Learning how to change the world
I often find myself eager to change the world, as do many of my peers. We see these huge issues bearing down on local and global communities, the impact they have on lives and what these unresolved issues will mean for our future.
The challenges our world faces can feel so massive, and we often have no idea how to even begin making a change.
What if defining the problem is how we uncover paths to the solutions?
Enter: How to Change the World — a series of five intense virtual workshops over six weeks — offered to SAIT students and select recent grads at no charge. This is an experiential education program that empowers you to tackle real-world sustainability challenges in collaboration with diverse community stakeholders and global experts. Applications are open now.
When I was considering applying for the How to Change the World program this past spring (SAIT’s School for Advanced Digital Technology ran a pilot), I had just finished the book Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek and was thinking about how different generations tend to see the world.
The program ended up being the perfect starting point for understanding how to go about creating a change within these seemingly insurmountable problems.
By working on a Sustainable Development Goal and focusing on one city, my team and I began with a big challenge and were walked through a step-by-step process on how to narrow the problem. We were also empowered to follow paths that inspired us.
The highlight of the program was being able to meet so many people from around the world and see how they worked through their projects. The sessions are very iterative and collaborative, so I was constantly talking with experts, mentors and other participants. I felt not only empowered— but equipped and connected! We met people from multiple industries who gave their time and guidance generously to the teams.
The experience was so fast-paced, which felt wild at first, but we fell into a great rhythm. You quickly understand where you automatically want to focus on a complex project, so momentum and progress builds quickly. It was a terrific learning experience. Seeing the work of other teams, and talking to them throughout the whole process, I uncovered a new understanding of my own work and collaboration styles and areas I perhaps overlook, which I can be more aware of in the future.
I completed How to Change the World this spring as a nice way to fill my time and feel empowered to make a difference. In the end, the experience was transformative and crucial for me on my employment journey (I now work at SADT!), and I found a renewed confidence in my skills.
I hope to help others find confidence as they continue to uncover their own path in the “real world” by encouraging you to apply for this semester’s cohort!
Applications for How to Change the World are open now
Program dates are Nov. 12-13, Nov. 26-27, Dec. 3.
The program is offered at no cost thanks to a generous community partner.