Bridging classroom learning with industry: A UPEI and RBC collaboration.

Since 2019, the RBC Foundation has funded Riipen, enabling over 50 colleges and universities to onboard its experiential learning platform and use it in their classrooms for work-integrated learning projects with local and national businesses. As a result, over 30,000 learner experiences have been completed to date.

One such post-secondary institution is the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), which in Fall 2024 engaged RBC to participate in an experiential learning opportunity within its finance curriculum that bridged academic theory with professional practice. Using the Riipen platform, Associate Professor Andrew Carrothers and RBC Community Manager Kaye Kelly co-designed a project that challenged students to tackle real-world financial planning scenarios, fostering both critical skills and industry connections

Tackling real-world financial challenges.

The centrepiece of this collaboration was a personal financial planning project for students enrolled in UPEI’s business course BUS-3340. Tasked with advising a fictional 24-year-old recent graduate, students developed comprehensive strategies to achieve tangible financial goals: building an emergency fund, purchasing a home, and retiring with a $1.2 million nest egg. By addressing these realistic challenges, students transcended textbook learning, crafting actionable plans grounded in practical, professional scenarios.

This hands-on project required students to design comprehensive strategies addressing short, medium, and long-term goals. They analyzed variables such as income, living expenses, government programs, and investment opportunities, integrating real-world complexities that pushed them far beyond textbook exercises.

“This project made students think critically about tax implications, budgeting, and investment strategies,” Carrothers explained. “They weren’t just solving problems—they were preparing for challenges they’ll face in the workforce.”

Expertise meets education.

RBC financial planners Tyler and Jair played pivotal roles in bridging classroom learning with industry practice. Early in the semester, they introduced students to the fundamentals of personal finance through in-class presentations, offering real-world examples that energized the students and deepened their understanding of complex concepts.

“Having financial planners with practical experience was a tremendous asset,” Professor Carrothers remarked. “Their insights motivated students and offered a glimpse into the realities of the financial planning industry.”

The planners’ involvement extended beyond instruction. Acting as judges for the final project presentations, Tyler and Jair provided direct feedback to students, emphasizing the real-world application of their work. 

“This wasn’t just about grades,” Carrothers noted. “It was about challenging students to innovate, adapt, and deliver professional-quality work.”

A transformative student experience.

The project’s structure, worth 20% of the course grade, included written financial plans, pitch videos, and live presentations, encouraging creativity and critical thinking. Students competed for bonus marks, pushing them to excel. One team’s innovative role-play, simulating a client-financial planner interaction, stood out to the judges, earning them top honors.

“This project made students think through tax implications, government programs, and real-life strategies,” Carrothers noted. “The growth in their analytical and professional skills was evident.”

Beyond the classroom, students expressed newfound confidence in their financial literacy and professional aspirations, with some exploring careers in financial planning. This initiative exemplified the power of connecting students with industry experts. With platforms like Riipen, these projects become catalysts for developing future-ready graduates equipped with the skills, confidence, and connections needed to succeed in their careers.

The Riipen platform: A catalyst for collaboration.

The Riipen platform played an instrumental role in facilitating this seamless collaboration. For UPEI, it offered a structured framework to integrate real-world projects into the curriculum. For RBC, it streamlined communication and project management, enabling impactful engagement without excessive logistical overhead.

“Riipen provided a platform for us to connect and engage in a meaningful way,” Kelly noted. “It simplified the process and ensured we could focus on creating an impactful experience for the students.”

Riipen’s automated notifications also kept all stakeholders aligned. “I received updates when students started and finished their projects, and the positive feedback they shared through the platform highlighted its value,” Kelly added.

Beyond grades: Strengthening community connections.

The collaboration helped RBC deepen its ties with UPEI and showcased the potential for identifying emerging talent. For students, the project offered a rare opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a professional context, preparing them for future challenges.

“Our financial planners found the experience fulfilling and impactful,” Kelly added. “They appreciated the opportunity to guide students and are eager to continue working with UPEI.”

The benefits for students extended beyond academic development. Many gained practical insights into financial planning that they applied to their personal lives, while others expressed newfound interest in pursuing careers in the field. The project became a springboard for professional growth, bridging the gap between classroom learning and workforce readiness.

Looking ahead.

The success of this collaboration underscores the value of experiential learning in bridging the gap between academia and industry. Both Professor Carrothers and RBC’s financial planners expressed enthusiasm for continuing to work together, recognizing its mutual benefits for students, educators, and industry professionals.

To learn how Riipen can help integrate real-world learning into your classroom or workplace, visit www.riipen.com.

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