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By Jade Ratoff
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 game-changer for me.
Back in 2020, I decided to take on the Level 4 CIM Professional Marketing qualification. I studied directly with CIM, with Professional Academy as my training provider, all while working full-time at my previous employer. While the course provided valuable foundational marketing knowledge, it was a self-study format. This meant a lot of independent learning, minimal support, and the need to stay motivated on my own. Managing the study schedule alongside work was tough, and I often felt isolated with little direction. However, I stayed determined…
Fast forward to now - I recently 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.
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 our course leader but from each other’s workplace experiences. It felt less like studying in isolation and more like being part of a learning community.
But the real game-changer was having a dedicated mentor. My mentor, Diane, and I met monthly, and her guidance was invaluable. She provided feedback on my assignments, helped me stay on track, and offered practical advice that made the learning process much more engaging. These sessions kept me motivated and accountable.
Balancing a full-time job with the apprenticeship wasn’t without its challenges, especially during busy periods at work. But with the structured approach and the 20% off-the-job learning time, it was manageable. 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).
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 provided by Professional Academy. Not only did it deepen my marketing expertise, but it also boosted my confidence in managing projects and leading strategic initiatives within my organisation.
If you’re considering further learning, I highly recommend exploring an apprenticeship opportunity. With a structured learning plan, mentoring, and practical assignments, you get comprehensive support and the chance to immediately apply your knowledge in the workplace.
So, this Learning at Work Week, take a moment to think about how you can elevate your skills, embrace new learning opportunities, and invest in your future success.