2012
Ann Brine
“I took my CIM Diploma in Marketing in 1997 – all four units in one year. It was really tough going and I soon realised that I would need to go to the next level, an MA or MBA in order to proceed with my career. I knew that in order to really get the top job you need more than the Diploma to differentiate yourself.
"At the same time as I completed my Diploma, I was also developing a fledgling e-marketing agency, which over the last ten years has grown to be one of the largest and most skilled in the UK. Time has always been precious to me, even more so since the birth of my two sons. With work getting increasingly difficult, I knew that I needed the flexibility of working on my own.
“An MA in Marketing was part of my exit strategy. I knew that if I had an MA, my credibility as a consultant would be reinforced. The main stumbling blocks were always going to be the time and cost. Time especially would be difficult, but as it turned out, my family and friends really helped me get through it.
“When I read about the MA at Southampton Solent University I was amazed at the timing in the first instance. It offered me a flexible, time friendly (If you can have that with an MA!) way of achieving the qualification I needed. Along with the CIM Diploma and my own work experience, the course provided me with the springboard I needed.
“As a part time course, it's not easy and no one should underestimate the time and dedication needed to complete the research module and dissertation. If you really want to do something you will always find the time – if I can do it with a full time job and two young children, anyone can!”