Making a difference as a co-op student

by Alexandra E. Battaglini (BA ’22, English)

Although graduating with a Waterloo Ars degree could feel like a mighty accomplishment, it’s no surprise that we are often asked what we can do with it. Now, as a master’s student in English Literary Studies, gaining knowledge in a professional environment is, to me, a critical step in my academics.

When I first started my co-op position for the Arts Advancement office, I wasn’t sure how my English degree would translate to an office environment. As someone who is interested in making writing an aspect of my career, it was a pleasant surprise that this position has given me a chance to work on my writing skills through the plethora of opportunities I have been given (including this piece). It’s an amazing feeling to know your co-op employers are keeping your academic interests in mind. I genuinely feel that they are on my team and want to see me succeed.

Taking skills from the classroom to the workplace

Working for the Advancement office has given me the opportunity to apply the skills I learned in my academics to the professional workplace.

In class, we were expected to be able to communicate our ideas to out peers and professor through writing as well as in class discussion. Using these skills in our weekly Advancement team meetings, as well as creating written pieces for the Arts Alumni webpages made the transition from classroom to workplace easier. Just as I have had to plan for multiple essays and projects for classes, so too have I had to manage multiple tasks in this role. Being able to see how my years in school translate to the workplace gives me confidence in the academic skills I have been working on throughout my time as a student.

My co-op role has also given me the chance to expand some skills that I initially was nervous to attempt. For instance, I was surprised to be given the chance to create graphic designs for events such as ‘Alumni in the Hub’. The Advancement office allowed and encouraged me to explore new software programs and learn new skills throughout both my co-op terms with them. But I think one of my favourite aspects in the office, is being apart of the behind-the-scenes process for events—being able to participate in planning those events that are so important to students, including their convocation day amongst others.

Learning from working in non-profits

Working in the non-profit sector has shown me how rewarding communication and community can be. It has given me a chance to connect with people on unique and personal levels and allows me to help empower others. I get to be apart of something bigger than myself while getting paid for a variety of learning opportunities. I have also gained more awareness of world issues and how much teamwork and detail goes into the efforts of social change.

Having the privilege of working at the University’s Arts Advancement Office has not only given me a variety of tasks that I get to try, but also altered my perspective for the better in inspiring the realization that co-op and students like me have the ability to make a difference.