New: Natalie Crane on Marketing Clubs. Been yet?

Board member, Natalie Crane, is Digital Marketing Manager at Habitat and the Graduate Ambassador for the CIM’s London region. In her voluntary role, Natalie champions graduate interests. We asked her about the new Marketing Clubs springing up in the capital where students and marketers mix. It turns out that what’s good for marketing undergraduates is good for seasoned professionals too. So, have you been yet?

Why have Marketing Clubs?

“The aim of Marketing Clubs is to give practicing marketers an opportunity to take some time-out, challenge thinking, learn new skills and share experiences with the next generation of marketing talent.

It’s also designed to give students interested in a career in marketing an opportunity to network with people already working at the coalface.

I’d really urge CIM members in London to get involved. They’ll pick up new ideas and by chatting to students they can really fire-up new talent.”

Who is behind the Marketing Clubs?

“The clubs are a joint initiative between CIM and universities that are accredited for the Graduate Gateway route to CIM qualifications. But at their heart, the clubs are about bringing together people with a passion for marketing, whether they’ve made it their career, or they’re just getting started.

Being in the presence of today’s marketers is inspiring for the marketers of the future. Whilst for members of the CIM in London, it’s a refreshing format and student enthusiasm can boost their own motivation as they go back to their busy, everyday roles.”

Which universities are on board?

“The University of East London (UEL) in Stratford is leading the way and in March UEL hosted the first Marketing Club event in London. It was an interactive workshop on User Design Experience which really set the tone with useful insights and plenty of chances for students and professionals to mix.

Next up is a marketing careers panel session hosted by UEL takes place on 26 April as part of their employability programme. Then their second Marketing Club event takes place on 11 May.

The London College of Fashion and London South Bank University are also keen to launch Marketing Clubs. These will be onstream at the start of the new academic year in September 2017.”

How do CIM members in London get involved?

“Just come along to the next event on 11 May. It’s that simple. It’ll be hosted by UEL and takes place, early evening from 18:00 to 20.30. Our topic is ‘How to create compelling content’.

We’re fortunate to have CIM Course Director, Paul Hill, as the speaker for this event. Paul consults with UK and international brands and has won UK RAR Digital Awards for both content strategy and digital strategy. He also writes about media, marketing and technology for The Guardian Media Network.

Paul will explain some of the essential steps to take before any creative session and lead delegates through a team exercise to try out an alternative brainstorming technique.

It’ll be a great opportunity for experienced marketers to get access to fresh thinking and learn alongside upcoming marketers of the future. I hope to see you on 11 May in Stratford!”