PD courses

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Professional Development (PD) courses

Future employers in every field of study are looking for graduates and new hires who can communicate effectively, work in teams and solve complex problems. The Professional Development (PD) program is an online program that helps students enhance their professional skills while completing their work terms. With courses focused on topics like project management, intercultural skills and ethical decision-making, PD courses help students develop new strengths and test their skills in their co-op workplaces.

The number of PD courses students take varies depending on their chosen program. Co-op students in every faculty must take two compulsory PD courses before moving onto the program’s suite of electives, and completion of PD courses is a required component of students’ co-op degrees.

If you’re interested in learning more about the program, visit the Centre for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) or contact the Centre for WIL at centreforwil@uwaterloo.ca.

PD courses for Math and Science students
  • PD1: Career Fundamentals – Taken before your first work term, this course prepares you for your first co-op job with résumé, interview and job search skills.
  • PD11: Processes for Technical Report Writing – Taken during your first work term, this course teaches you how to research, write and revise a technical report for a specific audience.
  • After completing these required PD courses, you’ll take PD electives based on your program. 

Learn more about your program’s PD requirements in the Undergraduate Calendar. If you have any questions about PD requirements, please reach out to your academic advisor.

PD courses for Arts, Environment and Health students
  • PD1: Career Fundamentals – Taken before your first work term, this course prepares you for your first co-op job with résumé, interview and job search skills.  
  • PD12: Critical Reflection for Growth in the Workplace – Taken during your first work term, this course helps you set goals, improve communication and adapt to different workplace environments. 
  • After completing these required PD courses, you’ll take PD electives based on your program. 

Learn more about your program’s PD requirements in the Undergraduate Calendar. If you have any questions about PD requirements, please reach out to your academic advisor. 

PD courses for Engineering students (excluding architectural studies)

  • Co-op Fundamentals for Engineering (CFE) – Integrated into GENE119, a CR/NCR seminar course, it is designed to prepare you for co-op and career success. CFE is a joint collaboration between the Centre for Career Development and the Faculty of Engineering. 
  • PD19: Tactics for Workplace Success – Taken during your first work term, this course introduces strategies for navigating workplace challenges, setting goals and reflecting on your experience.  
  • PD20: Strategies for Career Success – Taken during your second work term, this course builds skills in reflection, communication, critical thinking and professional decision-making. 
  • After completing these required PD courses, you’ll take PD electives based on your program. 

Learn more about your program’s PD requirements in the Undergraduate Calendar. If you have any questions about PD requirements, please reach out to your academic advisor.