Workplace Success Tips

Find out about key office procedures and practices
What are the guidelines around office hours, dress code (also observe your supervisor), parking and answering the phone?
Where are various things located (copier, office supplies, lunchroom, washroom, etc.)?
Keep track of information with a notebook.
Arrive at the office on time
Getting to work a few minutes earlier and staying a few minutes longer makes an even better impression!
Introduce yourself to people around the office and remember their names
Your supervisor may give you an orientation to the office, otherwise you should introduce yourself to the receptionist and others in nearby offices.
Depending on the size of the office, some people may not know in advance that the organization has hired a SFU Co-op student!
Ask if there is a staff phone list available.
Be flexible
You may not get exactly what you want from the job.
The job conditions or project requirements may have changed since you were interviewed for the position.
Some companies are experiencing restructuring or aggressive growth, so change is constant.
Learn to adapt quickly to different situations.
Discuss any concerns with your supervisor first. Contact a Business Coordinator if needed.
Take the opportunity to learn
Learning is not just technical.
You can learn about work ethic, interpersonal skills, customer service, how to receive constructive feedback, the organization and the industry.
Pay attention to detail
Whether proof-reading your written draft or listening to your supervisor's instructions, pay close attention to the quality of your work and what's going on around you.
Know when and how to ask questions or raise concerns with your supervisor and / or co-workers
If they are in a meeting or on the phone (unless it's very important), wait until they finish.
Write questions down as you think of them so that you can ask a series of questions all at the same time.
Balance the time you spend asking questions and searching out answers on your own.
Keep a notebook and record the answers to your questions.
Update your supervisor regularly on how your work projects / assignments are progressing.
Ask for feedback when appropriate and take criticism as a learning opportunity
Tell your supervisor that you would like comments on your work performance. What have you done well and in what areas you need improvement?
Accept the fact that you're not perfect (which means you're human) by acknowledging your areas for improvement.
Use the feedback constructively.
Know what the employers expect. Be committed to the work
What do the employers expect? Interest and enthusiasm on the job, willingness and eagerness to learn, initiative, drive, flexibility, and dedication. Above all, a positive attitude!
Approach all tasks with enthusiasm, no matter how big or small.
Go beyond your job duties and volunteer for projects and other small tasks that are not in your job description (always clarify with your supervisor first!).
Communicate your interests, learning objectives and career goals to your supervisor since there may be related projects that you can become involved with during your workterm.
Be modest and complimentary
Always be prepared to share the glory with someone else, even when you're tempted to take full credit when a compliment is paid. This will help you earn points with co-workers and managers.
Remember, the employer hired you to work and learn, not to change the entire organizational structure and procedures!
Communicate, communicate, communicate
When in doubt, ask.
If you would like more work and / or more challenging work, ask.
When you know you've made a mistake, apologize.
Really appreciate the help or guidance of your supervisors and co-workers? Make sure they know how they've made a difference.
Come out of your cubicle and socialize with others when appropriate.
If there are movie nights, baseball games, potluck suppers, ask if you could join them.
Pay attention to body language
Most of the communication is non-verbal.
Very often it is not what you say but how you say it that makes the difference.
Show enthusiasm and confidence in your voice.
Smile.
Before calling or meeting customers / suppliers, practice what you'll say and how you'll say it. Plan for interaction.
It is not necessarily what you know, but how you present yourself that makes a lasting impression.
Be aware of what you say about your employer or co-workers in public
You might be surprised by who is listening (i.e., sitting behind you in a movie theater or in a restaurant).
If you have concerns about your work term, communicate with your supervisor first. If needed, contact a Business Co-op Coordinator.
Please refer to the Employment Standards Act for further information on employer and employee rights at http://www.gov.bc.ca/lab/