2012
When Christina left college she went straight into work, but after a few years she realised her career wasn't progressing as she had hoped.
“I decided I needed to take immediate action to boost my morale, my career and my credentials,” explains Christina. “I began looking for a marketing course and came across Southampton Solent University. They catered to my requirements perfectly; I needed to work full time therefore a part-time course was my only option.”
Christina had never studied or worked within marketing before, and admits that she found this professional course quite challenging. “The budgeting side was the most difficult as I had no previous experience to draw from for my CIM coursework,” she explains. “But the teachers were very interactive with the students, and they always made sure you were aware of the available resources and support material.”
The hard work has already paid off. “I wouldn't have been able to get my first marketing role without this course, and now I am starting the next step of my career with a new job!” explains Christina. “It will offer me more experience and diversity than my previous marketing role - I will be organising various projects for online and offline campaigns, and monitoring their effectiveness.”
Christina is now much happier in her new career. “I love that marketing is such a diverse subject that requires both strategy and creativity” she explains. “It’s nice to be kept on your feet and to use your mind towards something you enjoy!”
Christina has had a very positive experience of part-time study and would recommend it to other working professionals. “Keep track of the latest career related workshops and part-time University courses which could progress your skills and knowledge,” she advises. “This is the best way to keep up to date, and educational institutions will give you an advantage over others in your particular industry.”
Since starting part-time study at the University, Christina has seen significant progression in her new career, declaring: “I couldn’t have got to where I am without hard work and a Chartered Institute of Marketing certificate!”