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 Linda Butterfield, Faculty, Business Operations Management Program who has been working at BCIT for over 13 years.
How would you summarize the work that you do at the Institute in 15 words or less?
Educate, train, and inspire the next generation of business operations professionals for a digital world.
What do you enjoy the most about working in post-secondary education?
I thoroughly enjoy being in a learning environment and interacting with young people. It keeps my perspective fresh and gives me joy to see how they evolve personally and professionally, and launch their careers in operations.
What has been your most memorable moment working at BCIT?
A big moment for our program was in 2023 when the students organized and hosted the first in-person showcase event after the pandemic. It was truly exciting to bring industry, alumni, and students together again to showcase their skills and the impressive results of their industry projects. The students get an opportunity to network with industrial professionals and often secure employment as a result of these showcase events.
Learn more about the Business Operations Management Program
What are projects or initiatives that you have completed at the Institute that you are proud of?
To integrate technology into the curriculum, I introduced a project for first term students to create a 3D printed product using the 3D printers at MediaWorks (located at the BCIT library). The students create an operations plan centered around their product. It’s fun and engaging for the students and gives them something tangible to connect to their course concepts. We continue to expand our integration of technology into the curriculum, including AI/Machine Learning, data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies in operations and supply chain. We live in exciting times!
Do you have a favourite spot or activity at the BCIT campuses that you enjoy spending your time at and why?
When I have time, I really enjoy wandering down to the south end of the campus and walking the trails through the trees. In find it re-energizes me when I am working on projects or trying to be creative with ideas for teaching.
Share with us how what you are passionate about outside of work. Do you have any hobbies?
I love playing soccer. I still play and co-coach a women’s team. I play co-ed soccer in the off-season. I’ve also coached both my kids’ teams. I’m currently playing on a Spring league team with my 19-year-old daughter! I also love hiking in the summer and both downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Come grow with us. Explore rewarding opportunities at BCIT.