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Hello,
quick question
a) who's currently doing professional qualifications alongside their normal work? are you finding it easy or is it eating into your work and home time a lot?
b) CIM qualifications (marketing ones) - anyone doing the certificate or the diploma at the mo, or done them recently? I'm just off for a chat with someone about which one to do, and am suspecting that the certificate might be a bit too straightforward.
any thoughts?
ta.
quick question
a) who's currently doing professional qualifications alongside their normal work? are you finding it easy or is it eating into your work and home time a lot?
b) CIM qualifications (marketing ones) - anyone doing the certificate or the diploma at the mo, or done them recently? I'm just off for a chat with someone about which one to do, and am suspecting that the certificate might be a bit too straightforward.
any thoughts?
ta.
In reply to CJD:
I used to work for an online MSc course that people would do beside their work and I would say it is quite demanding. If you don't get any study time during your work hours expect many of your weekends and/ or evenings to be taken up with study. Our students had to complete two Modules per semester. This included studying the material and writing two assignments each - so four assignments in three months.
The CIM certificate is very basic, but it obviously depends if you have any experience/ knowledge in the area already.
I used to work for an online MSc course that people would do beside their work and I would say it is quite demanding. If you don't get any study time during your work hours expect many of your weekends and/ or evenings to be taken up with study. Our students had to complete two Modules per semester. This included studying the material and writing two assignments each - so four assignments in three months.
The CIM certificate is very basic, but it obviously depends if you have any experience/ knowledge in the area already.
In reply to Heike:
ta for that - all sounds much as I thought.
yeah, skimming through the information from the CIM website it sounds a bit lower than what I need - just worried that the chap I'm about to talk to is going to inform me that i need to do it before the diploma...
> (In reply to CJD)
> I used to work for an online MSc course that people would do beside their work and I would say it is quite demanding. If you don't get any study time during your work hours expect many of your weekends and/ or evenings to be taken up with study. Our students had to complete two Modules per semester. This included studying the material and writing two assignments each - so four assignments in three months.
> I used to work for an online MSc course that people would do beside their work and I would say it is quite demanding. If you don't get any study time during your work hours expect many of your weekends and/ or evenings to be taken up with study. Our students had to complete two Modules per semester. This included studying the material and writing two assignments each - so four assignments in three months.
ta for that - all sounds much as I thought.
>
> The CIM certificate is very basic, but it obviously depends if you have any experience/ knowledge in the area already.
> The CIM certificate is very basic, but it obviously depends if you have any experience/ knowledge in the area already.
yeah, skimming through the information from the CIM website it sounds a bit lower than what I need - just worried that the chap I'm about to talk to is going to inform me that i need to do it before the diploma...
In reply to CJD:
anyone else done the CIM certificate or diploma?
The man at the college has got me worried.
anyone else done the CIM certificate or diploma?
The man at the college has got me worried.
In reply to CJD: The college I used to work for did used to insist that the Certificate be undertaken before commencing onto the Diploma. However, if you have evidence of working at a higher level than the certificate, they may let you straight on to the Diploma.
In reply to CJD:
I did an MSc which got me MCIM status (and covered the Diploma requirements.) I gave up paying the fees because CIM was very FMCG/advertising orientated, whereas I'm doing technology/large accounts. Made me chuckle how poor their own "marketing" was.
Quite a lot of work, but intersting enough. What worries you ?
Y
I did an MSc which got me MCIM status (and covered the Diploma requirements.) I gave up paying the fees because CIM was very FMCG/advertising orientated, whereas I'm doing technology/large accounts. Made me chuckle how poor their own "marketing" was.
Quite a lot of work, but intersting enough. What worries you ?
Y
In reply to Yanchik:
The college chap has said he doesn't know which course to recommend, as I'm clearly not stupid, but because I don't have a business studies A-level (not sure they'd been invented then) or a lower level marketing qualification I might have to spend more time reading up on things for the Diploma... Just trying to think round the logistics of it all, as the first exams are in early Dec and we've got a big campaign rolling out for mid Nov... don't want to completely spanner my head with all of it, but on the other hand I don't want to waste a year doing something that's no challenge and is essentially just a box ticking exercise to do the next qualification.
The college chap has said he doesn't know which course to recommend, as I'm clearly not stupid, but because I don't have a business studies A-level (not sure they'd been invented then) or a lower level marketing qualification I might have to spend more time reading up on things for the Diploma... Just trying to think round the logistics of it all, as the first exams are in early Dec and we've got a big campaign rolling out for mid Nov... don't want to completely spanner my head with all of it, but on the other hand I don't want to waste a year doing something that's no challenge and is essentially just a box ticking exercise to do the next qualification.
In reply to CJD:
whilst working I did an LLM Construction Law course at uni in the evenings
took up much more of my time than I anticipated
ended up working untill 18.00 then going straight to the library to study until 21.00 three nights a week, then a fourth night at uni
this left fri night and weekends free from some much needed free time
good luck, it is worth it
whilst working I did an LLM Construction Law course at uni in the evenings
took up much more of my time than I anticipated
ended up working untill 18.00 then going straight to the library to study until 21.00 three nights a week, then a fourth night at uni
this left fri night and weekends free from some much needed free time
good luck, it is worth it
In reply to martin riddell:
thanks for that - good to hear about others use of time for these things.
my workplace managed to avoid providing any training for me for three years, so now I've got the opportunity for a bit of 'development' I might as well go for it.
thanks for that - good to hear about others use of time for these things.
my workplace managed to avoid providing any training for me for three years, so now I've got the opportunity for a bit of 'development' I might as well go for it.
In reply to subtle:
sorry dude - just wanting to know about something that could eat into climbing time quite a bit over the next few months, and which could get me a job where I can afford to go on more climbing trips.
that better?
sorry dude - just wanting to know about something that could eat into climbing time quite a bit over the next few months, and which could get me a job where I can afford to go on more climbing trips.
that better?
In reply to CJD: I've got the CIM certificate and am partway towards the diploma.
With hindsight I wish that I had opted for a MBA instead as it has more wide reaching benefits than CIM does.
Cx
With hindsight I wish that I had opted for a MBA instead as it has more wide reaching benefits than CIM does.
Cx
In reply to Clears:
hmmm, MBA's moving too far away from what I do/am interested in... but very good point nonetheless. I'm not sure I could dupe my employers into paying for an MBA either.
hmmm, MBA's moving too far away from what I do/am interested in... but very good point nonetheless. I'm not sure I could dupe my employers into paying for an MBA either.
In reply to CJD: What do you do? I am a marketing and product manager and wish that I'd bit the bullet and done the MBA as it would (will when I get there) open far more doors than the CIM alone.
Cx
Cx
In reply to Clears:
I'm a Creative Programme and Marketing Manager - the marketing's the new bit, I've always been an arts person, and the arts side of it is where my heart is, so if I move forward in marketing the likelihood is that it'll be in arts marketing. The creative programme bit is effectively bits of marketing and a lot of curating.
I'm a Creative Programme and Marketing Manager - the marketing's the new bit, I've always been an arts person, and the arts side of it is where my heart is, so if I move forward in marketing the likelihood is that it'll be in arts marketing. The creative programme bit is effectively bits of marketing and a lot of curating.
In reply to CJD:
Sounds like you need to see some of the actual course content, so you can decide whether how much of your time you think it's going to eat.
For me, the time consuming parts (of an MSc which isn't very closely related to what you're doing) were the Law module (lots of dull rote learning) and writing two dissertations. The rest was reasonably easy going.
Another, unattractive, strategy is to start the course with the thought that if it gets tough you might choose to fail it. Yes, a radical and probably crap idea, but - you decide what's important to you.
No brilliant suggestions from me then !
Good luck,
Y
Sounds like you need to see some of the actual course content, so you can decide whether how much of your time you think it's going to eat.
For me, the time consuming parts (of an MSc which isn't very closely related to what you're doing) were the Law module (lots of dull rote learning) and writing two dissertations. The rest was reasonably easy going.
Another, unattractive, strategy is to start the course with the thought that if it gets tough you might choose to fail it. Yes, a radical and probably crap idea, but - you decide what's important to you.
No brilliant suggestions from me then !
Good luck,
Y
In reply to Yanchik:
the chap has printed off a bit of each course for me to look at, which I'll do this evening.
well he's said I can change from one to the other if, say, I started on the Certificate and found it too easy or started on the Diploma and found it too hard.
no, it's all much appreciated.
> (In reply to CJD)
>
> Sounds like you need to see some of the actual course content, so you can decide whether how much of your time you think it's going to eat.
>
>
> Sounds like you need to see some of the actual course content, so you can decide whether how much of your time you think it's going to eat.
>
the chap has printed off a bit of each course for me to look at, which I'll do this evening.
> Another, unattractive, strategy is to start the course with the thought that if it gets tough you might choose to fail it. Yes, a radical and probably crap idea, but - you decide what's important to you.
well he's said I can change from one to the other if, say, I started on the Certificate and found it too easy or started on the Diploma and found it too hard.
>
> No brilliant suggestions from me then !
> No brilliant suggestions from me then !
no, it's all much appreciated.
In reply to CJD:
Not any more, thank goodness, but have had to do 3 sets of postgrad exams alongside full time work.
They take over your life!
Not any more, thank goodness, but have had to do 3 sets of postgrad exams alongside full time work.
They take over your life!
In reply to AliceW:
I've got a couple of mates who are GPs who seem to be constantly taking more exams...
I've got a couple of mates who are GPs who seem to be constantly taking more exams...
In reply to CJD: Hmm sounds very different my role which is traditionally a mix of above and below stuff for telecomms so tends to be very techy and business orientated (hence my wish for a MBA)
I do think though that the MBA is worth you looking into so you don't find like me the doing the diploma is very marketing focused (as the name implies) but doesn't give many transferrable skills.
I walked though the certificate about 4yrs ago, the diploma is admittedly a bit more challenging but to be honest I don't feel that it challenges me any more than my everyday job does and that as with alot of these qualifications a great deal of it will never be relevant to the 'real' world.
Still, it looks good on the CV and does show a degree of commitment to my professional development.
Cx
I do think though that the MBA is worth you looking into so you don't find like me the doing the diploma is very marketing focused (as the name implies) but doesn't give many transferrable skills.
I walked though the certificate about 4yrs ago, the diploma is admittedly a bit more challenging but to be honest I don't feel that it challenges me any more than my everyday job does and that as with alot of these qualifications a great deal of it will never be relevant to the 'real' world.
Still, it looks good on the CV and does show a degree of commitment to my professional development.
Cx
In reply to CJD: I did CIM diploma a few years ago - it's mostly pretty good stuff, particularly the planning and analysis stuff - if you're a creative type that plus the case study are what you'll enjoy least and get most out of, conversely.
If they're still doing international it's a waste of time, but I'd always say if you can do the diploma rather than the certificate. We covered most of what was in the diploma in half a term on an MBA - I think if you're actually working in marketing (as opposed to marcomms) then certificate would be too basic.
If they're still doing international it's a waste of time, but I'd always say if you can do the diploma rather than the certificate. We covered most of what was in the diploma in half a term on an MBA - I think if you're actually working in marketing (as opposed to marcomms) then certificate would be too basic.
In reply to andy:
excellent, thanks for that, pretty much as I thought.
interesting point about the planning and analysis - the chap I was speaking to was tutting about the stats stuff but maybe that's 'cos I'm a creative type so maths isn't my favourite ever thing
Just rummaging through the info now.
excellent, thanks for that, pretty much as I thought.
interesting point about the planning and analysis - the chap I was speaking to was tutting about the stats stuff but maybe that's 'cos I'm a creative type so maths isn't my favourite ever thing
Just rummaging through the info now.
In reply to CJD: I have got my SPA
In reply to CJD: Not sure where they'd cover stats - we did 4 papers - planing and analysis wich kind of thought is where they'd cover stats), marcomms (maybe some response rate stuff?), international (waste of time!) and case study - toughie - I failed it first time, partly claim cos the subject was a firm that was part of the group I was working for so we put too much real life stuff in - passed Dunlop Rubber with flying colours!
I did a part time MBA at Bradford, which was pretty good on the whole - certainly gave me the confidence to talk to other 'specialists' about their area - I'm very proud to say once won an argument on NPVs with an accountant called bernard following my course! it's not outrageously expensive - about 4 grand a year from memory.
I did a part time MBA at Bradford, which was pretty good on the whole - certainly gave me the confidence to talk to other 'specialists' about their area - I'm very proud to say once won an argument on NPVs with an accountant called bernard following my course! it's not outrageously expensive - about 4 grand a year from memory.
In reply to andy:
the only problem with MBAs is that my cousin is doing a proper posh one and wouldn't let me forget it if I did one that was any less...
for the moment, Mktg quals seem like the way forward. I think stats come into the Marketing Research and Information section...
the only problem with MBAs is that my cousin is doing a proper posh one and wouldn't let me forget it if I did one that was any less...
for the moment, Mktg quals seem like the way forward. I think stats come into the Marketing Research and Information section...
In reply to andy:
oh, and there doesn't seem to be an International section any more - there's Research and Information, Communications, Planning, and Management in Practice.
seems alright.
oh, and there doesn't seem to be an International section any more - there's Research and Information, Communications, Planning, and Management in Practice.
seems alright.
In reply to CJD: Bradford's a proper posh one, y'cheeky monkey!
In reply to CJD: (from Jen using Mike's name)
My friend Louise is doing a part time LLM (I think thats the one) via the open university, she's one of the most organised people I know and works her socks off all day at work then does uni work in the evenings. Lou tries to get ahead of herself wherever possible and so far has read through most of the next year's course books to get an idea before college starts. One evening a week but she works a lot in her spare time. Point is, its very hard work for her but being ultra organised helps and it is what she needs to progress her career. Mike's friend Toby did a part time MBA through his local uni as his firm weren't doing well in the training stakes either. He was a stress monkey for a year but has done it and feels better for it. My dad did one over a few years with the open uni and I'm sure it has done his career good.
The common thing with all of these people is that its bloody hard work while you're doing this and you'll be tired a lot but still have to get assignments in. Its all worth it in the end to each of the above people and if you think it'll benefit your career development then go for it!
My friend Louise is doing a part time LLM (I think thats the one) via the open university, she's one of the most organised people I know and works her socks off all day at work then does uni work in the evenings. Lou tries to get ahead of herself wherever possible and so far has read through most of the next year's course books to get an idea before college starts. One evening a week but she works a lot in her spare time. Point is, its very hard work for her but being ultra organised helps and it is what she needs to progress her career. Mike's friend Toby did a part time MBA through his local uni as his firm weren't doing well in the training stakes either. He was a stress monkey for a year but has done it and feels better for it. My dad did one over a few years with the open uni and I'm sure it has done his career good.
The common thing with all of these people is that its bloody hard work while you're doing this and you'll be tired a lot but still have to get assignments in. Its all worth it in the end to each of the above people and if you think it'll benefit your career development then go for it!
I'm currently doing CIMA which is a Management accountancy qualification.
The whole thing takes a minimum of 3 years, with exams every 6 months.
Currently doing my final level, which means I'm going in for lectures nearly every saturday and sunday until the end of october, and that's on top of a full time job where I'm doing about 45 hour weeks.
I'm sure it's going to be worth it in the end, but at the moment I'm wondering why I'm doing it. Feels like I've sold my soul....
The whole thing takes a minimum of 3 years, with exams every 6 months.
Currently doing my final level, which means I'm going in for lectures nearly every saturday and sunday until the end of october, and that's on top of a full time job where I'm doing about 45 hour weeks.
I'm sure it's going to be worth it in the end, but at the moment I'm wondering why I'm doing it. Feels like I've sold my soul....
In reply to andy:
Really. Is there owt proper posh in Bradford?
If there is I missed it every time I visited the place.
Really. Is there owt proper posh in Bradford?
If there is I missed it every time I visited the place.
In reply to CJD:
Hi
I've not read all the thread - so apologies if this is repeats.
I have DipM...but gave up the MCIM when I realised that actually it's the qualification plus the experience that counts, not the institute membership.
You'll manage DipM by Christmas quite easily if you have some background experience and a decent memory. The case study is probably going to be the biggest challenge.
If your employer is flexible about how you do it, the CIM run a course over 6 weekends that gets you to the exam. It has a couple of advantages:
- it's quick
- the people running the course set the exam
- you'll get quite a good structured approach to working the case study
Are you set on Marketing? Or is this just a general "bump up my quals"?
Wouldn't bother with the certificate; the DipM is not much more work and is the benchmark gong.
If you want any more info, or some books to get/avoid, just shout.
John
Hi
I've not read all the thread - so apologies if this is repeats.
I have DipM...but gave up the MCIM when I realised that actually it's the qualification plus the experience that counts, not the institute membership.
You'll manage DipM by Christmas quite easily if you have some background experience and a decent memory. The case study is probably going to be the biggest challenge.
If your employer is flexible about how you do it, the CIM run a course over 6 weekends that gets you to the exam. It has a couple of advantages:
- it's quick
- the people running the course set the exam
- you'll get quite a good structured approach to working the case study
Are you set on Marketing? Or is this just a general "bump up my quals"?
Wouldn't bother with the certificate; the DipM is not much more work and is the benchmark gong.
If you want any more info, or some books to get/avoid, just shout.
John
In reply to CJD: this may not be of any use, and could be misinterpreted as a shameless plug of a website i've been working on, but what the hell: http://www.themarketersforum.co.uk/
In reply to Moacs:
hello,
thanks for this.
The marketing qualification is 'cos I've just landed in the role of marketing manager and could do with a bit more knowledge of various bits and bobs, so it does make sense... If I could persuade them to pay for an MA in something interesting and arts based I would but it's not gonna happen and marketing quals are long-term more likely to keep me in work! it'll all be 'applied' as I go along as I'll be doing it by distance learning whilst doing my job and running both deparments... hhhmmm...
hello,
thanks for this.
The marketing qualification is 'cos I've just landed in the role of marketing manager and could do with a bit more knowledge of various bits and bobs, so it does make sense... If I could persuade them to pay for an MA in something interesting and arts based I would but it's not gonna happen and marketing quals are long-term more likely to keep me in work! it'll all be 'applied' as I go along as I'll be doing it by distance learning whilst doing my job and running both deparments... hhhmmm...
In reply to Mike Simmonds and Luke:
hi, thanks for those replies.
I guess that's the thing I'm worried about, having no free time what with work and climbing and writing and friends and then this... but if it's worth it in the end...
just reading through the course info and sample sections and it doesn't look *too* taxing...
hi, thanks for those replies.
I guess that's the thing I'm worried about, having no free time what with work and climbing and writing and friends and then this... but if it's worth it in the end...
just reading through the course info and sample sections and it doesn't look *too* taxing...
In reply to CJD:
I thought about doing an MBA recently but then decided against it for 3 main reasons:
1. WOuld mean I would need to give up some sports
2. Less time for family/friends etc
3. Most people with an MBA seem to talk a good talk (mostly B.S), but it doesn't seem to improve their performance at work.
I believe that prof qualifications are all well and good iof you have the time, but if you're great at your job, have talent, a strong "work ethic" and you build up an extensive protfolio of success stories, they may in fact be surplus to requirements. Probably especially true in Marekting (which is also my field).
I have found that a folder with positive comments from others about my work has done more for my career than any of my qualifications.
I thought about doing an MBA recently but then decided against it for 3 main reasons:
1. WOuld mean I would need to give up some sports
2. Less time for family/friends etc
3. Most people with an MBA seem to talk a good talk (mostly B.S), but it doesn't seem to improve their performance at work.
I believe that prof qualifications are all well and good iof you have the time, but if you're great at your job, have talent, a strong "work ethic" and you build up an extensive protfolio of success stories, they may in fact be surplus to requirements. Probably especially true in Marekting (which is also my field).
I have found that a folder with positive comments from others about my work has done more for my career than any of my qualifications.
In reply to 1234None:
yeah, true, all good points - but this is my first marketing role and I *could* do with more knowledge as at the moment I'm winging it! (my boss knows this, btw, and is supportive, but that's why training is a good idea!)
yeah, true, all good points - but this is my first marketing role and I *could* do with more knowledge as at the moment I'm winging it! (my boss knows this, btw, and is supportive, but that's why training is a good idea!)
In reply to CJD:
I too am farily new to "marketing" but have worked in Sales etc before.
My boss made an intersting point when I expressed concern that I had no direct "marketing" experience. he told meL:
You can market all you want but if you don;t actually sell anything it's ni use to anyone....
So I look at marketing purely as taking strategic decisions and actions that will have a positive effect on sales and the bottom line.
I'm sure if you have confidence in your own ability you'll be a great Marketing success with or without CIM, especially if you're "in touch" with the needs of your customers and the markt place in general.
Good luck with the new job whatever you decide
I too am farily new to "marketing" but have worked in Sales etc before.
My boss made an intersting point when I expressed concern that I had no direct "marketing" experience. he told meL:
You can market all you want but if you don;t actually sell anything it's ni use to anyone....
So I look at marketing purely as taking strategic decisions and actions that will have a positive effect on sales and the bottom line.
I'm sure if you have confidence in your own ability you'll be a great Marketing success with or without CIM, especially if you're "in touch" with the needs of your customers and the markt place in general.
Good luck with the new job whatever you decide
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