By Krista Henry
Krista Henry explores how hiring co-op students or interns can help communicators lessen the workload and improve work-life balance.
You have story deadlines to meet, communications plans that are overdue and a leader asking for your metrics report. At night your mind focuses on your growing to-do list with no relief in sight. We’ve all been there, and our mental health has suffered.
The ongoing global pandemic has brought mental health and well-being in the workplace into the spotlight. While we may find time for relaxation techniques after work hours, tackling the mountain of work on our desks isn’t always as easy. An extra hand or two to assist in getting tasks off your plate is a solution that often feels out of reach.
Hiring early talent can help!
Co-op students or interns are beneficial in several ways. They help to grow talent pipelines, allowing us to “test drive” existing talent. They are a “culture add” with diverse perspectives. They are tech gurus, social media influencers and competent data analysts. Here are some of the skills and benefits student communicators, like University of Waterloo Arts co-op students, can provide:
1. Digital marketing skills. Generation Z, those born between 2006-2014, grew up in a digital world. Social media is second nature to them. They understand how to reach their demographic for impact and how to help increase sales. They offer advanced web design skills. They are quick learners who are willing to test their mettle on new systems.
2. Design and video support. Content is king. With top social media platforms, like YouTube and TikTok, video content is gold. Video editing is often time-consuming and requires a specific skill set. Students can create video content to go alongside written articles. Need a quick poster or social media post? Give it to a co-op student to complete.
3. Internal communications support. Have an internal email to draft? A day of recognition for inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) initiatives coming up? That’s a task a co-op student can run with! Let them draft messages and create engaging collateral materials.
4. Research and data analytics. Keeping track of the latest trends in the market can be time-consuming. Have a co-op student dive into the data, research trends and even create branding personas that enhance your understanding of the customer.
5. Event support. Whether you need an online or a hybrid event, students are capable coordinators and project managers. They create slide presentations, provide tech support, act as online moderators and help market events for increased attendance. For in-person events, students can assist with event logistics, like registration, check-in, event set-up and live social media.
6. Mentorship opportunities. Not all communicators have the opportunity to provide mentorship. Having a student on your team means you can share your knowledge and experience with the next generation. Mentoring another is a way of giving back – which can be great for your mental wellbeing.
7. Team diversity. Gen Z is the most diverse talent to hit the workforce. Representation matters to our well-being. It is important to have colleagues we can relate to and new perspectives to invigorate us. Students bring a breath of fresh air and diversity that we all need on the path to belonging.
It may seem overwhelming to add a student to your team. There is some preparation in the early stages to get students trained but after a few weeks co-op students are ready to go. The benefits to the mental health of you and your team make it worth it to add a co-op student to your team. Get started today.
Krista Henry has 15 years of experience as a professional writer. She has worked as a journalist and communications professional in the government, non-profit and retail industries in Jamaica and Canada. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, she is the chair of IABC Toronto’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) committee. She currently works at the University of Waterloo as a communications specialist assisting in developing next-generation communications talent. Connect with Krista on LinkedIn This piece was created in collaboration with IABC/Toronto and Waterloo University. For external marketing opportunities with the Communicator, please contact toronto-marketing@iabc.to. By Cassandra Cleveland As a new mom and communications professional, returning to work after maternity leave brought a wave of mixed emotions. The excitement of rejoining the professional realm was tempered by the realization that the communications landscape had evolved during my time away, leaving me with a potential knowledge gap. Determined to bridge […] By Linda Bicho-Vachon I’ve always been a learner. In my former role, I completed my association’s certification program and stayed updated by attending industry seminars. The certification demonstrated that I had the skill and expertise to do my job and gave me confidence to grow my career. When I decided to transition to a […] By Prachi Shailendra As a communications professional who embarked on the Canadian journey in 2019 with over six years of international experience in corporate communications, I vividly recall the challenges and triumphs of breaking into the local job market. I soon realized that for newcomers, success often hinges on more than just a polished […] By Andrea Walasek Dear Readers, It is a pleasure to introduce myself as the Editor-in-Chief of IABC/Toronto’s Communicator publication for 2023-2024. As a dedicated professional who has worked in Public Relations for over 19 years and a proud volunteer with IABC/Toronto, I am happy to bring you the Winter 2024 issue, focused on a topic […] By Matisse Hamel-Nelis Matisse Hamel-Nelis reminds us that IDEA are more than just buzzwords; they are vital principles that can transform the world of communications. In the ever-evolving world of communications, the principles IDEA are gaining increasing significance. When applied effectively, they help foster a more enriched, engaging and impactful communication environment – enhancing meaningful internal […] By Amanda Cosentino Amanda Cosentino poses the question: When you think about the word “accessibility,” what images pop up in your head? When you think about the word “accessibility,” what images pop up in your head? Perhaps a person in a wheelchair, or a reserved parking spot? But those are only small pieces of accessibility. […]Return to the Winter 2022 Issue of Communicator
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