David has completed the CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing (L6) to maximise his marketing and career potential. And he has now used the knowledge acquired to launch a new business, Northumberland 250, during the pandemic
Why did you choose this CIM qualification?
Although I had previous marketing experience, without any formal marketing training or qualifications, I felt I lacked the fundamentals to maximise my potential in the role I was working. I had a sense of what to do, but not necessarily why I was doing it or how I could maximise the impact of my work. As I wanted to accelerate my development and push on with my career, a CIM qualification with nesma seemed perfect for my learning requirements.
Has studying with nesma helped you in your career?
Studying with nesma has given me the confidence to put ideas into motion. With a CIM qualification on my CV, I have since explored ideas that I have been mulling over for years.
This year, alongside my girlfriend, we launched the Northumberland 250, an adventure driving route across my home county of Northumberland. It has been exciting to implement new-found knowledge into the fundamentals of a small start-up.
Starting a travel business during a pandemic was always going to be a risky venture. However, with my qualification and a new lease of understanding, nesma has helped me take the first step and put into practice what I have learnt over the past 12-months.
What have you discovered about yourself in the process?
I learnt that you have the capacity for so much more than you think you do. One of my biggest apprehensions about the qualification was how time-consuming it would be. Studying alongside work was undoubtedly challenging. However, this evolved my discipline for working outside of office hours and has proved a critical skill when working towards the launch of the Northumberland 250.
What did you enjoy most about studying?
I enjoyed the interaction with my tutor and learning group. Throughout the process, I was able to meet many like-minded individuals from a diverse range of industries. I am pleased to have experienced a combination of face-to-face and digital learning and look back fondly on the lockdown learning, as it gave me a real sense of purpose and direction during a challenging time.
What type of things will you do differently now?
I am now fortunate to be able to implement my learning into a new and exciting start-up. With the knowledge gained, I feel as though I am in an excellent position to do things correctly and create a marketing function that I am ultimately proud of and confident that my actions are bettering the brand and taking me ever closer to my objectives.
What words of advice would you give anyone considering a career in marketing/PR?
Be curious; ask lots of questions.
What are the significant changes within your industry at present?
The volatility of travel and evolving trends resulting from the pandemic create challenges and opportunities in equal measure. It’s an exciting time, and I am optimistic that we’ll adapt to whatever a post-covid travel industry looks like.
What do you enjoy most when you aren’t doing the day job?
Travelling the world and exploring new places! Of course, travelling abroad has become a lot more challenging over the past 18 months, which has led to many great adventures much closer to home.
A CIM qualification encourages you to think strategically and understand the complete picture, developing a skill set that is not only useful for marketers but a great asset for both business managers and owners too.
