FAQ

The next cohort of the RBC Design Thinking Program will take place during the fall 2024 term. The program will not take place over reading week. The program takes place on the following dates:

Saturday, September 21, 11:00am-3:00pm 
Saturday, November 9, 11:00am-3:00pm 
Every Monday, 3:30pm-5:30pm, beginning on Monday, September 23, ending on Monday, November 25 (excluding fall study break Monday, October 14) 
Additional mutually agreed upon meetings and working sessions 

At this time, we will follow Western’s guidelines, and plan to run the program in person. In the event of a COVID-19 resurgence, we will re-evaluate program delivery method, likely shifting to synchronous online delivery.

The program has two main participatory elements:

1. You’ll be placed on a small team with other students and asked to use design thinking practices to work toward solving a problem related to a real-world challenge. Students will be expected to be present during our program sessions (typically once or twice a week), and additional meetings booked by each team. You will also be expected to use specialized tools to create project-related materials, and to communicate with your team.
2. You’ll learn design thinking tools and develop related mindsets and technical skills through group sessions, led by University faculty and RBC subject matter experts. Examples include participating in brainstorming sessions, creating Figma prototypes, and learning how to pitch your ideas.

You will be mentored by University faculty and RBC staff. You will be given a $3,500 CAD stipend for successful completion of the program. 

Participants will receive a $3,500 CAD stipend for their full completion and engagement in the RBC Design Thinking Program.

The RBC Design Thinking Program will typically require participants to dedicate approximately 10-12 hours of their time per week. That time will be spent on group and individual work related to your project challenge, and tutorial-like sessions. The time commitment is similar to a part-time job.

The application process for the 2025 program will be open in Summer 2025. Please visit our website for more information as it becomes available or email rbcdtp@uwo.ca.

Please note that the application process is highly competitive. For the application, students will be asked to fill out an application and submit a resumé.

The RBC Design Thinking Program is for students who will be in their third year of any program at Western or affiliate colleges (excluding HBA1) or fourth year HBA double degree at Western University during their participation in the program in fall 2024. There are no course prerequisites to participate in the program. Students from all Faculties at Western and affiliated colleges are invited to apply. Students must also commit to attending sessions throughout the fall 2024 on the designated dates. 

Candidates will be selected based on their creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, drive to innovate in order to do good in the world, and their desire to learn new things. In your application, make sure to highlight how you’ve participated in any extracurriculars, or in your community. We will also be assessing your grades from your first year of study at Western, but your experience and promise will dictate acceptance into the program.

We would like to see commitment to personal interests and demonstrated leadership skills (for instance, participation in student government, athletics, community events, or hackathons). In your application, demonstrate what you are passionate about, dedication to your community, and that you have the capacity to take on responsibility and contribute to a group in the RBC Design Thinking Program. We are looking for candidates who seek to be high achievers and are committed to their passions.

It is not necessary to have experience with design thinking or possess technical skills to be admitted into the program. However, design thinking and technical skills will be central to the experience you will have in the program, and the work you will do for it. In your application, make sure to show evidence for learning new skills and tools, and that you have an ability to work with technology, and learn new ways of working with it. The selection committee will be looking at the whole individual when making their decision about selecting candidates.

In your resumé, make sure to include a comprehensive list of your academic, creative, professional, volunteer, and/or services experiences. In addition, highlight any achievements and awards, and your passions, skills, and competencies that relate to the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship, or human service. The selection committee will be looking for examples of strong individual contributions and leadership abilities, and your ability to work positively within groups.

There is no minimum average that you must have to enter the Program. However, grades will be assessed along with all other aspects of your application. Students whose grades demonstrate their ability to learn new concepts and to complete tasks at a high quality level will have an advantage. Participants will selected based on academic achievement (typically 80% or higher), extracurricular involvement, participation in entrepreneurial or technology focused activities and the quality of their program application and interview. 

There is no fee to apply to the RBC Design Thinking Program.

You will not be required to submit transcripts in your application. You will be asked to list your grade average and your highest grade, and your thoughts on why you think you succeeded in the course. In the application, we are hoping to see your cumulative average (final grades of each course added up, and divided by number of courses taken). Don’t worry about weighted marks or credits. Already put a GPA instead of a grade average? No problem!

The application date has now opened. Applications are due Wednesday, July 17, 11:59pm EDT. 

You should receive a confirmation through email as soon as you submit your application online.

Thanks for applying – we appreciate your interest in the Program. The RBC Design Thinking Program team will review each application carefully. After the application window closes mid-July, a select number of students will be invited to the interview stage. All applications will be informed of their status. After group interviews in August, a select number of candidates will gain entry into the program. Candidates who make it to the interview stage will be informed of their status mid-late August. 

Once admitted into the Program, you will receive and sign a learning agreement that outlines details about the Program. You will not be required to register for any additional courses.