Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) annual Directions conference was back this year, and bigger than ever thanks to generous support from title sponsor RBC Future Launch.

More than 2,300 students and 150 industry professionals gathered online November 4 for Directions 2021, which featured an inspiring slate of keynote speakers, panel discussions and virtual networking opportunities, making it the largest Directions in the conference’s 20-year history.

The purpose of Directions is to connect students with industry and business professionals and leaders – those who have their fingers on the pulse of emerging trends, future career possibilities, and the real-world challenges of working in their chosen field. These insights can be invaluable to helping students decide if they’re on the right course in their education and career goals.

“The world of work is changing faster than ever, and to get ahead of what’s coming next, you need a strong sense of direction today more than ever,” says Kirk Johnson, Dean, School of Business, Information Technology & Creative Arts and Dean, School of Hospitality & Culinary Arts at RRC Polytech. “This conference is all about giving our students that sense of direction.”

This year’s keynote speaker was Joelle Foster, chief executive officer of North Forge Technology Exchange, one of Manitoba’s largest start-up incubators and accelerators. Introducing Joelle was RRCSA President and third-year Business Administration student Avery Halldorson.

“Joelle’s positive message about overcoming adversity and believing in yourself really resonated with me,” she says. “Hearing someone of her stature talk about her personal experience with imposter syndrome was hugely empowering, and I think it gave us all a boost of confidence as we look forward to embarking on careers of our own.”

Another highlight was blind Oji-Cree musical artist Matthew ‘Mattmac’ Monias, who delivered a special concert. You can access a recording of the concert online.

Because the virtual format of Directions 2021 allowed more students to participate, organizers expanded the event to include RRC Polytech’s School of Indigenous Education, School of Continuing Education, regional campuses, and Information Technology program.

“Great ideas happen when you bring together students from different backgrounds and perspectives,” says Johnson. “We’re also mirroring the realities of today’s workplaces, where you’ll collaborate with professionals from other disciplines than your own.”

Free access for more than 2,300 students wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of RBC Future Launch. The program is a commitment to empower Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow.

“We’re excited to be working with RRC Polytechnic to showcase what can happen when we empower and enable young people to be future ready,” said Mandi Taylor, RBC Regional Director, Marketing and Citizenship. “RBC Future Launch seeks to bring Canada together around the potential of youth by collaborating and supporting programs that provide access to work integrated learning, future skill development, mentors, and resources for youth mental wellness. This is an idea that we have in common with the Directions Conference – an imaginative and innovative forum bringing youth together with industry around ideas, stories, and the determination to create real world solutions that will help our communities thrive and prosper.”

 RBC Future Launch supports the next generation of learners

RBC Future Launch aims to help break down the barriers facing young people. In 2020, for instance, RBC committed to providing $50 million in focused funding through RBC Future Launch to create meaningful and transformative pathways to prosperity for up to 25,000 Black, Indigenous and People of Colour by 2025, with investments in areas such as skills development and mentoring.

At this year’s Directions conference, RBC employees hosted eight different round table discussions on topics ranging from human resource management and accounting to information technology and the not-for-profit sector. Herb Zobell, RBC Vice President, Commercial Financial Services Indigenous Markets moderated a session called The Mysteries of Financial Services. Kevin Shaw, Senior Director Advice Centre and a member of the RRC Business Administration Advisory Board, participated in the networking lounge and met with numerous students.

“Our support always includes participating directly in the initiatives we’re standing behind financially,” says Taylor.

RBC Future Launch is aimed at preparing young people for the new world of work by promoting the digital skills now prevalent in all industries, as well as complex problem solving, financial literacy, creativity, and tech skills in trades.

In addition to the Directions conference, for example, RBC supports a number of RRC Polytech programs and initiatives that focus on boosting access to mentorship, work-integrated learning, and innovation through collaboration. These include the Ten Thousand Coffees platform, which pairs students with alumni working in their field for one-on-one mentorship and virtual networking opportunities.

“Research shows that 85% of people acquire jobs because of who you know,” says Taylor. “But the reality is, not everyone has equal access to networking opportunities, including students living in remote communities. Initiatives like Ten Thousand Coffees and events like Directions break down those barriers.”

RBC funding also supports RRC Polytech’s adoption of the Riipen virtual platform, where student teams complete real-world projects for clients around the world. RBC funding also supported the ACE Project Space, a program that puts student teams to work developing software, apps, and other projects for entrepreneurs in residence and other clients from the local start-up community.

“Winnipeg is making a name for itself as a tech and innovation hub,” says Taylor. “We want to help develop our homegrown talent in that area as well.”

And RBC Future Launch will soon host an ongoing series of Collision by Design discussion and networking events at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, formerly known as the Innovation Centre.