PD1: Career Fundamentals

PD1: Career Fundamentals gives students the tools they need to find their first job, develop core career skills, and succeed in the workplace. The version of the course taken by co-op students introduces them to the processes and technology underpinning the University's co-op program.

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What do PD1 students do?

Receive personalized feedback on their résumé
Develop and receive feedback on a cover letter tailored to a specific job
Plan and practice answers to different styles of interview questions
Learn to navigate and apply to jobs using WaterlooWorks

Student testimonials

"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."
"I found the résumé assignment was most helpful. I did not realize before the course how much my résumé was lacking... The résumé feedback was most helpful, and I feel much more confident with my current résumé than ever before."

Grading information

Students need to earn a grade of 60% to pass PD1.

If you have a question about grading in PD1, contact the course team using the information in the sidebar.

Other information

There's more than one version of PD1. Students in undergraduate co-op, specialized, and certificate programs complete slightly different versions 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 that's administered by WatPD. 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's administered by WatPD.	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.

Course instructor

Jennifer Woodside

jennifer woodside

Jennifer is the Director of the University of Waterloo's Centre for Career Action. 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.

Contact information

You can reach the PD1 course team at pd1@uwaterloo.ca.