition, revealing both my strengths and weaknesses as a learner:

In order to fulfill my three-hour commitment every day, I learned that I needed to a number of goals, both small and large, to provide incentives to complete tasks.

After trying a number of different arrangements, I learned that I prefer to work in public areas with other like-minded individuals, like the library, where I am able to feel like a part of a community.

Because I faced many new situations, I learned that I worked well when given a set of instructions, and though difficult, that it is crucial to reach out for help when it is needed.

I became heavily immersed in finance through doing due diligence on potential companies during my internship. Through this experience, I learned that I really enjoy learning how businesses work and make money, as well as the analytical side of trying to figure out if a business would be successful.

Why have I chosen this particular focus for my co-op experience?

I chose my own co-op experience in the field of finance due to a number of reasons in relation to my personal interests and professional development:

I have previously competed in a number of business competitions like DECA, and so I chose an internship related to business to further my interest in this field. I wanted to learn more about business, and in particular, finance.

I learned of the “Search Fund” business model after speaking to a number of university students, where I was advised that such an internship is an entryway to the world of finance.

After looking at a number of opportunities online, I personally found Dark Horse Capital particularly interesting due to my supervisor’s extensive industry experience and the success of past interns - I knew that Dark Horse Capital would accelerate my professional development.

I really enjoy analyzing data and stats, where I learned from my supervisor and university students that search fund due diligence often involves tasks related to crunching numbers.

At Western University in London, competing in a university Model UN conference.

In New York, competing in a global investment competition.

At DECA Internationals with STL DECA, taking a photo together at a grocery store.