Introductory Certificate in Marketing, new evening workshops launched!

We have had a fantastic response to our CIM Introductory Certificate in Marketing with many people interested in studying the qualification but preferring the option of attending after work in the evenings. So, due to this high demand we have now scheduled evening workshops at our London Centre, but also launched the course at our Eastern Centre based in central Cambridge.

Ideal for anyone working in a customer facing role, even those involved in finance, operations and HR, or for anyone who is considering starting a marketing career and wants to dip their toe in the water, the qualification gives a comprehensive introduction to marketing, how it works and most importantly how it will benefit your business and help you improve your relationships with your customers.

We support you through the whole course which also includes providing everything you will need including in addition to the workshops, tutor written study guides, course text books, access to online resources and a support tutor who will guide you through the preparation of your assessments.

With our next intake for the Eastern Centre being in late March, there is no better time to start. For more information about the qualification and what we offer why not call Paul Owens on 0844 800 5256 or visit our website www.professionalacademy.com

Digital Marketing – a Brave New World !

So whats all this fuss about Digital Marketing then??

Currently I am talking to a lot of people who work in Marketing who have been using traditional marketing techniques for years and are and have been very comfortable with this approach.

Times are changing and as we move ever onwards into the 21st century and watch the Internet and digital technologies grow (with such new developments as Web 3.0, faster browsing capacity and download speeds etc) it seems to be that Marketing needs to move with the times as well – hence the upsurge of interest in all aspects of Online/Digital Marketing.

Almost everyone is “plugged in” at the moment – laptops, portable media devices, mobile phones etc – how better to reach this ever growing mass audience with various saleable products than via digital means? My two nieces were overjoyed with their i-pods at Xmas and within minutes had connected to the Internet, whizzed through about a hundred online ads and had downloaded various apps, games and services – enough to keep them happily occupied for the rest of the day – and allow me to watch “Dr Who” in peace!!

Prove to them that you deserve the job

At Cambridge Professional Academy we are hearing more and more frequently from people who are concerned about their career progression and their attractiveness to potential employers, particularly those who have recently been made redundant or have moved to the UK from abroad. Many are struggling to get even an interview for jobs that only a few years would not have been a problem. This is because despite the fact that they have years of relevant marketing experience and have been involved in a particular or even many aspects of marketing they don’t have the all important qualification, whether it is an academic one such as a degree or the more practical type such as the CIM and ISMM professional qualifications.

Not surprisingly, since the economic downturn we have seen an increase in the number of people contacting us who are in this unfortunate situation. As you would expect, as the number of people being made redundant increases, the level of competition for jobs rises and employers take the opportunity to cherry pick the best candidates for their vacancies. I am sure many would agree that it is essential to market yourself properly, and part of this is to be able to assess yourself and identify the areas of weakness and address them appropriately.

I know from personal experience as I have progressed my career and applied for more senior roles that the job description in addition to preferring a related degree and experience often requests an additional professional qualifications. This shows that not only does it give you an opportunity to stand out from the crowd; employers recognise them as a symbol of your dedication to ongoing development and improvement.

I know that it is a big commitment both financially and time wise – but I for one, am certainly convinced that it is well worth the effort.