As a co-op student at the University of Guelph, I landed my first marketing job with a local start-up company. It was an exciting opportunity to further my education with real-world experiences and dive deeper into my learning. My role involved creating social media content, email campaigns, making sales calls, and assisting with presentations.
At first, I was intimidated by the fast-paced environment and high expectations of my team. However, with guidance and support from my supervisor, I quickly adapted to the work culture and became an integral part of the marketing team.
Starting a new job through a co-op might feel scary, as you still have a lot to learn and a lot riding on your performance, although it will be comforting to know that everyone in this situation will feel this way at some point.
Some struggles that students face in their first marketing jobs may include:
· Learning new skills: Marketing is a constantly evolving field, and keeping up with the latest trends and best practices can be overwhelming. It is important to be proactive in your learning and seek out opportunities for professional development, such as online courses or webinars. Also, use resources available through your school, such as career counseling or academic advising.
· Managing expectations: Your employer may have high expectations for your performance, even though you are new to the field. Therefore, communicate with your supervisor regarding realistic outcomes and set achievable goals. Being honest is the best thing you can do for the business and yourself. A helpful tip is to break down your job responsibilities into manageable tasks and set attainable goals for yourself. This will help you feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed.
· Dealing with stress: Balancing work, home life, social life, mental health, and physical health can be stressful, so take time for yourself. Make sure to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends and family.
All these struggles can seem intimidating but remember that starting your first job in marketing as a university student is a learning experience. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes. The purpose of a co-op work placement is to help students learn more about their career choice and how they can handle working in that field.
In summary, choosing a marketing job provided me a valuable hands-on experience that will help complement my academic studies. I will forever be grateful for taking a risk and trying something new.