Five ways the RBC Challenge prepares students for the future of work

DeGroote students put their problem-solving skills to the test and experienced life as consultants during the RBC Challenge in January. In partnership with RBC, 68 students (BCom levels II, III, IV) spent three weeks solving real-world problems impacting the industry. This challenge prepares students for the future of work, guaranteeing each winning team an interview for a coveted job with the company. DeGroote and RBC work to bridge the gap between traditional education systems and meaningful participation in work.

So, what were the key takeaways for participants?

Facilitate critical mindset of students

Problems should be dealt with purposefully and productively. Students make decisions and find solutions that are fair, accurate, and collaborative. They learn how to analyze an issue or situation and the facts related to it. The acquisition of information, reflection, analysis, and decision-making that is imperative to the challenge is also relevant as a business leader. DeGroote students adopt a critical mindset to solving problems through rational processes and evidence-based knowledge.

Edgar Potic

BCom, Level IV

Having completed a 16-month internship through DeGroote’s Commerce Internship Program, I found that application-based learning, such as case studies, helped me the most during the internship. Traditionally, learning was based on memorizing information and regurgitating the information on exams. This often leads to the information being forgotten immediately after the exam and leaves students unprepared for future work. Case studies allow students to use the information learned in class by applying it to real-world problems that they could encounter in the workplace. Students better understand the information and develop crucial critical thinking skills.

Enhance leadership and teamwork through dynamic learning

Team-orientated environments and team-based work systems are the future of work. The RBC Challenge fosters a dynamic learning mindset of a team. A team that looks for methods to improve and seeks the most effective way of doing something. DeGroote teaches students to think big, be collegial, act with integrity, and inspire others. The continuous and active process to grow and learn is a necessary mindset for the future workforce.

Define problems and communicate solutions

DeGroote students have a passion for transforming how to do business and want to make a difference in the world. They work to define problems, understand the need, establish a purpose, and implement a plan. Students develop a mechanism for identifying solutions and practice different problem-solving methods during case challenges. Complex problem-solving is necessary when preparing workers to participate and anticipate the future of business.

Network with diverse professionals

The future of work is human-centric. It is essential to network with professionals and work in teams that are diverse and inclusive. DeGroote is building leaders that are innovative, transformative, and impactful. Students adapt, pivot, and grow during these case challenges. They develop into business leaders that instill trust, respect, and goodwill with the people they work with. These leaders will create environments that support community, productivity, and morale.

Jaiveer Kaberwal

BCom, Level IV

DeGroote is a well-branded institution that has a lot of connections and bridges to employers. It has helped many students connect with employers to obtain the most efficient future workforce. One of the most important reasons that DeGroote acts as a vital bridge between the future workforce and its students is the vast number of connections they have. These connections and returning alumni strengthen the bond between DeGroote and employers.

Discover and unlock career potential

Case challenges are the starting point to a career – developing students’ self-confidence in their abilities to reason. As a future workforce, it is important to develop the skills to clearly communicate, collaborate with others, and assume responsibility for tasks. DeGroote teaches students to embrace bold interdisciplinary thinking to drive innovation. They develop a type of open-mindedness regarding divergent world views necessary to innovate and participate in the business world.

Julie Luangxay

BCom, Level II

One of the biggest things that students need to succeed in the future of business is to learn how to collaborate and communicate with others effectively. Businesses thrive when they have a diverse team of people who can develop unique ideas to maximize productivity and efficiency. I strongly recommend students to participate in future case competitions and extracurriculars that DeGroote offers to grow this skill set and acquire the relevant experience necessary for the future of business.