At CTS, we believe in the opportunity to learn by doing. We’re passionate about supporting young professionals as they begin their careers, helping them gain real experience, build confidence and develop the skills that will shape their careers. That growth happens when people are given the space, guidance and support for future success.
This month, we caught up with Ruby, a member of the Marketing team at CTS who is currently completing her CIM qualification, to hear more about her journey so far, how CTS has supported her development and what growth means to her.
Building Skills and Gaining Experience
“I wanted to develop my marketing skills and gain hands-on experience while continuing my studies. This role allows me to gain valuable work experience while continuing my studies. From managing social media and creating email campaigns to developing website content, supporting exhibitions, improving SEO, analysing marketing performance and helping shape marketing strategies, I've gained experience across almost every area of marketing. Being involved in so many different projects has given me a much broader understanding of how marketing supports business growth."
Ruby explained that joining CTS was a chance to build a strong foundation in marketing while gaining an understanding of how a business operates day to day.
Support That Makes a Difference
Balancing studies with full-time work can be challenging, but CTS has provided continuous support to help make it possible.
“CTS has been incredibly supportive in helping me manage both my coursework and my work responsibilities. I’ve been given the time I need to complete my portfolio and assignments while still contributing to a wide range of ongoing projects.”
As my confidence has grown, I've also been trusted with more responsibility and larger projects. It's rewarding to know that my ideas are listened to and that I can make a genuine contribution to the company's marketing activities.
They also spoke highly of their manager’s encouragement.
“I've felt incredibly supported throughout my journey, particularly by my manager, Rebecca Parr, who has encouraged me to develop professionally, take on new challenges and continue building my confidence."
Confidence and Career Growth
Reflecting on her time at CTS, Ruby shared how much her confidence has grown and how the company has supported her development.
“My confidence has grown so much. I’ve become more proactive and motivated to progress in my career. The support from CTS has played a big role in this, encouraging me to push myself, take on new challenges and continue learning.”
“The course has helped me become more confident in my role and decision-making. It’s given me valuable knowledge and insight that I can apply directly to real-life projects."
Since joining CTS, Ruby's role has developed significantly. What began as an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of marketing has evolved into a position where she now supports the marketing activity across three businesses: Construction Testing Solutions, Environmental Chemistry Testing and Calibration Testing Solutions.
Managing multiple brands has enabled Ruby to develop strong organisational and strategic marketing skills. Working across different sectors and audiences has given her experience in balancing priorities, adapting campaigns and delivering a wide range of marketing activities, including website development, SEO, email marketing, social media, exhibitions and marketing strategy.
Alongside this increased responsibility, Ruby has continued to study for her CIM qualification, allowing her to apply the knowledge gained through her studies directly to real business projects. This combination of academic learning and practical experience has strengthened her confidence, improved her decision-making and supported her professional development.
A Culture of Learning
CTS continues to promote professional growth across all departments.
“CTS really values learning and personal development, which is so important when you’re at the start of your career. Having opportunities to take on further qualifications and understand the foundations of marketing helps build the knowledge and confidence you need to progress. I've had opportunities to work alongside colleagues from different departments, learn from experienced professionals and gain exposure to areas of the business I wouldn't normally experience. That collaboration has helped me develop not only my marketing knowledge but also my commercial understanding of how the wider business operates."
They added that growth isn’t just about training or qualifications, it’s about everyday learning from colleagues and gaining experience through collaboration.
What Growth Means
“Growth means becoming more confident in my knowledge and decision-making, and trusting in my own abilities. It’s something that comes with learning, experience and time. I also think it’s really valuable to learn from people who’ve been in the industry for a long time. That kind of guidance is an important part of developing professionally. Looking back over the past year, I can see just how much I've developed, and that's been possible because I've been trusted to take on new responsibilities while having the support of a great team behind me. Managing the marketing across three businesses has given me opportunities I never imagined when I first joined CTS. Every day brings a new challenge, and it's helped me become much more confident in my abilities. Being trusted with that responsibility has played a huge part in my growth, and it's rewarding to see the impact my work has across the business."
Advice for Others
When asked what advice they would give to anyone starting out in their career Ruby encouraged others to take every opportunity to learn.
"My advice would be to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Ask questions, get involved in projects outside your comfort zone and don't be afraid to put forward new ideas.
Studying alongside work allows you to immediately apply what you're learning in a real business environment, and that's where the biggest development happens. The combination of theory and practical experience gives you confidence, builds valuable skills and prepares you for the next stage of your career.
Most importantly, remember that growth doesn't happen overnight. Every project, challenge and experience helps you develop, and over time you'll be surprised at how far you've come."
At CTS, we’re proud to see young professionals growing in confidence and developing valuable skills that contribute to the company’s success. Through our Grow with CTS initiative, we continue to support individuals at every stage of their careers, helping them learn, evolve and reach their full potential.