EDGE meets excellence: paving the way for a student to standout at the W Store
By: Sanyam Aggarwal (she/her)
The Centre for Work-Integrated Learning's EDGE program helps students leverage their work experience toward a work-integrated learning (WIL) certificate.
Omosefe Jessica Idahosa (she/her) is a undergraduate student in the Faculty of Science. Participating in the EDGE program prepared Idahosa to be career-focused and develop her sense of self.
"It was eye-opening to learn that my job at the W Store could be used to concurrently gain transferable skills and meet the milestones of the EDGE certificate," says Idahosa.
Jessica Idahosa (she/her)
EDGE is an optional experiential education certificate program for undergraduate students in regular (non-co-op) programs of study. Students who complete EDGE develop professional skills, explore career options and learn how to market themselves to employers.
The stepping stones: EDGE milestones
The EDGE program requirements include three work or volunteer experiences. Idahosa’s job at W Store qualified as an accomplishment towards one of those experiences.
“I was already working at the W store when I started the certificate. So, when I heard that it could count as one of my work experiences, I was really excited,” says Idahosa. “Sometimes as a student, when you're working at a job, you just go there and make some money on the side. But from the perspective of EDGE, it helped me to be more intentional with that experience.”
Idahosa was able to use, and further develop, some of the skills she developed while taking PD8: Multicultural Skills. The course content aligned with her customer service role at work.
“I was working as a cashier and I noticed a newcomer was overwhelmed. Learning about the nonverbal cues of communication supported me in comforting and encouraging them,” says Idahosa. “It helped me to be able to have more of an appreciation for the diverse amount of customers that would come in and tailor my experience towards them. I liked the strategies and approaches of communication that I could use to try to make them feel comfortable.”
Idahosa's determination and thoughtfulness is something that resonated with both customers and her co-workers at the W Store.
Gerry Brummelhuis (he/him), a coordinator at the W Store, served as Idahosa's supervisor. He appreciated the skills and creativity she brought to her role.
“She's a very gentle heart and she's inquisitive. She asks questions and is eager to learn,” says Brummelhuis. “When the stock would arrive at the store. I’d ask for the display shelf to be creative. I think Jessica did that well, taking the initiative to make it more appealing and attractive for customers.”
Gerry Brummelhuis (he/him)
What is it like working at the W Store?
The W Store team gave Idahosa her the responsibility to fulfill her job duties on her own and to step outside of her comfort zone. She appreciated having the time and space to develop her critical thinking skills while trying something new.
The W Store is a safe place for students to hone their future-ready skills. We employ students who want to make the world a better place. They work hard in school and at work. I feel privileged to be a small part of their learning journey.
Navigating the future: shaping her professional DNA
“I would totally recommend EDGE. It made me reflect on my skills and my future. I will graduate with work experience on my résumé, and I have learned how to market myself in this competitive job market,” says Idahosa. “I’m proud of myself and can’t wait to get my EDGE certificate when I graduate.”
Now that Idahosa has completed the EDGE program, she is seeking future opportunities to develop professionally and to build a career in software engineering. She’s also considering futher education and plans to pursue a master’s program.