#NoWrongPath Blog | Megan Cann
Unconventional career paths often lead to the most rewarding destinations. For students navigating the early stages of their careers, the challenge is often finding a way forward when initial plans hit roadblocks. In this compelling case study, Megan, an intern at Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE), proves that there is truly no wrong path when building a career. Read on to discover how overcoming setbacks during the pandemic, shifting from fashion retail to a business and marketing degree at Edinburgh Napier University, and embracing unexpected opportunities can transform your professional journey.
1. What first sparked your interest in working in marketing, and how did that lead to the specific role you're in now?
In high school, I really enjoyed studying business and became interested in how influencers use marketing to engage with their audiences. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, my grades and overall learning environment were affected, meaning I was unable to achieve the grades needed for the Mass Communications course at Edinburgh Napier University. At first, I was disheartened but then went on to complete an HNC in Fashion with Retail before moving on to study Business Management with Marketing at Edinburgh Napier University. Although this was not my original plan, it introduced me to a course that I have really enjoyed and helped me develop valuable business and marketing skills. It also taught me that it's okay to take a different path, and that an unexpected route can still lead to opportunities.
Throughout my degree, I developed knowledge in areas such as data analysis, sustainability, leadership, and business innovation, which helped me understand the wide range of career opportunities within marketing. For my dissertation, I explored the impact of social media on impulse buying among Generation Z women. My research revealed how social media can create pressure to keep up with trends, often leading to overconsumption and fast-changing purchasing habits. This experience strengthened my interest in digital marketing and consumer behaviour.
2. Can you describe the journey that brought you to your current role — and what made you choose that particular path (e.g., apprenticeship, degree, career switch)?
I chose to study Business Management with Marketing because I was interested by how marketing influences people's decisions and behaviours. Throughout my degree, I continued to develop my skills through academic projects and practical experiences. My placement in third year gave me valuable experience in how small businesses work and confirmed that marketing was the career path I wanted to pursue.
3. Were there any key moments, mentors, or experiences that helped you realise this was the right fit for you?
My third-year placement was a key turning point. It gave me hands-on experience creating marketing content and showed me how rewarding it is to capture an audience's attention through engaging campaigns. Collaborating with my team, receiving constructive feedback, and celebrating successes together helped me grow professionally, and showed me that marketing was the right career for me.
4. What aspects of your current role do you find most fulfilling, and did that align with what you expected when you started?
The most fulfilling part of my role is planning and executing social media content. I enjoy the creativity involved, as well as analysing how campaigns perform and finding ways to improve them. Since starting the role, I've also developed an interest in the financial services industry and how marketing can help educate and engage customers in this sector. This wasn't something I expected initially, but it's become an area I'm excited to learn more about.
5. Looking back, is there anything you would tell your younger self (or someone starting out) about finding a role that truly fits them?
I would encourage my younger self to spend more time exploring different areas of marketing and making use of free learning resources. Platforms such as Meta Business and Squarespace, along with online marketing courses, would have helped me build practical skills earlier. Gaining this knowledge sooner would have given me greater confidence in creating high-quality, consistent campaigns for brands and employers.
6. What do you want to do next?
My next goal is to secure a role as a Marketing Executive or Marketing Coordinator, where I can continue developing my digital marketing, content creation, and campaign management skills. I'm also interested in working in a collaborative environment where I can contribute to creative marketing strategies while continuing to grow professionally. Lastly, I would like to build my experience by learning more about sustainability and seeing what businesses are doing to prepare for the future.
This inspiring story is a powerful reminder that there is no wrong path and you don't need a rigid, traditional roadmap to find a career you love. Whether you are dealing with changed circumstances, exploring a completely new industry like financial services, or wondering if your past experiences matter, Megan's journey highlights the importance of recognizing that unexpected routes can still lead to great opportunities. By leaning into hands-on placements, building practical skills, and staying open to new sectors, you can shape a fulfilling and dynamic career in marketing.