How to Be a Successful Co-op

It’s week 10 on the Co-op at Neutrogena and to say that I’ve learned a lot is an understatement. I’ll share my helpful tips with you to help motivate and drive you to be successful on your next co-op!

1. Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to tell someone you don’t understand something or that you would like them to explain something to you. It’s important that you ask questions and ask a lot of them or people may assume you already know the answers to everything. Write down answers to questions you ask so you don’t re-ask the same question.

2. Be Clear & Concise

When you are writing emails make sure they are short, clear, concise and have the right tone. People want to get the message that your trying to get across in a quick snapshot so learn how to do that in your emails and in person.

3. Dig Deeper

Now when I say dig deeper I mean learn as much as you can about what you’re working on. You want to be the expert on your projects and everything that has your name on it. If it has your name on it then it represents you and the type of work you put out there so know it in and out. 

4. Be Detail Orientated

Double and triple check emails, files, and anything that you do because the last thing you want is a silly mistake because you didn’t go back and check. Your boss wants someone they can count on to deliver good work not work that they need to double check.

5. Take Advice

You’re going to get a lot of great advice while you are on the co-op especially from your boss and mentors. Make sure you take it and apply it in whatever way you can especially if it is constructive advice. I find it helpful to ask “What advice do you have for me to do a good job and stand out?” I’ve gotten great answers from people!

6. Have Confidence

It’s important that you have confidence in the work your doing. If you don’t believe you can do it then no one will.

7. Write It Down

Always bring a pen and paper with you to every meeting. Listen closely to what people are saying and make sure to take note of things you don’t understand so you can address it. People will always be asking you to complete new tasks and if you have a lot on your plate you may forget if you don’t write it down.

I hope this helps and motivates you! I know learning these things has helped me a lot:)  Keep posted more to come soon on the life at the co-op! 

"My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment."- Oprah Winfrey

"There is no such thing as failure. There are only results." – Tony Robbins

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Elishia T. Ortiz