Matt’s Experience

“My co-op was unfortunately at the beginning of January 2021, which meant, I completed my co-op virtually, from home. I started in the tax department with little knowledge of what tax work actually was – other than preparing personal taxes. This combination of circumstances made asking normally ‘small‘ questions a larger task, and it also resulted in lots of self-study. My manager at the time – a former co-op student themselves – recognized that I would benefit from a small block of time every day to ask the small questions, and/or ask why something was the way it is. This block of time enabled me to feel more comfortable and confident with the work that I was preparing every day. I have noticed that once I understand why something is the way it is, then I’m able to recall that information much better than if I am just shown the answer and move on. Even though I am no longer in the tax department, the action of asking a peer why something is the way it is, still proves to be extremely helpful and I try to incorporate into my current work.”