by Kalyn Stockman
Ever since I can remember, my goal in life was simple: to help others. However, after choosing to study Business Administration with a marketing concentration, I didn’t know quite what achieving that goal would look like in the professional sense, until recently.
During my four years at the University of the Pacific, I struggled to develop a clear path for myself after graduation. It always seemed so far away, until it wasn’t anymore. I knew that I had developed a broad range of business knowledge and skills through my courses, but I also knew that I shouldn’t lose sight of my passion for helping others. How could I combine my passion and my education?
My Chance
Shortly after graduation, the opportunity for an internship at Aragon Research (a Research and Advisory firm based right in my hometown!) came along. Better yet, a marketing internship, something I had been preparing for my entire college experience. Marketing caught my interest early in my college courses because I see it as the creative side of business. Important business challenges are solved through creative marketing solutions.
My Experience
When I tell others about my marketing role here, they may not immediately think that I am in a position focused on helping others; but I am. Aragon Research provides an opportunity for me to contribute to something greatly important—helping people achieve their business goals.
As a marketing intern at Aragon Research, I’ve gained valuable experience to launch my marketing career, acquired a deep understanding of new and emerging technologies, and built confidence in my work abilities, all while contributing to Aragon’s mission: to help their clients. Through my production of blogs, infographics, and eBooks, I have worked to provide resources for those looking to improve their business. I have also worked to spread the word about Aragon Research, with the intention of leading businesses to a trusted and game-changing opportunity for advice, growth, and success. I’ve done this through producing social media content and constructing informative emails. I have new and exciting tasks each week that never fail to make me feel that I’m making a difference.
Not only have I gotten a taste of helping others in the professional realm, I have also improved myself through the experience. I have gained the confidence to work independently, yet developed an admiration for working in a team. I’ve gotten to exercise the skills that I had been equipped with throughout my college years, but push them to a new level at Aragon. I have built website pages and added terms to the Aragon Business and IT Glossary. I’ve created graphics and produced videos. I’ve gotten my hands on many more projects than I ever expected leading up to the internship.
A little friendly competition ‘escaping’ from our escape rooms!
To top it all off, the team bonding trips –from team dinners to escape rooms to flying drones– that I’ve gotten to be a part of enhanced my experience here and allowed me to form personal relationships with other Aragon employees, an aspect of the company that I truly believe contributes to its success.
Bottom Line
At Aragon Research, I’ve been treated as an equal and valuable employee. I’ve been given dozens of responsibilities and contributed to meaningful work. And best of all, I’ve learned that though a marketing role may not be the traditional approach to helping others, it can absolutely still happen at the right company. You can find meaning and accomplish your goals in the most obscure ways.