Putting people at the core of everything we do is paramount at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. We are committed to ensuring our people — those who make BCIT distinct, are developing while feeling valued, supported, and connected.
BCIT is a people-first organization. We aim to celebrate our employees by sharing their stories through the Our People series. The series features BCIT’s extraordinary employees who share a strong sense of pride and ambition for the Institute and make up our diverse community.
Get to know Joanna Erickson, Library Coordinator*, BCIT Marine Campus who has been working at the Institute for over 22 years.
*Joanna has taken on a temporary role of Operations and Record Management Supervisor, Records Management Office until March 2024.
In what ways have you developed professionally while working with the Institute?
I’ve had the privilege of working at all three of our campus libraries. I started out as a library newbie at the Aerospace Campus (ATC) library, then transferred to the Burnaby Campus library where I took on a couple of different roles before finally ending up at the Marine Campus library as the Library Coordinator. While working at BCIT, I’ve realized the importance of always learning — to be curious and ask questions and listen to what people are sharing. I’ve had the privilege of working with many fabulous co-workers, knowledgeable industry experts and some very talented students and have learned a lot from them which helps me do my job better!
What has been your most memorable moment working at BCIT? Please share a photo with us if you have one available.
With having worked at BCIT for a couple decades it’s hard to pinpoint a specific moment! There’s been lots of memorable moments. Graduation ceremonies are, of course, a special time. Watching our students grow and learn and transform into confident graduates ready to travel the world and knowing that you played just a small part in their success is so gratifying. Working at the Marine Campus has also opened up opportunities for me within the marine industry. Last summer, a former BCIT instructor gave me a tour of a BC Ferries engine room and bridge which was very fascinating. I even got to drive the ferry for a few minutes!
Share with us how you spend your time outside of work. Do you have any hobbies? Please share a photo with us.
Reading is obviously a hobby of mine since I work in a library! I’ve also discovered knitting in the past couple years and have taught myself how to knit various things including this sweater which I finished just in time for National Sweater Day earlier this year. I also love forest walks and being on or near the ocean.
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