Brittany Williams graduated from UL Lafayette with a Bachelor of Science in Informatics with a concentration in media technology in 2014. She is currently the assistant manager of sales training and communications at the J.M. Smucker Company in Orrville, Ohio.
“Yes, Smucker like the jelly,” Brittany clarified.
“I have been fortunate enough to have the majority of my career, including internships, with the same awesome company,” she said. “I started my career with the J.M Smucker Company as a summer intern in 2011. Now my title is assistant manager, communication and training, and instead of just delivering training — like I did when I first started — I am creating training curriculum, documentation, eLearning modules and much more.
"I am grateful to work for a company that helps me develop and grow my skills and career.”
Brittany trains the sales team to use the trade funds management systems they use every day to do their jobs.
“I develop, design, and even deliver the trainings on these systems,” she explained. “It is a great mix of creativity, interacting with people, and using my technical skills.”
Brittany chose to attend UL Lafayette after visiting for a campus tour.
“I immediately felt at home,” she said. “Aside from the beauty of the campus — hello, 100-year-old oak trees and swamp! — everyone was so welcoming. Everyone, whether on staff or not, was friendly and willing to answer questions.
"When I visited other schools, I felt like the advisors I met with treated me like a number. At UL Lafayette, I felt like they immediately cared about me as a person and helping me find my path.”
From a young age, Brittany was curious about technology.
“I chose informatics because it seemed like the perfect blend of technology, business, and creativity,” she said. “I am so glad I did because it helped me get where I am today in my career. I learned invaluable technical, business, and software skills.”
Brittany’s favorite courses were her senior capstone classes.
“Putting everything we learned into practice in the business community was a huge learning opportunity,” she said. “These courses helped jumpstart me for my career and experience what business is like in real life instead of just in a textbook.”
While at UL Lafayette, Brittany was an active member of AmeriCorps, a national community service program that lets students serve their community while earning money for school. UL Lafayette currently has the only university-based AmeriCorps program in the state of Louisiana.
“I made lifelong friends, memories, and a difference in the community,” she said. “UL Lafayette AmeriCorps was the absolute best part of my college experience.”
Brittany started her journey at UL Lafayette with SOUL (Service Outreach Unity Leadership) Camp. This program is a supplement for New Student Orientation and is designed to give first-time freshmen the tools needed for a successful and enjoyable campus experience. SOUL Camp combines community service, educational speakers, social activities, interaction with faculty, staff and upperclassmen, and team building.
“I was part of the first-ever group of SOUL campers,” she said. “I went to UL Lafayette even though none of my high school friends were going to be there. SOUL Camp helped me feel like a Ragin' Cajun from day one. At SOUL camp, I made memories and friends that I still have 10 years later.”
