Studying? See why Alex Stone chose digital
It’s not always obvious what steps to take, when you want to move your marketing career on to the next level. To help you assess your study options, we’ve run a series of qualification updates created by Jon Twomey of the Student Support Group. As well as being a CIM Accredited Study Centre, they are the people who provide a free helpline for studying members in London on 01784 463057. This month, Jon looks at the CAM Diploma in Digital Marketing, together with a member’s view of this digital qualification, from marketing consultant Alex Stone. She explains her reasons for choosing the qualification, how it fits alongside other CIM qualifications and the benefits she’s already enjoying as a result.
Digital credentials
The practical CAM Diploma in Digital Marketing focuses on digital marketing planning. By completing this qualification, you’ll improve yourself and your options for promotion by taking your thinking and knowledge to the next level. This qualification is validated by CIM’s awarding body. As a CAM student you become a studying member with CIM and enjoy all the advantages that CIM membership provides.
Alex Stone explains her route to digital
Alex chose to study for the CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing first before moving on to the CAM Diploma in Digital Marketing.
I took the CIM Diploma first
“Having run my own marketing consultancy for 10 years, I knew that my marketing expertise was solid but my confidence needed a boost. I felt a qualification of this level and recognition would do a couple of things for me. Firstly, it would formalise and support my marketing knowledge and secondly, it would give me the “badge” my confidence needed to grow my business and confirm my skills.
I already had in mind that after the CIM Diploma I would want to do something in Digital but it was the status of the Diploma that confirmed to me it was the ideal qualification to obtain first.
It wasn’t easy but what I quickly realised was that despite the need for theory what you also need to demonstrate is a practical understanding of, and ability to apply, marketing knowledge. This is what I do best and I was pleased to finally sail through with all-round excellent marks.”
Why? It proves my expertise
“Confidence, knowledge and strategic thinking are three things gaining the Diploma has done for me and my marketing career. It’s so much more for me than just another thing to put on my CV. It’s a validation and confirmation of the marketing “stuff” I already knew and was using every day for my clients, but I didn’t truly believe in myself. Now I do. I have proven I can take marketing theory and concepts and apply them to the real world (at a high level no less) and deliver real results for my clients.
As I said, this is not an easy qualification to obtain and I nearly gave up many a time. I owe part of my success to Jon and Caroline at the Student Support Group (SSG) who kept me focused and motivated. (My husband helped too!)”
Next, I’m onto the CAM Diploma in Digital Marketing
“Now, having passed with what I consider flying colours, I am embarking on completing my CAM Diploma in Digital Marketing with SSG - half of which I am exempt from because of passing the Professional Diploma.
For me this is a big piece in my marketing career. I am using more and more digital strategy and techniques every day and I really want to become an expert in this area. Hopefully with the ongoing support of SSG I am well on my way!”
Three steps to digital – or two!
To achieve the CAM Level 4 Diploma in Digital Marketing you need to complete three modules mandatory modules.
- Module 1: Marketing and Consumer Behaviour – unless you are exempt
- Module 2: Digital Marketing Essentials
- Module 3: Digital Marketing Planning
Many past CIM students are exempt from Module 1, just like Alex Stone. If you are a graduate of the CIM Professional Certificate (level 4) or Diploma in Marketing (level 6) or above, then you don’t have to complete the Marketing and Consumer Behaviour unit. Other exemptions may apply, ask for details.
Each module is assessed using a practical business-related written assignment. These assignments can be based on any organisation of your choice.
Want to know more?
Jon has answered key questions in his article: ‘Why I chose the CAM Diploma in Digital Marketing'.
If you have any questions, please contact one of our CIM training and qualification advisors at qualifications@cim.co.uk.
You can call the Student Support Group advice helpline which is free for CIM members in the Greater London region. Contact caroline@studentsupportgroup.co.uk or call Caroline on 01784 463057.
The Student Support Group is a CIM Accredited Study Centre. To date it’s helped over 20,000 marketers gain their qualifications. The group also provides a range of help with assignments and exams, fees apply to some services.