Christine Lee
Embedded Files
Bachelor of Arts in Planning and Art & Design
Christine graduated with a BA Planning and Art & Design degree and is now working as a Planning Project Manager at Qualico Communities. Keep reading to see how AWE has helped her career growth.
How has having an Arts degree allowed you to advance your career to where it is today?
The planning school at the U of A had two streams: one through the Faculty of Arts and another through the Faculty of Science. I chose Arts for the flexibility to double major in Planning as well as Art and Design. This allowed me to get creative, develop visual communication skills and learn various programs—technical skills that have proven to be extremely valuable on planning teams.
What advice would you provide students who are considering joining AWE today?
The AWE program provides a head start in your career, allowing students to make connections beyond the classroom and gain real-life experience in real-world scenarios. Use this opportunity to build your network, ask questions and engage your curiosity in the subject matter. Keep an open mind—there is so much more beyond the classroom. Ask your peers about the opportunities available and you might discover that your discipline is far broader and more transferable than you realize.
Looking back, how has AWE impacted the direction you went in your career?
For my work experience, I was hired by the City of Edmonton as a Student Planner, where I worked on the Stadium Station Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan. This plan has since been approved and gradually implemented through various developments over the years. AWE provided me with the opportunity to enter the workforce before graduation and network with professionals actively working in the field of planning. It was an extremely eye-opening experience to collaborate with consultants and developers, contributing to decisions that would shape the future built environment of the city.
Page updated
Report abuse