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Samuel Peng
Samuel Peng, Accounting Management Student, April 2007 Samuel Peng
Accounting Management Student
Samuel Peng is a 1st year Accounting Management student who is completing his first Co-op work term with BBD (Benefits by Design Inc.), an Administered Benefits Agency as a Sales Assistant. When Samuel was asked why he had applied for Co-op, he responded, "After I had gone to the Co-op orientation, I had decided to participate in this program because there were so many advantages. Most importantly, I wanted to improve myself by gaining work experience."
Overcoming difficulties in any job can be a challenge and this was no different for Samuel. In the beginning, he found creating positive relationships with other co-workers a difficult task. It was a challenge both because of cultural differences as an international student and because of a gender difference. He was the only male employee in this department, so he found it extra hard to fit in the group. But with Samuel just being himself, others were able to accept him and he has found that working as a team has helped him cross the double barriers.
There were several memories that left a lasting impression during his placement. Samuel comments, "I am impressed by the work ethic and corporate spirit in this company. Although I am a Co-op student, I was treated as a formal employee. Working in a friendly and dynamic environment is the most enjoyable thing at this Co-op placement." He even joined the Vancouver Sun Run this April as a member of their corporate team.
After reflecting upon what new skills he had learned and what skills were enhanced during his placement, Samuel responded, "Overall, all my skills were enhanced especially my communication skills. Most importantly, this experience has opened my eyes to another possible career field - finance and not just accounting." He would not have realized this early in his studies had he not ventured into the workforce.
"The Co-op office has been giving me a lot of support. The Co-op staff prepared me by listening and answering all the questions I had." responds Samuel when asked how the Co-op office was able to assist him. Samuel has decided that working in an office environment is most likely his route after graduation. He has realized that interacting with people is more important to him, than processing data during the daily tasks.
Samuel was asked if he had any advice for other fellow students or future potential students and he responded, "Co-op is an absolutely wonderful program and I just don't understand why more students aren't participating. It's definitely helpful for those students who still haven't decided what they want to do in the future. The most important part is the experiences we learned would become the great assets of our own."
