Neave Ritchie is the Digital Engagement & Events Co-ordinator at Oasys Ltd | Arup Digital Technology and has recently completed the CIM Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing.
What was the reason behind choosing to study this qualification?
I studied Communication and Media at university, which gave me a broad skillset of the many facets of comms, marketing, and P.R. However, I knew I needed to develop my skills in marketing further to progress successfully within my role. This qualification advanced my marketing knowledge and allowed me to put these skills into practice. After speaking with my manager, who had completed CIM L6 with nesma, she encouraged me to pursue this opportunity to expand my understanding and build my tactical marketing skills. I am working towards becoming a Chartered Marketer, and this qualification brings me one step closer to that goal.
Did you discover about yourself in the process?
I thoroughly enjoyed studying. Confidence is and always has been a big hindrance of mine. I regularly find myself on the verge of giving up due to feeling my work isn’t good enough. The support from the tutors and the nesma team helped me realise my full potential, which instilled belief in myself that I can do it and am good enough!
Has studying with nesma helped you in your career?
Absolutely. I have implemented everything I learned from the course into my everyday work. I wouldn’t have been able to manage as much responsibility as I now do without the skills the course provided me.
What did you enjoy most about the studying process?
Being able to learn virtually was helpful in terms of managing work time and learning time. I appreciated how much care was put into getting to know us as students, our companies, day-to-day work, schedule, commitments and learning methods to ensure we got the most out of the course.
What type of things do you do differently due to your studies?
I have a much better understanding of what is required to be impactful when marketing products/services. I have created a social media and content strategy to help my manager execute this area successfully. I’m currently working on a campaign plan for a big anniversary for our company that is three years away!
What words of advice would you give anyone considering a career in marketing/P.R.?
It can be a very rewarding experience, but it doesn’t come without its trials and tribulations. Find something you’re passionate about within the marketing space and roll with that. If you’re willing to learn and grow as a marketer, the rest will come naturally (content writing is my one true love).
What are the significant changes within your industry at present?
Unfortunately, the current economic climate is affecting the infrastructure industry, where our software is used. Our mantra is to empower innovation, so we’re focusing on providing our customers with the most up-to-date and technologically advanced software solutions.
What do you enjoy most when you aren’t doing the day job?
I am such a cliché marketer; I’m a social media fiend. I keep up to date with YouTube mostly, as opposed to T.V. I enjoy walking, I keep up to date with the F1 and football in the way of sport, I love dogs, and I like to travel – I’m working on exploring as much of the world as I can.
The CIM Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing aims to provide the practising marketer with relevant, contemporary marketing content to equip them for the current global landscape. Learning is brought to life through meaningful and active assessment methods which embrace the modern marketing industry.
