2026 Winter Student - Visual Designer (4 months)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: 2026 Winter Student - Visual Designer (4 months) Company: RBC Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Job Type: Full-time, Intern (Fixed Term) Category: Digital Design / User Experience (UX) Operations Date Posted: September 15, 2025 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on applying user-centered design principles within RBC's Digital Design team to enhance client experiences across digital platforms.
• The position involves the creation of visual design artifacts, including sketches, wireframes, and prototypes, to communicate design intent and user flow.
• Interns will gain practical experience in user research, usability testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams, including developers and project managers.
• The role requires a strong foundation in design principles, proficiency in design software, and a portfolio showcasing design process and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Visual Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design, which are critical components of digital product operations. The focus on user-centered design, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing aligns with operationalizing design for client-facing digital products.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute user-centered design principles and methodologies to optimize the client experience for new and existing RBC digital products and features.
• Develop comprehensive visual design deliverables, including detailed low-fidelity sketches, wireframes, and interactive prototypes, to effectively explore, communicate, and validate design concepts.
• Create complex, high-fidelity prototypes that serve as precise delivery specifications for development teams, ensuring seamless implementation of design intent.
• Conduct thorough evaluations of visual designs, ensuring adherence to accessibility standards and inclusivity principles, and provide expert guidance on these aspects to cross-functional project teams.
• Actively participate in and contribute to user usability testing and research activities, synthesizing findings to inform design iterations and improvements.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with core design teams, project managers, software developers, and business stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and operational collaboration. The emphasis on creating "delivery specifications" and collaborating with "developers" points to a role that bridges design and the practical implementation phase, a key aspect of GTM and product operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Enrollment in a post-secondary institution (university or college) pursuing a degree in a design-related field such as Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Product Design, Industrial Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science (CS), or a closely related discipline. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: While this is a student/intern role, candidates are expected to have some foundational experience or exposure to:

• Designing usable interfaces across multiple digital channels and platforms.
• Applied research settings, including experience with integrating user research findings into product designs and design practices.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and/or Sketch.
• Familiarity with presentation software for conveying design concepts.
• Solid grasp of fundamental design principles including typography, grid systems, visual hierarchy, color theory, and effective use of white space.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for articulating design decisions and collaborating with diverse teams.
• High degree of computer literacy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability to foster positive working relationships.
• Active listening skills to understand feedback and user needs.
• Personal development drive and the ability to take personal initiative on tasks.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, InVision, Adobe XD).
• Exposure to A/B testing and data analysis to inform design decisions.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.
• Understanding of web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Must-have" section clearly outlines the educational and technical proficiencies expected. The inclusion of "applied research settings" and "integrating user research" suggests an operations-minded approach to design, where data and user feedback are systematically incorporated into the product lifecycle.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A compelling portfolio is mandatory, featuring detailed case studies that clearly articulate the problem being solved, the design process undertaken, and the rationale behind the final solution.
• Showcase projects demonstrating an understanding of user flows, information architecture, and visual hierarchy.
• Include examples of wireframes, mockups, and prototypes, highlighting the evolution of design concepts.
• Projects should ideally reflect an understanding of client needs and business objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to document and explain their design process, from initial concept to final deliverable.
• This includes showing how user research and feedback were incorporated into design iterations.
• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly show how designs were translated into actionable specifications for development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio with "case studies where you walk through the problem you were solving and the process you used" is a direct indicator of the need for candidates to showcase their structured approach to design problem-solving, a core tenet of operations roles focused on process and execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a student/co-op position, compensation will align with RBC's established intern pay scales for the Toronto region. While a specific range is not provided, typical intern salaries in the financial services sector in Toronto for design roles can range from CAD $18 to CAD $25 per hour, depending on the year of study and specific skills.

Benefits:

• Gain valuable hands-on experience in a leading financial institution's digital design team.
• Opportunity to work on impactful projects that influence client-facing digital products.
• Mentorship and coaching from experienced design professionals.
• Exposure to a dynamic, collaborative, and progressive work environment.
• Potential for networking and future career opportunities within RBC.
• Participate in challenging and engaging work that fosters continuous learning and development.

Working Hours: The standard work schedule is 37.5 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday, reflecting a full-time commitment during the 4-month placement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Working hours/week: 37.5" indicates a structured, full-time work commitment typical of co-op placements, requiring dedication to operational tasks and team integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking) - RBC operates as one of Canada's largest and most successful banks, offering a wide range of financial products and services. This industry context means a strong emphasis on client trust, security, regulatory compliance, and delivering reliable digital experiences. Company Size: RBC is a large, publicly traded company with tens of thousands of employees globally, indicating a structured environment with established processes and a significant market presence. Founded: Founded in 1864, RBC has a long history, suggesting a culture that balances tradition with innovation, particularly in its digital transformation efforts.

Team Structure:

• The Digital Design team is likely part of a larger Digital Transformation or Technology division within RBC.
• Interns will be part of a core design team, reporting to a design lead or manager.
• Collaboration is expected with product managers, UX researchers, front-end developers, and potentially marketing or business unit stakeholders.

Methodology:

• The team emphasizes "strategy, research, design principles, and technical innovation."
• User-centered design and creating "intuitive interfaces" are core to their approach.
• Expect a blend of design thinking methodologies, agile project management, and a data-informed approach to design decisions, particularly given the scale of RBC's operations.

Company Website: https://www.rbc.com/ (General Corporate Site) | https://jobs.rbc.com/ca/en (Careers Site)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's scale and industry imply a need for operational rigor in design, ensuring consistency, scalability, and adherence to compliance standards across all digital touchpoints.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level student/intern position, designed to provide foundational experience in digital design within a corporate operations context. It's an opportunity to learn the practical application of design principles in a structured environment. Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a designated manager or lead within the Digital Design team, who will provide guidance, feedback, and project assignments. Operations Impact: Visual designers at RBC contribute to the operational efficiency and user adoption of digital products by creating clear, intuitive, and engaging interfaces. Their work directly impacts client satisfaction, digital channel engagement, and the overall effectiveness of RBC's digital service delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to hone visual design skills, learn new design tools and software, and gain exposure to UX research and prototyping methodologies.
• Industry Exposure: Deepen understanding of design within the financial services sector and large-scale corporate environments.
• Networking: Build professional relationships with designers, developers, and project managers at a major Canadian financial institution.
• Potential for Future Employment: Successful interns may be considered for future co-op placements or entry-level positions upon graduation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a structured pathway for growth by exposing students to corporate operational workflows in design, emphasizing the practical application of skills in a real-world business context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The posting mentions "RBC WATERPARK PLACE, 88 QUEENS QUAY W:TORONTO," indicating a modern, corporate office environment. Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This is a major metropolitan hub, offering access to a vibrant professional community.

Workspace Context:

• Interns will work within a professional office setting, likely with access to dedicated workstations and standard office amenities.
• The environment is described as "dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing," suggesting a team-oriented atmosphere where interaction and knowledge sharing are encouraged.
• Expect to be part of a team that utilizes various digital collaboration tools and project management software.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is a standard 37.5-hour work week, Monday through Friday, requiring consistent presence and engagement within the team's operational hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a major corporate office suggests an environment where adherence to established work protocols and engagement with team members are crucial for operational success and learning.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Screening: Resumes and portfolios will be reviewed to assess qualifications and alignment with the role requirements.
• Online Assessments/Quizzes: Potentially, candidates may undergo online tests for basic skills or cognitive abilities.
• First Round Interview: Typically a behavioral or competency-based interview, often with a recruiter or junior hiring manager, focusing on soft skills, motivation, and basic understanding of design principles.
• Second Round Interview/Design Challenge: This may involve a more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager or senior designers, potentially including a portfolio review and/or a small design challenge to assess problem-solving skills and design thinking.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with a broader team or a more senior stakeholder to assess cultural fit and overall potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your case studies are easy to follow, clearly outlining the problem, your process, and the solution.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Visually present your work (sketches, wireframes, mockups, prototypes) and explain the "why" behind your design decisions.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your approach to user research, ideation, iteration, and collaboration.
• Accessibility Focus: If possible, include examples that demonstrate consideration for accessibility and inclusivity.
• Tailor to RBC: Briefly mention how your skills and interests align with RBC's digital presence and client focus.
• Provide Links: As requested, ensure links to your online portfolio are easily accessible on your resume.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail, using specific examples from your portfolio.
• Practice articulating your thought process for solving design problems.
• Understand fundamental design principles and be ready to apply them hypothetically.
• Research RBC's digital products (website, mobile app) to understand their current design language and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio case studies and demonstrating a "process" is a direct operational requirement, testing a candidate's ability to structure and execute work systematically.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) is explicitly mentioned. Sketch is also listed as an alternative. Proficiency in at least one of these is essential.
• Prototyping Tools: While not explicitly listed as "must-have," experience with prototyping tools like Figma, InVision, or Adobe XD is highly valuable and aligns with creating "complex prototypes to provide delivery specifications."

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this visual design role, an understanding of how design impacts user behavior and key metrics (e.g., conversion rates, task completion time) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this specific visual design role, but awareness of how design integrates into broader customer relationship management and automated customer journeys can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required design tools are standard for UI/UX operations. The mention of "delivery specifications" implies a need to understand how to output designs in formats that development teams can readily consume, bridging the gap between design and engineering operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and serving client needs through user-centered design.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared project goals.
• Innovation: Encouraging progressive thinking and exploring new design approaches and technologies.
• Continuous Learning: A commitment to personal and professional development, staying updated with design trends and best practices.
• Detail-Oriented: Precision in design execution, ensuring high quality and adherence to brand guidelines and accessibility standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers work closely with product managers, researchers, and developers.
• Open communication and constructive feedback are likely encouraged to refine designs and ensure successful implementation.
• The team values the ability to integrate diverse perspectives to create optimal user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values like "continuous learning," "detail-oriented," and "collaboration" are fundamental to successful operations teams, ensuring that processes are refined, executed with precision, and that team members work cohesively towards common objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Corporate Standards: Navigating RBC's established brand guidelines, design systems, and regulatory requirements while maintaining creative expression.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Effectively communicating design intent and rationale to non-design stakeholders (e.g., developers, business analysts).
• Time Management: Juggling multiple tasks and meeting project deadlines within a structured corporate timeline.
• Adapting to Large-Scale Processes: Understanding and working within the operational workflows of a large financial institution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to internal training modules or workshops on design tools, methodologies, or industry best practices.
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced design professionals within the RBC Digital Design team.
• Project Exposure: Working on real-world projects that have a tangible impact on client experiences.
• Industry Insights: Gaining practical knowledge of design operations within the financial services sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of roles within large organizations, requiring adaptability and a focus on process adherence, which are key operational skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards practical, hands-on learning within a corporate framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to understanding user needs and translating them into visual designs. How do you incorporate user research into your workflow?
• Describe a time you had to collaborate with developers or other stakeholders on a design project. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?
• How do you approach learning new design tools or software? What is your process for staying updated with design trends?
• Explain a project where you encountered a significant design challenge. What was the problem, what steps did you take, and what was the outcome?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Why are you interested in RBC and this specific student role?
• What do you know about RBC's digital products or services?
• How do you align with RBC's values (e.g., client focus, collaboration, innovation)?
• How do you handle feedback on your design work?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation logically: introduce the project, state the problem, detail your process (user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing), showcase visual designs, and conclude with the outcome/learnings.
• Be prepared to answer questions about specific design choices and trade-offs.
• Practice your narrative to ensure it flows well and highlights your problem-solving skills.
• Be ready to discuss the tools you used and why.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation guidance emphasizes demonstrating not just design skill, but also a structured, process-oriented approach to problem-solving and collaboration, which are critical for operations roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this student visual designer position:

• Submit your application thoroughly through the RBC careers portal, ensuring all requested information is provided.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (via a link on your resume) and clearly showcases relevant design projects, emphasizing your process and problem-solving skills.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, design projects, technical skills (Adobe Suite, Sketch), and any experience with user research or prototyping. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and project outcomes. Be ready to discuss your portfolio and answer behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and learning.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with RBC's digital products and services, and understand the company's mission and values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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