Why EDGE?

Two students sitting and working together in the Tatham Centre

Participating in EDGE will help you develop key professional skills, explore your career options and market yourself to potential employers.

The best thing is that we’ve designed EDGE to fit into your Waterloo journey without changing your plans. EDGE is voluntary, flexible and free to complete. So, you can work through the EDGE certificate at your own pace.

How can completing EDGE benefit me? 

Identify the skills you've developed through your academics, extracurriculars, volunteering and paid employment and know how to communicate them when talking to employers. 

Learn important career development skills like how to write résumés, succeed in interviews and find work that matches your values, skills and interests.

Gain experience through the work or volunteer opportunities of your choice. 

Improve soft skills like communication and teamwork through online professional development courses. 

Receive comprehensive evaluations from your supervisors and reflect on what you learn through your experiences. 

Create a plan of action for your goals after graduation. 

Gain future-ready skills

a person looking at multi-directional arrows representing different career directions
Career management Career managers make an active effort to improve their employability and achieve long-term career sustainability.
cloud connected to different electronic devices
Communication Good communicators can express themselves clearly and encourage others to do the same.
different buildings with trees
Cultural intelligence Successful professionals need to understand how their actions impact others and the world around them.
three hands putting puzzle pieces together
Teamwork Working effectively with others is paramount to career success.
a person in the center of a circle
Leadership Leaders inspire and influence the people around them. They help get things done.
a person has the ability of writing, thinking, analyzing and so on
Professional skills Successful professionals need to make sure their work and interactions meet a high standard.
a man can analyze data and think
Self-management Self-managers take responsibility for their behaviour, well-being and personal development.
a hand holding a spanner
Technical competence Successful professionals need to reach a level of technical proficiency required in the contemporary workplace and reach a foundational level of competence in their chosen field.
A cloud, gear, pencil and light bulb representing design thinking
Thinking skills Critical thinkers can process information and evaluate both sides of potential decisions.
Arianna Poon

EDGE provides such a perfect way of gaining experience. One where it gives you enough guidance with the PD courses highlighting the things that are useful. It also allows you to reflect on your experience and take it to the outside world.

ARIANNA POON, EDGE STUDENT 
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Questions about EDGE?

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our EDGE team with any questions. Connect with us through email or meet with us to discuss your options.

Interested in EDGE?

If you are unsure if EDGE is right for you, check out the eligibility and program requirements to learn more about the range of experiences you can have as part of EDGE.