We love catching up with our alumni, to talk about life after BCIT, their careers, and what tips they have for prospective and current students. In this Q&A, meet Full-Stack Web Development (FSWD) grad Brett Gill, who graduated in 2024.
“BCIT was my first choice due to its reputation for hands-on experience.”
What led you to BCIT and the FSWD Diploma specifically?
I was well-established in my career as an industrial scaffold foreman when I survived a near-fatal incident. During my recovery, I started a small business to keep my mind sharp. In the process, I began building a website and discovered a genuine passion for web development.
When the opportunity arose to retrain for a new career, I chose FSWD. BCIT was my first choice due to its reputation for hands-on experience.
What was a highlight during the program?
One of the highlights was the Industry Sponsored Student Projects (ISSP) program, where we worked with a real company to gain hands-on experience. Our client gave us the flexibility to design the architecture and build the application according to our vision.
I led a team of developers in creating an application tailored for doctors in the optical field. Given the complexity and sensitivity of the data, we designed a front-end to display a significant amount of information while maintaining strict privacy standards.
How have you benefited from the program?
The program provided me with a strong foundation in C# and Object-Oriented Programming, which has been important in my current role at Vancouver Airport Authority, where I use C# scripting to develop features in Unity.
What are you working on at YVR, and what makes it exciting?
I’m a Junior Frontend Developer and part of the team developing the YVR Digital Twin, which provides airport staff with real-time information about events to better manage airport operations. It’s exciting to be part of an innovative project that enhances the live flow of the airport and improves operational efficiency.
Any career plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I aim to continue advancing my education while growing within YVR. Although I can’t predict exactly where I’ll be in five years, I’m working on developing my skills and contributing to YVR’s growth. I’m genuinely enjoying the work here, and I’m excited about the possibilities ahead.
What kind of advice or thoughts would you give to prospective students?
Ask questions and utilize office hours. The instructors are there to help, but you need to take the initiative.
Leverage available resources. BCIT offers health services, accessibility services, and career planning resources. Utilizing these can make a big difference when managing a demanding course load.
Network genuinely. Building authentic connections is crucial in this industry and can help you find opportunities after graduation.
Be open to opportunities. You never know where your career path might lead. For example, I made a pivot towards game development, which wasn’t something I initially planned but has been incredibly rewarding.
Each course has its value. Some courses might not feel directly related to programming, but the soft skills you develop – like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving – are just as important when it comes to landing your first job.
Fail fast. Some of the most valuable lessons come from mistakes, so the faster and more you fail, the quicker you can learn. Treat failures as learning experiences to become a better developer.
Collaborate and learn from others. Working with peers exposes you to different perspectives and coding styles, which can enhance your problem-solving abilities.
Celebrate the little wins. Whether it’s finishing a tough assignment or learning a new skill, take time to acknowledge your achievements.