RBC Design Thinking Program

As the world of work faces unprecedented change and uncertainty, graduating students are called upon to be equipped with the skills of tomorrow. The RBC Design Thinking Program at Western University provides space for Western students to gain critical skills for thriving in the workplace, building a better and brighter future, and creating innovative solutions in an increasingly challenging world. In addition to supporting students with building design thinking and related technical skills, the RBC Design Thinking Program (DTP) will give students a platform to work through ethical and social issues using design thinking frameworks and tools.  

This program, previously offered to second year students, now gives third year students of any program at Western or affiliate colleges (excluding HBA1) or fourth year HBA double degree students at Western the opportunity to learn design thinking and technical skills and apply them to a real-world challenge. Reapplications are welcome for students who previously applied in their second year and did not participate in the program. Also new this year is a focus on AI and emerging areas of technology where students will work in teams on a challenge, studying design thinking and related technical skills. While connecting with RBC designers and technologists, as well as Western faculty mentors in a tutorial setting, you’ll have the chance to enhance your academic studies in this exciting co-curricular program. 

Students who are admitted into and successfully participate in the program will receive a $3,500 CAD stipend. 

The RBC Design Thinking Program is a co-curricular program that will be delivered in person on Monday afternoons during the fall term. Select applicants will be invited to a group interview which will take place in August.  

PROGRAM DATES - FALL 2024 TERM 

The next RBC Design Thinking Program will take place in the Fall 2024 term, over an approximate 9-week period. Sessions will typically take place on Monday afternoons in the fall term. Students who participate in the program must be available to attend all program sessions, indicated below (exceptions may be made for exams, religious observances, etc.): 

  • Saturday, September 21, 11:00am-3:00pm 
  • Saturday, November 9, 11:00am-3:00pm 
  • Sessions every Monday, 3:30pm-5:30pm, beginning on Monday, September 23, ending on Monday, November 25 (excluding fall study break Monday, October 14) 

 

Questions? Contact the program team: rbcdtp@uwo.ca 

Applications for the 2024 program are open and the deadline is July 17 11:59 PM EDT.