Career space refinement: an intern's perspective

Lauryn Forsyth is a fourth year International Business Student at the University of Strathclyde. Here, she gives her advice on how working as a marketing intern at Fifth Ring for the summer has helped her to refine her career space.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”. This seemingly simple question has followed me from the early years of school through to the pivotal moments of university applications. It’s a question that invites limitless possibilities, but as you evolve, it requires greater refinement. My response has certainly changed from the whimsical answer I gave back then, but in recent years it has prompted me to deeply consider my passions, talents, and career aspirations.

My decision to study International Business at the University of Strathclyde was initially driven by a broad interest in global markets. However, it was during my first year of study that I discovered a deep passion for marketing. Courses in international marketing and strategic management highlighted the dynamic nature of global markets and the necessity for innovative strategies tailored to diverse cultural contexts. This discovery was a critical step in finding and defining the professional space I want to pursue.

While university provides theoretical knowledge, it's real-world experience that truly solidifies and expands understanding. Recognising this, I sought opportunities to apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting. When the chance to intern at Fifth Ring arose, I embraced it as a vital opportunity to explore my interests within a vibrant and fast-paced global B2B environment. This has been central to nailing my niche and further advancing my career space refinement.

Over the past three months, I have immersed myself in various aspects of marketing, working to ‘claim my space’ within Fifth Ring. Initially I gained a comprehensive insight into the various departments and their functions, a key step in refining my space. Shadowing sessions and team meetings enabled me to identify areas where my skills could be most beneficial, leading me to focus on internal marketing projects at Fifth Ring. My contributions have included developing materials for the ‘Own the Space’ campaign and writing articles, blog posts, and social media content for platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Fifth Ring’s website. These tasks have allowed me to elevate my copywriting skills and further understand the intricacies of different communication channels. Additionally, HubSpot training provided me with valuable insights into CRM systems, enhancing my ability to manage and analyse contact relationships. I also became proficient with tools such as Meltwater, MOZ, and SEMrush, which are essential for monitoring media coverage and optimising SEO strategies. Exposure to a diverse range of tasks has allowed me to refine the areas where I perform best and develop the specific skills required to excel in my space.

The principles I’ve learned from refining my own space mirror the strategies companies are using to establish and maintain their market space. They constantly refine their strategies and operations to find and dominate their niche in the market. By continually reassessing and adapting they carve out a space that aligns with their strengths, ensuring sustained success and growth.

Looking ahead, these lessons will be fundamental to my final year of university and future endeavours. The blend of academic knowledge and practical experience has equipped me with a clearer vision of my career goals and the confidence to pursue them. As I continue to refine my career space, I am grateful for the experiences and insights gained at Fifth Ring and I am honoured to have experienced such an incredible team. They have demonstrated that career space refinement is not a static process but a dynamic journey that evolves with each new experience. So, to answer the first question, I would now say I have a clear sense of direction for my career path. Yet, the process of refinement will continue, as I seek new opportunities, embrace new challenges, and persistently strive to ‘own my space’ in the professional world.