Nicole Selley - CIM Postgraduate Diploma
I work as Marketing Manager at Office Depot.
I studied the Strategic Marketing in Practice module (or "The Case Study") at Derby, part of the CIM Postgraduate Diploma.
Why study the CIM Postgraduate Diploma?
I wanted to study at a local university to benefit from group discussions and face-to-face tutor support. I chose Derby as it's local to me and with it starting at 6pm I was able to get there in time after finishing work.
I liked the practical approach of our tutor, Richard Mayer. We spent several weeks on discussing last years' case study. Doing this, we got a feeling of what was expected and how to approach a case study. Whilst doing this, Richard taught us useful tools that we could use in our real case study.
Working in groups
When our real case study was set we worked in smaller groups. Together with Richard we discussed what the case study was about and what areas are likely to be a focus for the exam questions.
The analysis that has to be prepared prior to the exam and then used to support the answers given in the exam paper has to be the work of individuals; however, working in groups helped us to exchange views on the most important areas and to discuss possible tools and models to use. It also helped us to benefit from each others strengths (eg financial or strategic experience).
My group met very regularly to work together and Richard was very flexible in meeting up with us to discuss our progress and to ensure we were on the right track and kept to the suggested timing.
A few weeks prior to the exam we were finalising our own analysis paper and discussed with Richard possible exam questions. We then discussed the best structure to answer some of these. Richard also motivated us to write our own responses to some of the questions discussed and gave us feedback and tips on how to improve these. I was very happy about this opportunity, as it is the best way to prepare for the exam and to get a feeling on how to answer the questions.
The highs and lows
I enjoyed studying for the Professional Postgraduate Diploma as I learned such a lot which has helped me to develop my career. I also enjoyed working in smaller study groups and benefiting from each others knowledge and experience.
When I got my A-grade I felt like my time spent on the course had definitely been worthwhile.
The most rewarding part was when I was contacted by the CIM a few weeks later to tell me that I had won the top student award for the Strategic Marketing in Practice module. I was extremely proud and it felt like all the hard work had finally paid off!
How my qualification has helped me
The CIM Postgraduate Diploma is very practical. I learned many things, that I haven't applied yet, but that will help me to do a better job in the future. Other parts I've been able to apply immediately in my current work and it's made it easier for me to do a good job and to look at my work from a more strategic point of view.
A few weeks ago I was offered a new job with Office Depot as Marketing Manager - Acquisition and Reactivation, which is a considerable career step for me. I'm sure my postgraduate qualification has helped me to make this step.
