Are marketing qualifications worth it?

[newplan]

I am looking at retraining to a certain extent.

I had a good career in the creative industry but since leaving London there are no real opportunities in my field.

I've thought about marketing instead. I don't have any direct experience but have been involved with marketing campaigns/strategies etc.

My DS starts school next year and I hope to work my way up to going back to work then.


Would it be worth me doing a CIM certificate?

[newplan]

Bump

[TwelveLeggedWalk]

No responses to this one? Bump!

[Saffra]

I did the CIM diploma pre-DD and thought it was definitely worthwhile. I studied PT (over 18 months) while working FT and it was quite rigorous. Thought the course content was excellent though, although I know others would disagree - my sister being one, although she works in the educational sector and her course was delivered differently.

Last time i looked though, most mid-level jobs (eg marketing manager) seemed to ask for min of diploma level. But, obv you can continue your studies if you felt it was worthwhile. I nearly continued with the post-grad qual but ended up setting my own business instead and being too busy.

If you work/ed in the creative industries, what about a marcomms qualification? Think there is potentially more cross-over with campaign development and creative/tactical projects. In the cim diploma, there was a big focus on planning, market research etc (certainly in the syllabus I followed) and there is poss less scope to consolidate your current knowledge.

Just my views, of course.

[betterwhenthesunshines]

What is a marcomm qualification? (presumably marketing / communication?)

Just interested as I used to work as a graphic designer. Stopped with children 10 yrs ago and since then have renovated from derelict 3 houses, did own direct selling for 6 months plus various volunteer work. Also successful sales as an artist, but not sure if this is worth pursuing full time, or if I should go back to work for someone else (various problems on time commitments) or set up my own business. Various ideas, but not got the confidence that they are workable.

But one idea is to go back as account management role rather than as a creative but I would obviously need a bit of direct training.

[Saffra]

Yes, it's marketing communications - e.g. www.cimlearningzone.co.uk/qualifications/cam-diploma-in-marketing-communications

I really enjoyed the marketing communications module of the cim diploma (I worked in an agency at the time, so was very relevant). You might find it helpful too, but if you're looking at account management, perhaps the cim certificate / diploma might be more useful - if you want to go down that track.