Tourism student Puneet Malik supported planning for orientation and transition events and programming as a learning strategist (co-op) with the Office of Student Life. Starting in the summer of 2024, he immersed himself in the eight-month term, gaining valuable insights and skills, noting that it’s been a transformative experience.
Much of Malik’s job description revolves around ensuring a smooth and positive transition to university life for students. Malik gained various skills by conducting campus tours, facilitating a leadership series, engaging in research projects and writing reports. Learning graphic design for communication and marketing has been particularly exciting, enabling him to contribute effectively to the department’s outreach efforts.
“Learning best practices for communicating with new-to-TRU students has boosted my confidence. I’ve better understood the different perspectives, cultural backgrounds and external factors that impact how students might view the material.”
Puneet Malik (right) working behind the scenes with Kayla Sanford (middle) and colleague Nicolas Bosworth (left).
One of the standout moments of Malik’s co-op term was representing TRU Student Life at Convocation 2024. Working with his supervisor, learning strategist Kayla Sanford, and Career and Experiential Learning’s Nicolas Bosworth, Malik experienced firsthand the complexities and rewards of co-ordinating major university events. “The event allowed me to interact with various departments, learn how TRU executes big events and how to represent the university professionally,” he said.
It was education from an event planning process and gave Malik a glimpse into his future. “Graduation conjured a sense of hope and excitement. Knowing I would be on the same stage next year, so watching students cross the stage gave me chills.”
By working on a dynamic team committed to exceptional student experiences, Malik saw his future in higher education. “I’ve developed much institutional knowledge, especially about the Canadian workplace.” His journey at TRU has laid a solid foundation for his aspirations, equipping him with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field.
Malik spent orientation week executing the welcome ceremony and TRU’sa Palooza, among other first-year festivities. “The time flew by so quickly; so much was happening that it was hard to pause and absorb. Now that I’ve taken a moment to reflect, orientation feels like a full circle moment, especially having experienced convocation. Students arrive on that first day with dreams and excitement, and they cross the stage at graduation with confidence and pride, ready to go out into the world and conquer. It was a strange yet profound feeling, witnessing them embark on new things in life.”
Planning for orientation has been underway since Malik’s co-op work term began. “We had many brainstorming sessions and discussions and asked countless questions. The best part of the preparation was working with Orientation and Transitions learning strategist Kayla Sanford and Student Life manager Julie Taylor.”
Malik also learned about the intricacies of event planning: “Even if you plan everything meticulously, something might still go wrong — and you can’t predict what it might be. It’s about anticipating scenarios and solutions so you can easily troubleshoot.”
“Planning such a monumental event can feel overwhelming because there are so many factors to consider,” Sanford noted. “Orientation may take place in one day, but it takes months to plan! It was so fun to watch Puneet witness the results of his work as the elements came together.”
“Kayla has been a huge supporter from day one. I look up to her for everything. She has been a strong pillar for me to learn and grow. I feel so much more confident in what I do in the office, and the credit goes to her because she saw my potential,” he said.
Test drive your career options beyond TRU through paid, monitored work terms with various organizations. Visit the website to learn more about co-operative education and the Office of Student Life.
