Rocket, Henry Ford Learning Institute partner with Ilitch School to host their first Design Thinking Challenge

The Department of Management hosted their first Design Thinking Challenge in partnership with Rocket Companies and the Henry Ford Learning Institute, to teach Ilitch School students the necessary design thinking skills to excel in the workplace.  

On November 1, 2024, twenty-five Ilitch School students attended a lecture on design thinking at The Qube, QuickenLoan’s downtown Detroit headquarters. This one-day design thinking course was created by Management Advisory Board member Christina Chateauvert, along with Gary Shields, Associate Professor of Teaching, and Tamme Quinn-Grzebyk, Assistant Professor of Teaching. Students learned how to apply design thinking techniques to everyday work situations to improve outcomes.  

Following the presentation, students were divided into groups of five and matched with a Rocket Companies employee where they prepared design thinking pitches to address barriers between employees and employers that were hindering productivity. Students then presented their ideas to groups of judges for recognition awards.  

Jennifer Kezy, a senior majoring in criminology and criminal justice with a minor in business administration was happy to participate; her team received "best storytelling” recognition for her their presentation. 

“It felt like they put a lot of effort to have us there and to make it comfortable for us, which I really did appreciate. You're never going to find your answer if you're holding back and everybody's perspective is different,” said Kezy. “One perspective can trigger another idea or perspective which will eventually bring the solution together.” 

Christine Jackson, professor of management and chair of the Management Department was thrilled with the success of this event, commenting that “it was inspiring to see our students team up with Rocket’s people experience and support team members, bringing their creativity and critical thinking skills to the forefront in solving real-world challenges.” 

To learn more about the Department of Management, and offerings for undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs head to our program page. Photographs from the event are available on our Flickr page.