Sophie, the Marketing and PR Manager at Everflow Group, has completed the CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing (Level 6).
Why did you choose this qualification course?
I have spent four years since graduation in marketing-related roles, learning through experience; I wanted to have a marketing qualification behind me to be more confident in my strategic decision making. Mainly because, at the time, the company was small and there was no one above me in the marketing department – I knew that I needed to make the extra effort to continue developing as a marketer and, in turn, help the company achieve its goals.
What did you discover about yourself?
I’m not as bad at adapting as I thought I’d be! I was nervous about the best way of presenting the work as it was a very different set up to my English Literature degree, but I ended up with a Distinction and two Merits across the three modules, so I shouldn’t have doubted myself.
Has studying with nesma helped you in your career?
It has. Shortly after handing in my final assessment, I put together a comprehensive 15-month marketing strategy for the Everflow Group and its three brands, which I presented to the board confidently having thought through the detail, risks and contingencies in depth. I wouldn’t have covered these bases anywhere near as thoroughly or had the same confidence in my conviction without the course.
What did you enjoy most about studying?
I enjoyed speaking to other marketers and tutors, hearing their thoughts and opinions and stumbling blocks within their roles.
What do you do differently as a result of your studies?
I’m more thorough and strategic in my planning. I’m putting a more significant focus on monitoring, data gathering, and assessing the strategy throughout time, ensuring we’re always comparing results to objectives so we can pivot if something isn’t working as hoped, or ideally, is doing better than expected!
What words of advice would you give anyone considering a career in marketing/PR?
Play to your strengths. There are so many different areas of expertise within marketing and PR, which is what makes it a great career. To make the most of this, figure out what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing and apply for the roles that require your skills. I figured this out through internships and placements, which was helpful, I learned a lot in a short space of time and will never think ‘what if I had gone down that route?’
What is the most significant thing that has changed for your industry in the past six months?
The pandemic! Talk about turbulent…Our marketing plans have changed multiple times in 2020. Everything, for the near future at least, has to be way more adaptable, with back up plans for pretty much any activity that isn’t virtual. It will be interesting to see whether virtual events and meetings persist when we’re back to a new normal or whether everyone’s so sick of them that we go in the other direction.
What do you enjoy most when you aren’t doing the day job?
Exercising and then rewarding myself in the form of food and drink! It used to involve the gym heavily, but lockdown has made me realise exercising outside is rewarding and great for wellbeing. Though now that it’s getting dark and wet I am missing the gym a little bit…
The Diploma in Professional Marketing is a Level 6 CIM qualification and is the equivalent to an undergraduate degree. It is ideal for individuals who wish to develop their strategic marketing knowledge and management capabilities. This qualification will enable you to build the skills to progress as you will gain a broader strategic understanding of marketing across a range of areas.
