Frequently asked questions

If you're new to EDGE, these frequently asked questions will help you understand the basics of the program and find more information.

If you're already familiar with EDGE, we recommend visiting the EDGE program's website — you can read more about the program, fill out the registration form, and contact members of the EDGE team with specific questions or concerns.

What is EDGE?

EDGE is the University of Waterloo’s experiential education certificate program for undergraduate students in traditional (non-co-op) programs of study. Students who complete EDGE will develop their professional skills, explore their career options and learn how to market themselves to employers.

What do I need to do to complete EDGE?

To complete EDGE, you'll need to complete six milestones:

A skills identification and articulation workshop, in which you'll recognize your skills and practice expressing them to employers in a confident, concise fashion;
A career development course, in which you'll develop core career-seeking skills and align your career goals with your values, skills and interests;
Three work or community experiences, in which you'll explore opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom and reflect on your personal growth;
And a capstone workshop, in which you'll tie everything together and develop an action plan for post-graduation success.

Am I eligible to complete EDGE?

Any student enrolled in a traditional (non-co-op) undergraduate degree is eligible to pursue EDGE. There are no prerequisite credits required for entry, nor a specific academic average that a student must maintain to enter or remain in the program.

Do I have to pay anything to complete EDGE?

There are no fees associated with EDGE — all you need to do is opt into the certificate.

What is the difference between co-op and EDGE?

There are a few key differences between EDGE and co-op:

EDGE is for students in traditional programs of study.	Co-op is for students in co-op programs. Students in these programs can't enrol in EDGE.
EDGE is an opt-in certificate. Participation in EDGE is voluntary.	Students in co-op programs must successfully complete a certain number of terms to earn their degree.
EDGE students find their work and/or community experiences	Co-op students use WaterlooWorks (formerly JobMine) to source their work terms.
EDGE experiences include both volunteer opportunities and paid employment.	Co-op work terms always involve paid employment.
EDGE experiences are short in frequency and length. Students complete three experiences over the course of the certificate comprised of at least 36 hours per experience.	Co-op students complete between four and six work terms comprised of full-time hours over the course of four-month periods.

Whether you’re interested in EDGE or completing a co-op degree, it’s important to remember that EDGE and co-op are complementary programs that both give students a chance to benefit from experiential education.

How early can I sign up for EDGE?

Current and incoming students are both welcome to register for EDGE. If you're an incoming student (first-year or transfer), you can sign up for EDGE as soon as you've accepted your offer from the University and received a student ID number. You'll need this number to complete the registration process.