Brett Wilson

Brett Wilson '19

Degree and Class Year

BA ’19

Hometown

Encinitas, California

Major

Religious Studies

Extracurriculars

Residence Advisor

Overseas study

Greece

What three words would you use to describe L&C?

Individualistic, Inquisitive, Restorative

Life After L&C, June 2019 Update

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for your internship?

Lewis & Clark’s Bates Center for Entrepreneurship and Leadership most prepared me for my post-grad life. The Bates Center staff invested in me and gave me the tools I needed to leverage my liberal arts degree in the workplace. Attending Winterim taught me essential entrepreneurial skills such as networking, negotiation strategies, and self-advocacy in business. If it wasn’t for the Bates Center, I wouldn’t know the value of the liberal arts in business and I wouldn’t be in the role I currently am in.

What have you been doing since graduation?

I have been working full-time as a human resources intern for AskNicely, a software startup in Portland. 

What are your career goals?

As for career goals, I hope to advance in HR within the tech industry. I would like to eventually specialize in organizational development and become a consultant. 

Now that you’re out of college, what would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

The most important thing that I learned at Lewis & Clark was how to think analytically, creatively, and unconventionally, which gives me a competitive edge in the workplace! 


Life at L&C

What has been your favorite class so far? How did it expand your knowledge?

Ancient Greek History with Associate Professor Gordon Kelly. It was fascinating going into historical detail of some of the major civilizations that have in many ways influenced the societies that we have today. It was also interesting discussing the political events of the Peloponnesian War and analyzing the ways in which it parallels politics within international affairs today.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I really loved the school’s close proximity to downtown Portland. I was also drawn by the size of the school and the intimacy it offered to its students regarding classes and community. Also, the beautiful campus swayed me as well.

Why did you decide to be a Resident Advisor (RA)?

I decided to be an RA because I wanted to be an active participant of the Lewis & Clark community and I wanted to welcome and positively impact new students. The Campus Living staff is a major building block of the school’s community, and I wanted to contribute to that.

How did you choose your major?

I knew going into college that I was interested in learning about religions from an objective perspective, and in my first few semesters at Lewis & Clark I explored the Religious Studies Department by taking a variety of the classes that it offered. Each semester I intentionally had an eclectic schedule so that I could get a taste of everything I was interested in. It just so happened, as I suspected, that my favorite classes were usually religious studies.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

The gardens surrounding the reflecting pool. It is a great place to relax a bit between classes and offers a beautiful walk to class. It is surreal living in such a beautiful location!

What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?

My favorite thing about living in Portland is the accessibility of the city! It is so easy to venture downtown to do homework at a hip coffee shop, go thrift shopping, get lost in Powell’s Books, or grab lunch at the food carts!

What’s your best Lewis & Clark memory so far?

There are too many to count, but some of the most meaningful memories are all of the little moments that I have with the close friends I have made here. It is crazy to think that I never would have met these particular life-long friends if I had picked a different school.

How do you manage stress?

I work out at the on-campus gym, go for a run through the nearby Tryon Creek State Park, or go downtown and explore the city with friends.

Do you have a job on campus? If so, how do you fit work into your schedule?

Yes, I am an RA on campus. Campus Living does a fantastic job fitting the job comfortably within the students’ academic schedules.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Follow your gut! You will never know if a school is the right fit for you unless you try it out and jump in.

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

Lewis & Clark has changed me in a lot of ways. I am passionate about what I am learning and the professors have made me a more inquisitive and curious person. Lewis & Clark’s empowering atmosphere has also has helped me to grow into a more independent and tenacious individual.