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From canine studies to marine life: How one graduate discovered opportunities she never knew existed

“Wow, look at that one!”

A group of excited children crowd around the aquarium glass as sea turtles glide through the water. Squeals of excitement and questions fly from every direction.

Nearby, Megan Jingling smiles as another young visitor raises a hand, eager to learn more. Moments like these are the highlight of her day.

Today, the graduate of Medicine Hat College's 18-month Service Dog and Canine Studies Management diploma works in the Education Department at West Edmonton Mall's Marine Life division, introducing visitors to animals ranging from bamboo sharks and sea turtles to reptiles and marine invertebrates.

MHC alumna Megan Jingling holds a red-footed tortoise at Marine Life in West Edmonton Mall.

But just a few years ago, Megan wasn’t sure where her career path would take her.

In fact, she wasn't entirely sure what she wanted to do at all.

"I thought I wanted to be a baker. Then I toured it and hated it," she laughed. "I thought I wanted to be a vet tech and then I tried it and hated it. I thought I wanted to work reception at a veterinary office and then I got a job there and hated it."

Like many students, Megan found herself searching for direction after graduating high school.

"I was kind of at this place in life where I had no idea what I wanted to do," she said.

Determined to find the right fit, Megan explored programs across Alberta. Then, while scrolling through Instagram one day, she stumbled across an unfamiliar program at MHC: Service Dog and Canine Studies Management.

"I've always wanted to do something with animals," she said. "When I saw the program, I thought, 'This is perfect.'"

The opportunity was unlike anything she had found closer to home. Willing to leave Edmonton for the right program, Megan enrolled in MHC's inaugural canine management cohort - a decision that would ultimately open doors she never knew existed.

Like many students, she initially focused on the obvious outcome: working with dogs. What she didn't realize was how many transferable skills she would gain along the way.

In just 18 months, she developed skills in animal behaviour, training, communication and public engagement - skills that would eventually carry her far beyond the canine field.

One lesson proved especially valuable.

Megan leads an educational experience at West Edmonton Mall's Marine Life division. Jingling says helping visitors learn about animals has become one of the most rewarding parts of her role.

During her time at MHC, students regularly gave presentations. It wasn't her favourite part of the program.

"I know everybody in my cohort disliked doing them," she said. "At the time, it was just something we had to get through."

Today, those presentation skills are at the heart of her career.

"I didn't realize how important it is to be able to present yourself and talk to people until I went into the workforce," she said. "That's my whole job now."

After graduating in 2024, Megan joined West Edmonton Mall's Marine Life team. She began as an assistant sea lion trainer before discovering another passion: educating the public about animals.

Megan gets a smooch from a resident California sea lion. She began her career with the Marine Life team as an assistant sea lion trainer before transitioning into education.

Megan discovered she loved helping people understand the animals and sharing what made them so fascinating.

That experience eventually led her to the Education Department, where no two days look the same. Some days involve guiding visitors through shark touch pools. Others see her presenting sea turtle dives or travelling to schools and libraries with marine animals in tow.

"I thought you had to have a zoology or biology degree," she said. "I had no idea this could be a thing."

Megan poses with an African penguin. No two days look the same in her role, which can include educational presentations, animal encounters and community outreach programs.

Instead, the skills she developed during her studies helped prepare her for a career she hadn't even considered when she first arrived in Medicine Hat.

For prospective students, that's the message she hopes they take away from her journey. The path may not always be obvious, and it may not lead exactly where you expect, but the right education can open doors you never knew were there.

What began as a search for direction led an Edmonton student to Medicine Hat, and eventually to a career helping others discover the wonders of the animal world - much like she once did herself.