Through Co-op on the EDGE (COTE), Sheridan student Manpreet Kaur gained hands-on experience working with entrepreneur Alexis Wild, founder of The Space, while developing skills that will support her future career and entrepreneurial goals. Kaur, a student in Sheridan’s Honours bachelor of Computer Science (Mobile Computing) program, was mentored directly by Wild to directly support her project through research and outreach activities. The experience allowed Kaur to apply her academic learning in a real-world setting while contributing meaningful work to an active project. Wild said Kaur’s research was a valuable contribution and will continue to support the project’s development. “It was great to learn how to work with a student, and the research gathering she did will be helpful for this project as I move it forward,” said Wild.
Beyond the placement itself, the experience helped Kaur apply entrepreneurial concepts to her own business idea, Velvet Bloom. Through customer conversations and idea validation, she refined her value proposition, explored her target market, and gained a deeper understanding of customer needs. The process reinforced the importance of understanding a problem before developing a solution.
Working alongside an entrepreneur also strengthened Kaur’s communication skills and increased her confidence in professional settings. She learned how to ask effective questions, receive feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions about ideas and business development.
Working alongside an entrepreneur also strengthened Kaur’s communication skills and increased her confidence in professional settings. She learned how to ask effective questions, receive feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions about ideas and business development.
Kaur further expanded her network through EDGE events, where she connected with entrepreneurs and gained insight into the importance of relationship-building. One of her favourite experiences was attending InnocaS.E, EDGE’s annual case study competition held in collaboration with the SSU, where students work in teams to develop innovative and creative solutions to real-world challenges. Throughout the event, Kaur had the opportunity to meet entrepreneurs, explore innovative projects, and participate in a competition that she found both motivating and inspiring. The event strengthened her problem-solving skills and highlighted the value of collaboration, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Through the experience, I was able to build communication skills, work on professional tasks like research and outreach, and gain more confidence in a work environment.
Reflecting on her experience, Kaur said COTE helped her build practical workplace skills and better prepare for future opportunities.
“Through the experience, I was able to build communication skills, work on professional tasks like research and outreach, and gain more confidence in a work environment,” said Kaur. “Overall, COTE pushed me to grow personally and professionally and made me more prepared for future opportunities.”
Kaur’s experience highlights how Co-op on the EDGE connects students with meaningful mentorship opportunities, helping them translate classroom learning into practical experience while supporting entrepreneurs with fresh perspectives and valuable project contributions.
“Through the experience, I was able to build communication skills, work on professional tasks like research and outreach, and gain more confidence in a work environment,” said Kaur. “Overall, COTE pushed me to grow personally and professionally and made me more prepared for future opportunities.”
Kaur’s experience highlights how Co-op on the EDGE connects students with meaningful mentorship opportunities, helping them translate classroom learning into practical experience while supporting entrepreneurs with fresh perspectives and valuable project contributions.
Interested in learning more about how to get involved as an entrepreneur or student in the Co-op on the EDGE program? Write to edge.students@sheridancollege.ca. Explore more about Co-op on the EDGE or read another student success story.