Our guest blog is written by Toby Tetrault, an International Business graduate from Nottingham Trent University, who completed an International Market Research Internship with Step and is now a permanent employee at TecQuipment; a highly successful engineering / manufacturing company who supply specialist engineering equipment to educational establishments worldwide based in Nottingham.
I never had one route in mind when it came to career aspirations. By completing courses with a reasonably broad remit, it allowed me to keep my options open. I always had an interest in global business and as my university career progressed, I developed a passion for research, particularly in social sciences.
My job search after university was probably not as structured as it should have been; I searched various websites and publications such as the Times 100 graduate jobs. I also focused some effort on developing my network that I built through completing my MSc dissertation (in the field of football). I identified a number of internships with Step on the Guardian jobs website and applied for the international market research internship.
I was successful with securing a position at TecQuipment and my duties were to complete market research on overseas markets to assess financial potential and business suitability. Once this research was completed, I presented my findings to senior management to suggest what countries should be targeted for future exporting.
My placement has met my expectations, I have been allowed all the freedom I could have wanted to complete the project, whilst being supported in any areas I have needed in what was unfamiliar surroundings. Beyond the remit of the internship, I have been allowed and encouraged to explore other areas of the business. I began to get involved in different tasks within the company. The placement has given me the confidence in what I have learnt at university is relevant in work and highly valued. I have gained vital understanding of many aspects of a manufacturing and globally exporting business.
I broadened my responsibilities in the marketing field and now hold a permanent position as the Marketing Communications Manager I am excited to further develop my skills and understanding in what will be new areas, such as design, event management and software development.
This position will allow me to continue to research projects and manage events around the world (company agent conferences and exhibiting trade shows), internal communications, such as a company portal and more traditional marketing roles such as catalogue design, social media, email campaigns etc. Throughout my time so far at TecQuipment, I have continually gained new knowledge and experiences that I can carry with me throughout my career.
We would also like to congratulate Toby Tetrault & TecQuipment for winning the International Trade Award at the Derby Telegraph Business Awards 2014!
