Professional development

It takes more than technical skills to succeed in the workplace. 

Co-op Fundamentals for Engineering (CFE)

Before your first co-op work term, you will be automatically enrolled into Co-op Fundamentals for Engineering (CFE); a primarily online course that will prepare you for your first co-op experience.

CFE will cover:

  • the fundamentals of co-op at Waterloo,
  • workplace safety and worker's rights,
  • how to navigate WaterlooWorks and job search strategies,
  • writing strong résumés and cover letters,
  • gaining the skills needed for successful interviews.

Another component of CFE is having your resume reviewed by trained staff in Engineering and an in-class presentation from a career advisor.

Professional Development (PD) Courses

As part of your degree requirements, you will complete five professional development (PD) courses during your work terms through the Centre for Work-Integrated Learning. These self-directed courses will help you expand your skills and knowledge, using everyday situations from your work term environment.

All Engineering students are automatically enrolled into two mandatory PD courses:

Your program will determine the other PD courses you are required to complete, please visit the Undergraduate Academic Calendar for information specific to your program.

If you have any questions about PD courses, contact the Centre for Work-Integrated Learning, if you have questions about your PD requirements, contact your academic advisor.

PD Courses - Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Engineering students need to develop their professional skills?

Professional skills are a crucial component of workplace success. You may need coding and calculus skills to be considered for positions, but your ability to communicate, work in teams, and reflect on your performance is what will set you apart from your peers for the rest of your career. When Engineering co-op employers were asked about the importance of professional skills, a large majority said that such skills are “more important” or “just as important” as technical skills.

Which PD courses do I need to take to complete my PD requirements?

Your program will determine the PD courses you are required to complete, please visit the Undergraduate Academic Calendar for information specific to your program.

What are the options for PD courses?

How do I register for PD courses?

If you are following your program’s sequencing, you will be automatically enrolled in your first two PD courses. You will be enrolled in PD19 during your first work term and in PD20 during your second work term.

For additional PD courses, you will have to enroll yourself using Quest, and the process is like the one used for enrolling in other academic courses. You will also need to enrol yourself using Quest if you need to repeat PD19 or PD20.  

If you have any questions about enrolling in PD courses, contact your academic advisor.

Why am I receiving an error when trying to enrol in a PD course?

There may be several reasons why you are receiving an error when trying to enrol in a PD course. These are the two most common:

  • You might be attempting to enrol in the incorrect section of a course. Each PD course section is associated with particular reserves, and you will receive an error if you try to enrol in a section that doesn’t apply to you or has closed. You can see the reserves and check the open/closed status of each section by searching the Schedule of Classes.
  • You will not be able to enrol in any classes if you have a fee hold and/or academic hold on your account. You can view your hold status by logging into your Quest account. If you’re inquiring about a fee hold, contact the Student Financial Services office; if you’re inquiring about an academic hold, contact your academic advisor.

If you’re receiving an error that isn’t related to the issues above and you’re enrolling during a valid enrolment period, please contact your academic advisor.

How do I access PD courses?

You will access PD courses through LEARN, Waterloo’s online learning management system. Log into LEARN using your WatIAM user ID and password.  

If you have any questions about your system’s compatibility with LEARN or issues accessing your PD course, contact your course team or visit the LEARN help resources.