Meet Brittany Lewis (BA-Studio Art '16), Work-Integrated Learning Instructor, Career Bridge

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I started my post-secondary journey in Education at the University of Great Falls in Montana. I thought I wanted to be an elementary school teacher, but after participating in my practicum, I decided teaching young children wasn't for me. After returning to my hometown of Lethbridge in 2011, I transferred back to the University of Lethbridge to complete my degree in the arts. Thinking at first that I wanted to complete my Master's in Art Therapy, I worked at the Lethbridge Running Room as the Manager to save up tuition money. However, when I was subsequently hired as an Administrative Assistant at the University of Lethbridge, I discovered how much I loved working in post-secondary, and wanted to develop my career here. I furthered my education to become a Career Coach, helping students discover what they wanted to do after they graduated. I continued this journey into my current role as WIL Instructor, supervising students in work-integrated learning placements.    

How long have you been at ULethbridge, and what do you do here?

I have been at the University of Lethbridge for nearly 10 years. I started as an Administrative Assistant in Arts & Science Co-operative Education & Applied Studies in 2016. In 2020, our departments merged, becoming Career Bridge: Centre for Work-Integrated Learning and Career Development. Shortly after our merger in 2021, I was promoted to Career Coach. In 2023, I applied to become a WIL Instructor with the Career Bridge team and have worked in this role ever since. In my current role, I supervise students in Applied Studies and Co-operative Education courses. I help students build connections between what they are learning in the classroom and how this translates to the workplace. In winter semesters, I teach CIRP 2989 - Career Core, which is an introductory course in career development and includes 20 hours of volunteer work for each student. I also work specifically with students with disabilities in work-integrated learning placements, helping them navigate disclosure conversations, accommodation requests, and workplace success plans.

What's the best part of your job?

Seeing students grow their confidence and skill level in work placements. I love seeing their growth from when they first enter the program, sometimes shy and unsure, and growing into leading professionals who will change the world in their field. It is amazing to be a small part of their journey, and one I try not to take for granted. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love spending time with my family (my husband, two girls and two border collies), and we escape to the mountains any chance we get to hike and paddleboard. I also love creating miniatures, specifically creating dollhouses and dioramas. I am working on a dollhouse right now that has an art studio, a coffee shop and a witchy apothecary!