How Footwear Designer Justin Howe Found the Perfect Fit

Justin Howe, Industrial Design '01

For Justin Howe-a 2001 Industrial Design graduate and a globally recognized leader in footwear design who most recently worked with Under Armour-the path to Wentworth Institute of Technology was paved by a trifecta of factors.

"Wentworth had a very compelling co-op program with an extensive professional network," Howe explained. "The Industrial Designprogram was more science-based with a unique, hands-on maker approach, and its central Boston location provided access to a global hub for footwear companies."

That powerful combination of practical experience, hands-on learning, and industry access provided the foundation for a dynamic career. But it was the university's signature Co-op Programthat would serve as the initial catalyst.

Howe chose to pursue an optional co-op before his required ones, a decision that proved pivotal. The Co-op & Career Center connected him with an internship at the Stride Rite Corporation, where he landed a coveted spot as the youngest intern for the Sperry Topsider brand.

"That extra co-op was profoundly helpful in setting my career trajectory," Howe notes. "The following year, when most students were doing their first required co-op, I already had strong experience to leverage. Starting early created a strong professional foundation while in school, which has been incredibly helpful."

For Howe, the lessons learned in professional settings were just as critical as those learned in the classroom. "Building professional experience into the academic curriculum and providing the conduit from the Co-op office to the professional space created a holistic academic experience that was rare at the time," he says.

A People-First Foundation

Back on campus, Howe found himself in a demanding program, but one led by faculty who knew how to foster creativity. He cites professors like Sam Montague, Peter Kuhn, Matthew Berger, and James Varney as being profoundly influential.

"Sam Montague and Matthew Berger were absolutely life-changing in their unique and complimentary academic approaches," Howe recalls. "One powerful unified aspect was their conscious, people-first approach to education and academics, each with their own twist of levity, fun, and humanity. They truly understood how to create an inspiring space for creativity and role-modeled the behavior to cultivate a great culture with enduring qualities."

That people-first philosophy, learned in Wentworth's studios, is something Howe carried with him as he advanced into executive leadership roles.

"To cultivate thriving, collaborative, and diverse teams, I've learned to take a conscious role-model approach to creating a safe space for exciting creative exploration," he says. "All of it goes back to the strong academic foundation that professors at Wentworth like Matthew and Sam helped to set."

Advice for Today's Students

Now a seasoned leader, Howe is passionate about professional development and offers pointed advice for students looking to follow a similar path. He encourages a mindset of "humble curiosity" and voracious learning, especially during co-ops.

"At the beginning of your professional journey, it's helpful to look at your co-op and internship times as essentially a fail-proof professional learning program," he advises. "You can show up to learn voraciously, ask every question, and ask to sit in on things you normally wouldn't be invited to."

He shares a story from his second co-op at Proteus Design, where his initiative paid off. "I even asked for drawing lessons from the senior designers to discover that they were happy to give weekly lessons for 45 minutes after work," he says.

Howe emphasizes that this is a time to take creative risks and absorb as much knowledge as possible. "In a co-op, you can embrace that time to take enormous creative risks that you'll rarely be able to take in the future without consequence to the business," he says. "I notice, and consistently invest time in supporting the development of, the students who humbly and fearlessly embrace the opportunities in front of them and ask for help in ways to learn voraciously."

While Justin is an executive coach and strategic advisor with a growing practice, he is also an avid supporter of design education and regularly mentors emerging talent in the industry. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of creatives underscores his dedication to the craft and the future of design and innovation. Feel free to connect with Justin on LinkedIn to schedule a conversation.