In this whole new age of technology and millennials, there are some milestones that need to be celebrated and Stettler’s Gail Peterson’s 40th work anniversary at Alberta Works earlier this year is among them.
Although Peterson’s roles have changed over the years, she has been with the government department of career and employment consultation for 40 years.
“I have done them all but at the moment I am a career and employment consultant,” said Peterson.
Peterson started as a STEP student in St. Paul as a case aide for a child welfare worker on the reserves, which was only a temporary summer employment position at the time. When Peterson finished university in Lethbridge, she had a double major in English and Psychology.
As for her job that kept her at Alberta Works for so long, Peterson said, “I like dealing with people and I like that every day is different with different challenges, there are no routines and I like the independence.”
According to Peterson, people constantly underestimate their abilities and often give up.
“I often have challenges with people who do not take active responsibility for their actions and are quick to blame others for their poor choices,” noted Peterson. “I recognize that people are a product of their upbringing and did not have the benefit of having excellent parents like I did, however, I do know that people can change their circumstances if they wish, a lack of positive family support and influence can play a major role.”
Sometimes, you simply have to say “no” and let the interlocutors deal with the repercussions of their own making, she said .
“Getting some background and seeing the whole picture makes a huge difference in what we can offer and what our expectations are, we all have biases and it is challenging to not let those influence how we deal with others,” added Peterson. “I try to work with the assumption that everyone wants to be in charge of their lives and choices and our role is to provide the support and encouragement to do that.”
She also added that she has had great sympathy for people and is a very practical person, so the role she is currently employed in is a great “fit”.
Reflecting on the four plus decades of service to the community, Peterson said, “I can be creative in my job and recommend or help create services and programs that benefit my clients, besides I get to interact with many nice people regularly, which I think is a great upside to my job.”