Bowden Grandview student’s job shadow experience turns into exciting career path

A Career Connections Student Feature

Julie Howlett, a Grade 12 student at Bowden Grandview School, has some strong career goals thanks, in part, to a recent career building experience.

Last year, the Chinook’s Edge Career Connections team arranged for Howlett to shadow a Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant (RTA), who was working with students at Bowden Grandview School.  In particular, Howlett was observing the staff members working to strengthen students’ speech and language skills.

Howlett says, “I enjoy working with people, and it’s rewarding to help those coming from all walks of life.”

Before the job shadowing experience, Howlett was considering becoming a teacher. “I had never been exposed to speech language therapy before, and so this gave me a chance to consider the possibility.” 

Howlett says after watching RTA Candace Abraham at work, she also took the time to talk with the division’s speech language pathologist. “That was confirmation for me. I know what I want to pursue.” 

Howlett was accepted to three Alberta post secondary institutions and has chosen to attend the University of Alberta at the Augustana Campus, in Camrose, to pursue an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Mental Health. Following that, she plans to get a masters degree in Speech Language Pathology. 

Chinook’s Edge wishes Julie Howlett all the best as starts down her career path!