My Experience as a Co-op at PAMT

Hi! My name is Adrien, and I am a graphic design student doing a summer co-op at PAMT Consulting!

Going into my very first co-op term was a bit nerve-wracking. I have heard that not all co-op opportunities are great, and some students have had poor experiences. Most people have worked at least one, if not more, crappy jobs in their lifetime, and I figured I would be no different - I am so pleased to say I was so very, very wrong.  

From my first interview with Angie McNamara, I knew that PAMT Consulting sounded like a dream come true. Having previously worked for Syllasense Inc., I was familiar with the idea of smaller, family operated startup businesses, as well as the warm and inviting atmosphere they provided in the workspace. The company and work environment of PAMT sounded incredible, and I loved how Angie spoke with so much passion and care about not only the company itself, but also every single member of staff. To say I was sold would be an understatement! This is my first step into the actual professional world, and I am so glad that I took it with PAMT. 

On day one, we were given a co-op leader who showed us the ropes on training, expectations and tasks, and having someone who you knew was in your court was really encouraging on the first day. Meeting the team was so much fun - did you know we hold weekly show-and-tell meetings where the whole company gets to catch up, tell jokes and present new ideas and knowledge? Not only that, but we even hold occasional in-person lunches to welcome new team members. I came in at the same time as a handful of other co-op students, and we were immediately treated with the same respect as those who have been at PAMT for years. I was astounded by how often someone new would message me just to let me know they are there if I have any questions or need advice. It seemed as if the whole staff was there to support us, and though we worked remotely, I felt connected to the whole team. Let’s just say, If I ever have a question, I have a list of about 30-40 people who I know would do their best to help me out!

Having previously worked a retail job at a chain store, I thought that expecting anyone to care about my ideas and suggestions was unlikely, but from day one, I have felt heard. I feel comfortable going to higher-ups, including Paul and Angie themselves, and presenting new concepts and even edits they could make to current material. The fact that I feel comfortable enough to go to my bosses and make suggestions is something I never thought I would get to experience, and speaks a lot to their character.

Don’t get me wrong, it isn't all unicorns and rainbows - getting used to working remote full time was (and still is!) definitely a challenge. This is my first full time job, and for the first few weeks, the hours felt so long. I was working from 9am - 5pm every weekday, and was in bed fast asleep around 7pm every night. I wish someone had warned me how much energy it actually takes to work full time hours! Working remote in itself is also a challenge; Staying motivated and focused, especially as someone with ADHD, can be a difficult task in person, let alone remote. It was a huge learning curve to master, but with the amount of support I have received, I am finding it easier and easier to stay on top of everything.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that it is okay to make mistakes. Whenever I make a mistake, I remind myself that I am still in school, and I’m not supposed to know everything yet! With such a supportive team, I feel as if it is a safe place to learn from my mistakes and grow from them. I know that the team will understand that I am still learning how to ‘work’ properly, and they have all been so supportive of that. 

Not only do I feel myself growing as a graphic designer, but I also feel as if I am learning so much about other aspects of business as well, from sales all the way to development. I find myself learning something new every day, and every new meeting is a new opportunity!

Overall, I am so grateful to have been given such an incredible co-op opportunity. This experience has been better than anything I could have ever expected, and has marked a huge stepping stone in my future career. I am so happy I decided to go with PAMT, and can't wait to see what else is in store!