Professional Development at SAF

To succeed in today’s dynamic financial landscape, professionals need more than just technical skills.

The School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) offers a variety of professional development activities to help students successfully navigate their academic and career journeys while building the competencies employers value most. Many SAF students have leveraged these opportunities to secure competitive co-op placements and full-time roles.

Common themes include:

  • Inspiring your industry awareness
  • Building your workplace skills
  • Enhancing your professional image
  • Charting your professional pathway
  • Launching your career in accounting and finance

Students shaking hands with employer

Events

Launch Your Career (LYC)

  • A one-day event geared towards preparing first-year SAF students for successful co-op experiences. Through an agenda focused on co-op preparation, professional image, and networking skills, this student conference will introduce you to the co-op recruitment process.

Co-op Ready

  • A one-day event for second-year students entering their second year of undergraduate study. Designed to prepare students for co-op employment through industry-focused workshops and activities, Co-op Ready delivers an integrative, industry-focused professional development experience that will lead to success on the job. 

Workshops

  • Information sessions on professional designations: CPA, CFA, CBV
  • Industry guest speakers on special topics in accounting and finance such as bond rating, investment banking, portfolio management, and internal auditing

Networking Opportunities

  • Employer-student events like Opportunities in Accounting and Finance Night
  • Practice job interviews with industry professionals
  • Employer information sessions and on-campus recruiting events hosted by employers looking to hire Waterloo students directly into their organizations. These sessions are held by Centre for Career Development (CCD).