PD1: Career Fundamentals gives you the tools you need to find your first job, develop core career skills, and succeed in the workplace.
The version of the course for co-op students introduces you to the processes and technology underpinning the University's co-op program.
What will you do in PD1?
- Engage in self-assessment and reflection on skills, values, interests, and personality as the first step in managing a career.
- Assess your skills and values to create representative application packages.
- Plan and practice answers to different styles of interview questions.
- Learn to navigate and apply for jobs using WaterlooWorks.
Grading information
You will need to earn a grade of 60% to pass PD1.
If you have a question about grading in PD1, contact the course team.
Course instructor
Jennifer Woodside
Jennifer is the director of the University of Waterloo's Centre for Career Development. As a member of the Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) leadership team, she oversees the management, continuous improvement, and innovative deployment of career development support for Waterloo students, alumni, and staff.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science and Master of Science from McMaster University, as well as certificates in Career Development (Conestoga College) and Solution-focused Brief Coaching (University of Toronto). Outside of her work at Waterloo, Jennifer sits on the Program Advisory Committee for Conestoga College's Career Development Practitioner program.
Student testimonials
One of the main strengths of the course was the emphasis on practical skills and hands-on learning. The course offered many opportunities to apply the concepts learned in class to real-world situations, which helped me to develop my skills and feel more confident in my abilities.
The course was well structured and went very in-depth into what students should expect in a job setting. It prepared me very well for how to act and how to speak when in an office.
Other information
There's more than one version of PD1. If you are in undergraduate co-op, specialized, and certificate programs, you complete a slightly different version of the course. If you want to learn more about these alternative versions of PD1, consult the table below:
| Course code | Students affected | Enrolment details | Key differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| PD1 EDGE | Students completing the EDGE certificate program | EDGE students can complete their Career Development Course milestone by taking PD1 EDGE or an academic course listed as an equivalency. They can take the course at any point during their undergraduate career. | PD1 EDGE is designed for undergraduates in traditional (non-co-op) programs, so the portions of PD1 focused on the co-op process and WaterlooWorks have been removed. |
| PDARCH 2 | 2A Architecture students | This is the second of five PD courses taken by Architecture students. It's the first of two courses they take administered by the Centre for WIL. Students take PDARCH2 during the academic term prior to their first work term. | There are some minor differences between select quizzes in PDARCH 2 and PD1. |
| PDPHRM 1 | 2A Pharmacy students | This is the first of four PD courses taken by Pharmacy students. It's the only course they take that is administered by the Centre for WIL. | Assessment deadlines during the first half of PDPHRM 1 are scheduled one week earlier than comparable deadlines in PD1. The courses use the same assessment deadlines during the second half of the course. There are also some minor differences between select quizzes in PDPHRM 1 and PD1. |