Work Term Report (S24)
Website Redesign Coordinator
Welcome to my co-op journey
A documentation of my experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape my professional path!
Through this site, I’ll take you through my role, the skills I honed, and the unexpected lessons that connected the dots between my academic world and the real world.
In designing this report, I chose a theme that mirrors the look and feel of the University of Guelph's web pages. This creative choice reflects my role as a Website Redesign Coordinator, where I am responsible for creating and maintaining similar web designs for the university.
The University of Guelph
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
I have the unique opportunity to work at my own university, the University of Guelph, specifically within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS). This vibrant academic environment thrives on innovation and technology, with computer science playing a crucial role in the college's operations. From managing academic websites to providing essential online resources for students, faculty, and staff, the need for web development expertise is constant. Each department and school within the college maintains its own unique site, housed within the broader University of Guelph website. These sites are essential for providing up-to-date information and resources for students, faculty, and staff, requiring constant updates and improvements.
Goals
Goal 1: Improve Written Communication Skills
I aimed to refine my online communication skills, particularly on platforms like Teams and email. My goal was to communicate more efficiently without overthinking every message, striking a balance between clarity and speed. I tracked my response times and gradually learned to trust my communication abilities, which resulted in a significant boost in confidence and efficiency. I successfully met this goal, as I now feel more comfortable and effective in my online interactions, saving valuable time that can be redirected towards other tasks.
Goal 2: Develop a Structured Approach to Task Management
Given the planning, creativity, and analysis required in my role, I wanted to adopt a more structured approach to my tasks. By creating clear action plans and organizing my work, I aimed to reduce feelings of overwhelm and improve my efficiency. Throughout the term, I experimented with different organizational methods, such as using bookmarks, structured folders, and consistent task management systems. While I still occasionally encounter moments of uncertainty, I now have strategies in place to navigate these challenges effectively. This structured approach will benefit my future work experiences by providing a reliable framework for handling complex projects.
Goal 3: Balance Technical Skills with Creative Thinking
As a computer science student, my work often leans heavily on technical skills, leaving limited room for creativity. My goal was to explore creative thinking within the constraints of web design platforms, pushing boundaries and experimenting with design possibilities. By brainstorming independently before researching existing designs, I found new ways to express my creativity, often uncovering innovative solutions despite platform limitations. I learned to approach problems from multiple perspectives and not be deterred by constraints. While I’ve made significant progress, I recognize there’s always more room to grow, and I plan to continue refining this balance in future roles.
Job Description
As the Website Redesign Coordinator at the University of Guelph, I support the redesign of academic unit websites within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, using Drupal and SharePoint to create accessible and user-friendly platforms. My role includes migrating content, enhancing website structures, and ensuring AODA compliance. A unique aspect of my job is acting as a subject matter expert in designing and implementing new web systems, blending technical and creative tasks like mapping user journeys and refining site layouts. This role demands skills in website design, accessibility compliance, CMS management, and HTML debugging, which I developed through coursework and hands-on training. This experience has deepened my appreciation for accessible web design and equipped me with valuable skills for future roles.
Focus of the Report: The Importance of People Skills in Computer Science
Entering the tech world as a woman initially filled me with apprehension, but working in a predominantly female environment during my co-op term provided the supportive atmosphere I needed to feel more comfortable and confident in my role. Being part of this positive team helped me focus on my tasks and grow professionally. One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience was the collaboration with another co-op student; our open communication, idea exchange, and mutual support were instrumental to our project's success. We also engaged regularly with other co-op students in different roles, broadening our perspectives and highlighting the importance of teamwork. This experience underscored that while technical skills are crucial, strong interpersonal skills and a respectful, collaborative work culture are equally vital for success in the tech field.
Conclusion
Through this experience, I explored the intersection of technical and creative skills, honed my written communication, and developed a structured approach to task management. Working on web design projects using Drupal and SharePoint, I learned to balance technical proficiency with creative thinking, ensuring accessible and user-friendly platforms.
A key takeaway from my co-op term was the importance of people skills in the tech industry. Effective communication, collaboration, and a positive work culture were crucial for my professional growth and the success of our projects. This experience bridged the gap between my academic knowledge and real-world applications, underscoring the need for both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills.