Lauren has graduated with a CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing (level 4), a qualification that builds on your tactical marketing skills.
In a nutshell, Lauren describes her role as helping arts and culture organisations reach audiences and do good! Last year her work was recognised when she received the North East Business Women of the Year (WIN) Award for Rising Star 2019.
She is the Marketing Manager at Crystallised, a small independent marketing and PR agency, focusing on creative communications for creative industries. She works with a range of clients to devise and deliver their PR, outreach and social media strategies. Her clients range from arts and culture to charities, film, heritage and those in the entertainment industry.
Why did you choose to study a CIM qualification?
As my career in marketing progressed, I wanted to solidify my knowledge of marketing, specifically common marketing theories. I studied History at university and therefore had no formal education in marketing and wanted to correct this.
I knew that I wanted to study with CIM, as an accredited marketing body, so I researched the facilitators in the North East and decided that nesma would be an excellent fit for me.
What did you discover?
I think the main thing I took away from the course is that I was already applying many of the well-known marketing techniques within my role. However, by achieving a solid understanding of the theories, my confidence in my role improved massively.
Has studying with nesma helped you in your career?
Absolutely – since studying this course, I have gained a promotion at work, which I believe is in part due to my studies.
What did you enjoy most?
I enjoyed taking the time to think critically about Crystallised and the way we work and how we market ourselves – rather than the marketing we do for our clients as an agency. So often we channel all of our marketing efforts into our clients, but I understand even more now how important it is to also use these techniques for Crystallised itself, too.
What are you doing differently?
I now think more strategically before I begin any new campaigns or marketing activity for our clients. Starting everything with a well thought out plan that follows a marketing strategy is essential.
What advice would you give anyone considering a career in marketing/PR?
Never stop learning. Read books and blogs, attend courses and webinars, and try to apply it to your work.
All of nesma’s qualification and training sessions have currently moved online to support our existing students and potential clients. We are running all our CIM and CIPR qualifications via interactive webinars to replicate our popular classroom experiences.
If you have any queries, please get in touch with Lucy Davidson.
