What happens when you step out of the classroom and into a startup?
For 39 Sheridan students, the answer became clear at the closing session of the EDGE Ecosystem Venture Experience (EEVE) that wrapped up August 14 at the Hazel McCallion Campus. EDGE is Sheridan’s entrepreneurship and innovation hub and they support students, alumni, and community innovators to transform their ideas into ventures. EEVE is an immersive work integrated learning program within the EDGE ecosystem that guides participants through the innovation and venture creation process.
The session brought together students from across faculties to reflect on a summer spent working with startups and small businesses. Students built their entrepreneurial skills, expanded their professional networks, and gained firsthand experience in the regional innovation ecosystem.
EEVE gave students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. Participants completed stipend placements with startups and small businesses while taking part in weekly mentorship sessions provided through the EEVE program. These curated sessions introduced students to key entrepreneurial concepts, including problem identification and definition, entrepreneurial decision-making and risk assessment, value proposition and development, building a minimum viable product, and effective pitching techniques. Students also explored entrepreneurship learning modules, attended educational events, and engaged in sessions covering emerging topics such as artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.
The closing session provided opportunities for students to share their biggest lessons and discuss how their experiences shaped their career goals. Students also got to hear from a panel of professionals about translating startup experience into future career opportunities.
A common theme throughout the discussion was confidence. Many students entered the program eager to gain experience so they would feel confident when applying to jobs post-graduation. They left with a stronger sense of what they can contribute and where they want to go next.
“This experience taught me that I am capable of making meaningful contributions in a professional environment,” said Katherine Lee, an Honours Bachelor of Computer Science (Mobile Computing) student. “It motivated me to continue developing my skills and pursuing future opportunities.”
For others, the experience revealed new ways of thinking about the impact they can have through their work. “The program bridged the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world application,” said Songtao Bei, an Honours Bachelor of Information Sciences (Cyber Security) student. “More importantly, it inspired me to think about how technology can be used to serve the public good and has influenced my future career goals.”
Working alongside experienced founders and entrepreneurs gave students a firsthand look at the realities of building and growing a business. They contributed to projects, tackled challenges, and learned how innovation happens outside the classroom.
Ujala Saleem, a student from Sheridan’s Environmental Control program, said the experience helped her better understand how organizations identify opportunities, solve problems, and embrace emerging technologies. “I developed an entrepreneurial mindset that emphasizes adaptability, continuous learning, and initiative,” she said.
The stories shared throughout the session highlighted the value of connecting students with startups and the broader innovation ecosystem. While students gained practical experience and career-ready skills, they also built relationships, explored new career paths, and discovered what it means to think like an entrepreneur.
As the session came to a close, one thing was clear: EEVE is about more than work experience. It’s about helping students build confidence, embrace new challenges, and see the possibilities that emerge when learning meets innovation.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
Whether you’re curious about entrepreneurship, eager to gain real-world experience, or looking to expand your professional network, EEVE can help you get there. Eligible students can apply for an EEVE co-op placement through Sheridan Works (Job #58814 – Co-op / WIL on the EDGE) by August 31st and discover where the experience can take you.
