The spotlight is on CIM student champion, Ella Surtees

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) in the North East works with universities to support and enhance marketing qualifications and to provide guidance to students who are looking to develop their qualifications when transitioning from university into the workplace.

We have forged strong links with Northumbria Business School, part of Northumbria University, and it is the first university in the North East to have appointed a CIM student champion, Ella Surtees.

We spoke to Ella to find out about her role as a CIM student champion

“I am in my final year of a marketing management degree at Northumbria University and in September, the role of CIM student champion was announced.  As someone who is really passionate about marketing I decided to apply for the role.

“I was thrilled to get the ambassador position. It has enabled me to inform undergraduate and postgraduate students at open days as to the benefits of undertaking qualifications, such as a Level 4 Certificate in Professional Marketing.

“It is designed for aspiring marketers who want to gain knowledge and skills and ultimately progress into a successful marketing career.

“It is a role that I enjoy – I take great pride in representing the sector and it is a real honour.

“Dr David Hart, deputy head of marketing, operations and systems at Newcastle Business School works closely with the North East board of the CIM. As a result of this partnership, we recently held an event at the university and invited former students and practitioners to share their marketing journey.

“North East CIM board member and marketing and communications officer at Shared Interest, Laura Carrick, recently spoke to current marketing graduates about her career progression and how being a member of CIM has benefited her not just professionally but by opening her up a network of like-minded individuals. Laura also recently chose to study a Diploma in Marketing Communications at Level 3 and 4 and followed this up with a CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing at Level 6.

Ella added: “I am looking forward to graduating this year and have built up a strong marketing network who I can turn to for support in my chosen career. I would recommend the role of CIM student ambassador as it has been of great value to me. I have stepped out of my comfort zone and enjoyed presenting and meeting a dynamic mix of people.”

Dr David Hart, said: “At Northumbria we are always looking for ways to enhance the experience and employability of our students. We have a long-established link with CIM and getting our students a CIM qualification on graduation is a great addition to their CV. Having Ella as ambassador is also a great move. She is a committed, talented young marketer who sees the value CIM can add to her career and that of fellow students.”

Veronica Swindale, FCIM and vice chair of the North East Regional Board, said: “This is a great initiative to have for one of CIM’s Graduate Gateway universities and a good example of the work we are doing with the universities in the North East.”