Written by Iman (she/her), student
If you are in a regular stream (non-co-op) program but still want the opportunity to build your résumé and gain real-world experience before entering the workforce, the EDGE program could be the perfect fit for you!
What is EDGE?
The EDGE program is an experiential education certificate designed specifically for undergraduate students who are not enrolled in co-op. EDGE helps set you up for success after graduation by
- helping you build career skills through workshops for professional development,
- providing hands on work/volunteer experience, and
- allowing you to explore potential career paths before entering the workforce.
I chose EDGE because I really wanted to get some form of work experience that I could use to grow and stand out when joining the workforce.
How does EDGE work?
Professional development
You’ll participate in professional development workshops designed to improve core skills like résumé building, job search strategies, interview techniques, and networking. These workshops will provide you with the tools to succeed in finding jobs and thriving in the professional world post-graduation.
Hands-on work experience
You’ll gain real world work experience through internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer opportunities. These hands-on experiences will help you gain relevant skills and work experience to add to your résumé and prepare you for the professional world.
Reflection
After each experience, you’ll reflect on what you’ve learned and how you’ve developed professionally. This process encourages you to think critically about your growth and helps you articulate your skills to future employers.
Taking full advantage of all the mock interviews, résumé critiques, and career development workshops offered by EDGE has really boosted my confidence in entering my field of interest.
What makes EDGE unique?
Flexibility
EDGE is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate each student's goals. You can complete the program at your own pace by fitting the workshops and experiences around your classes and schedule. You’ll also have more freedom in choosing your work and volunteer experiences, which allows you to tailor them to your interests and career goals.
Networking
Your experiences in EDGE will introduce you to professionals in your field and and help you create meaningful connections that can help you later in your career. The EDGE program encourages you to actively engage with mentors and peers, allowing you to build and expand your professional network before you graduate.
Career exploration
If you’re unsure about your future career path, EDGE offers an excellent way to explore different fields without a long-term commitment. The flexibility of the program allows you to try out a variety of different roles for varied durations to help you discover what you enjoy and excel at before fully committing to a specific career path.
Ultimately, if you’re in a regular stream (non-co-op) program but still want to gain hands-on experience and develop career skills before entering the workplace, EDGE is a great option. Take advantage of the resources available at Waterloo and give yourself a competitive edge with the EDGE program!
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