Welcome to the second of a series of 3 articles I’m writing about my KIN Co-op journey. I last wrote that I’d applied to the Co-op Program to find out what kinds of jobs a KIN degree might get me besides serving as stepping stone to physiotherapy, and about the workshops I took to prep me for job searches. Well, I’m back and excited to share how my co-op experience has progressed! Since my last article, I began the process of applying to jobs, interviewing, and actually landing a co-op job!
It all started when KIN Co-op coordinator, Simone Longpré, posted the first co-op job opportunity for the summer 2020 work term – a research position with the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute. I had never imagined working in a research position before last semester, but after completing KIN 373 I had found a new appreciation for it and decided to apply. Utilizing the skills I’d learned in the fall co-op workshops, I tailored my resume and cover letter for the job posting. I asked Simone if she would review my application. She was great! It seems to me that she’s an English teacher and thesaurus, superhero, and co-op coordinator, all rolled into one. Leah Meanwell is the assistant co-op coordinator. She is basically Simone’s twin (except she has bangs – important to mention!). I am thankful to them both for their help every step of the way.
As I was about to submit two more applications to the co-op office, I received an invitation to AN INTERVIEW for the job at BC Children’s Hospital! I was told to bring a laptop for an Excel exercise (yikes!) and that there would be both a group and solo aspect of the interview. At the interview, I sat next to another UBC KIN co-op student and two SFU students. The interviewers provided details about the research being conducted and informed us that the main job duties would consist of data collection and organization, and contacting research participants. I was excited about the prospect of working in the nitty-gritty aspects of research.
After the group portion of the interview they opened the floor to questions, and I realized that interview-nerves are a real thing! I asked one question and then continued to actively listen to what the interviewers were saying, and remembered to make eye contact with the interviewer. Simone had advised us that managers not only want to make sure you can do the job, but they also want to know whether they can work with you!
After the group interview, I was taken to a separate room for the Excel exercise. My Excel skills are beginner-intermediate at best and I didn’t have enough time to finish, but the solo part of the interview went well. I left feeling not so great about the Excel exercise, but happy about how it went overall.
A week later I received an email from the co-op office saying that I had BEEN OFFERED THE JOB! Needless to say, I accepted the offer and was scheduled to start in May and continue to the end of December 2020. Of course, everything has now been put on pause with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m disappointed my job may not go ahead in May, but I do know that doors have not been closed. All the things we are seemingly “missing out on” throughout this pandemic will still be there when it’s over. And if they aren’t, then other opportunities will arise.
I was so excited to start working in May with the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, but I know that my focus needs to shift from starting work to ensuring I’m not putting myself or others at risk of this virus, so I am social distancing along with everyone else. I encourage everyone to choose to make the most of the present. It’s okay to be taking a break. Instead of worrying about the future, let’s give thanks for what we have in the moment.
Thanks for tuning in to hear another part of my co-op story! Although the summer work term seems uncertain,
I am confident I’ll be back soon to let you all know about the next step in my co-op journey. Stay safe, healthy, and continue loving others by practicing social distancing and staying at home. Thanks KIN fam ❤
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Julia’s work term will begin in May 2020 as planned. She will be working remotely with the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute to examine the impact of COVID-19 on students’ health behaviours. We wish Julia the best of luck on her endeavors!
Stay updated with Julia’s KIN Co-op journey through the KINformed student newsletter and the News page of our website, or follow us on our official Facebook and Instagram pages!