This Learning at Work Week, I wanted to share my journey with CIM and how the Level 6 Marketing Manager Apprenticeship with Professional Academy has been a genuine turning point in my career.
My Initial CIM Experience — Level 4 in Professional Marketing
Back in 2020, I decided to take on the Level 4 CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing qualification. I studied directly with CIM, with Professional Academy as my training provider, all whilst working full-time at my previous employer. The course provided valuable foundational marketing knowledge, but it was a self-study format — which meant a great deal of independent learning, minimal support, and the need to stay motivated entirely on my own.
Managing the study schedule alongside work was tough, and I often felt isolated with little direction. I sometimes questioned whether I would make it through. But I stayed determined, completed the qualification, and gained a solid understanding of the marketing principles that have underpinned everything I have done since.
Level 6 Marketing Manager Apprenticeship — A Different Experience Entirely
Fast forward to more recently — I completed the Level 6 Marketing Manager Apprenticeship with Professional Academy, and unlike my previous self-study experience, this course offered a much more structured and supportive learning environment from day one.
The Level 6 apprenticeship included monthly workshops with a cohort of fellow learners. We discussed key marketing topics, shared insights, and learned not just from the course material but from each other's workplace experiences. It felt nothing like studying in isolation — it felt like being part of a genuine learning community.
But the real turning point was having a dedicated mentor. My mentor, Diane, and I met monthly, and her guidance was invaluable throughout the programme. She provided detailed feedback on my assignments, helped me stay on track, and offered practical advice that made the learning process far more engaging and purposeful. Those sessions kept me motivated and accountable in a way that self-study simply cannot replicate.
Balancing Work and Study
Balancing a full-time role with the apprenticeship was not without its challenges — especially during busy periods at work. But the structured approach made a significant difference. The 20% off-the-job learning time is clearly defined within the apprenticeship framework, which meant I had protected space to focus on my studies each week without it feeling like an additional burden on top of my working responsibilities.
Each module prompted me to research marketing strategies, apply them to real-world scenarios, and share outcomes during workshops — all of which directly contributed to my End Point Assessment (EPA). The learning never felt disconnected from my job. It was constantly reinforcing what I was doing in practice and giving me frameworks to do it better.
The Result — and What It Meant
After months of hard work, I was thrilled to receive my result — a distinction. It was a huge personal achievement and a testament to the support I received from my mentor Diane, and the structured learning environment that Professional Academy provided throughout the programme.
The qualification has not only deepened my marketing expertise — it has also significantly boosted my confidence in managing projects and leading strategic initiatives within my organisation. I approach my work differently now. I think more strategically, communicate more clearly, and feel genuinely equipped to contribute at a leadership level.
Why I Would Recommend It
If you are considering further learning, I highly recommend exploring an apprenticeship opportunity. With a structured learning plan, dedicated mentoring, practical assignments, and the support of a cohort of fellow learners, you gain far more than just the qualification itself. You gain the confidence, the community, and the capability to genuinely elevate your impact at work.
This Learning at Work Week, take a moment to think about how you can embrace new learning opportunities and invest in your future success — whether that is through a qualification, an apprenticeship, or simply committing to developing a new skill. The results, as I can personally attest, are worth every effort.
How Professional Academy Supports Your Journey
At Professional Academy, our apprenticeship programmes are designed to provide exactly the kind of supportive, structured, and practically focused learning that made such a difference to Jade's journey. From dedicated mentors and monthly cohort workshops to CIM-aligned qualifications and End Point Assessment support, we are with you every step of the way.
Explore the Level 6 Marketing Manager Apprenticeship and find out how Professional Academy can support your career development today.
