Lucy works for Newcastle University as their Alumni Relations Manager and has recently completed the CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing (Level 6).
Why did you choose to study a CIM qualification?
I am always interested in the opportunity to strengthen my professional development. During my career, I have worked in several engagement and marketing roles, creating marketing strategies and developing exciting campaigns. However, I was aware that I did not have an academic marketing qualification to support my experience. I wanted the opportunity to learn more about the theoretical principles at both a strategic and practical level to help me navigate the ever-changing marketing field.
What did you discover about yourself in the process?
Completing this qualification has enabled me to rediscover confidence in my knowledge and practical implementation in the field. I also discovered my resilience, as I was working and suffering from severe pregnancy sickness whilst I was studying. Now that was a new experience for me, working with a bucket constantly on hand but staying motivated to complete my studies!
How has studying with nesma helped you?
Due to the lack of academic marketing qualifications, I had previously doubted my abilities, however studying with nesma, has given me the confidence in my achievements and will drive my continued professional development in the future. I now have confidence in my proactive approach to developing strategy and decision making.
The understanding and support I received from the tutor and Lucy when I was suffering from severe pregnancy sickness were invaluable. Together they were patient, offering relevant advice and understanding when I wasn’t able to engage as well as I would have liked.
What did you enjoy most about studying with us?
I enjoyed learning from the tutors, discovering new principles and having the opportunity to meet other students who were working in a range of sectors, which meant I could see different examples of the academic theories and marketing initiatives in action. It was also good to gain different perspectives on real-life challenges and possible solutions in a confidential environment.
It was a positive learning experience; in both the face to face and virtual classrooms.
What type of things do you do differently now?
I now ensure that I give myself time to develop my peer network, to continue to learn from others and other sectors. I also have ringfenced time to continue with professional development to continue to learn the latest insights, initiatives and challenges in the ever-changing world of marketing and encourage others to do so too.
What advice would you give anyone considering a career in marketing/PR?
Having a career in marketing is one that can keep you continuously engaged, as things can move so quickly, and you will always find new challenges to address. Remember the importance of your target audience, understand them and their needs and remind yourself of this often. Look for the elements of marketing that particularly interest you and create a network that provides peer support and insight, helping you to continue to grow.
The CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing is for individuals who wish to develop their strategic marketing knowledge and management capabilities and is the equivalent to an undergraduate degree.
