Am I good enough to study for a professional Marketing qualification?

Are you sat there right now thinking, “Am I good enough to study for a professional marketing qualification?”

This is a question that probably sits right at the heart of why people procrastinate on self development. It’s the unanswered question many people at different stages of their careers are pondering when they are considering what to do next.

We’ve written this post because all the questions we get asked on hundreds of discovery calls every month, and all the obstacles people have about taking a big step to self development, always ultimately point back to this.

  • You may think you’re too old.

  • Because you studied a long time ago, you might think you’ll have difficulty.

  • Your education may have never been formal.

  • You might have studied but not online.

  • You might be anxious about passing.

  • It may be difficult for you to find the time.

  • It may be difficult for you to commit to investing in yourself.

But these all point back to answering the question “Am I good enough to study for a professional marketing qualification?”

To answer this properly, we need to get into the mindset of a successful student.

What are the benefits to me of studying for a professional marketing qualification?

Studying for a qualification has many benefits. So it is important to start with the end in mind. What do you want the qualification to give you?

Be very clear about the benefits of completing the course and gaining the qualification. How will your future be different? What does it mean to you? How and where do you see yourself in the future. Picture it and write it down.

We know that people study for qualifications for many different reasons. It makes people better at their jobs, which can, in turn, lead to higher wages and promotions. If those opportunities remain closed, it can make you more attractive to new employers or help you set up your own business.

Some students see studying for a qualification as an investment in themselves – it’s something they can do to make themselves better and more capable in the future.

Some students may be mid-career, returning to work, pivoting or seeking to add fresh qualifications to improve their value. Every reason is valid.

Takeaway: Provide yourself with a very clear picture of how it will help you, which will keep you focused and improve your own sense of worth.

How do I know if I'm good enough to pursue a qualification?

The first thing to do is take a look at your past academic performance. If you have high marks in the subjects that would be relevant for the qualification, then you should have no problem passing assessments.

The next step is to check your confidence level. If you feel confident about being able to write reports to pass the assessment, then you should go ahead and sign up for it.

How do you like to learn? By watching, reading, listening, or implementing?

Different methods of learning are offered by learning providers but at the time of writing, the dominant teaching style is online through live video teaching, Q&A and recorded material.

Takeaway: Consider how you absorb new information and how you understand and apply it.

When was the last time you studied?

Take a moment to recall your last learning experience. In what manner were you taught? What kind of materials were used? What was your favourite part? What inspired you? Was there anything that didn’t motivate you?

You might need to go right back to your school days for this or more recent independent and professional experiences.

It is likely that your dominant and preferred learning style has been set by previous learning experiences.

So, in order to be the successful student that passes the course, you want to play entirely to your strengths and what has previously worked for you – even if the technology has improved significantly.

Takeaway: Use your best learning experiences to propel you forward.

Am I too old to do a qualification?

You’re never too old, if you have the right motivations and attitude.

A huge number of students who take on professional qualifications are often “mature students” who, because of their richer life and professional experience, can get a huge amount out of studying.

In conventional higher education, UCAS estimates over a quarter of undergraduates are mature students and this is even higher in professional courses too.

And when it comes to most study centres, there are a huge number of resources available to returning students – ranging from dedicated course leaders, specific and regular tutor support, on-demand technical support to make the most of resources as well as general support in studying, completing coursework assessments and preparing for exams.

Takeaway: If you’re returning to study after an extended break, ask what provisions and support are available to you.

I don’t know if I have the time to do this?

Time is undoubtedly one of the biggest mental blocks when it comes to adding qualification study to your calendar.

Whether it is a full-time job, running a business or looking after a family, there are inevitable time pressures.

It is estimated students need to invest a minimum 3-6 hours a week over 12 months to complete a CIM course to a good passing level. Some students do this in one block in an evening or over the weekend; others spread it over the course of the week, perhaps incorporating early starts and lunch breaks.

Whichever way you do it, you will have time windows in the course of an average week and you need to decide what times might work best for you.

If time is your biggest barrier, also read Study Tips – Do you have the TIME?

Takeaway: Record an average week and find the 3-6 hours you’d need for studying. Can it be ring-fenced as a non-negotiable?

I have never studied a formal qualification before - can I really do this?

Having never studied for a formal qualification should not be a barrier to choosing to study. Whilst there are benefits to being familiar with what is involved and having the structure and process to commit, sometimes coming to studying fresh means you don’t have any bad habits to unlearn.

As with returning mature students, enter into studying with your eyes wide open. Make sure you are fully conversant with what support is available. Ask specific questions about support for inexperienced students.

Ask for an accountability partner or mentoring programme. As most courses are run in cohorts, even if online only, there will be opportunities to buddy with others. It is always better to have someone working towards the same goal.

Takeaway: Keep your purpose in mind and look for ways to secure additional accountability.

I have never studied online before - can I do this?

Studying online is one of the biggest growth areas on the Internet.

It’s perfect for new and returning mature students because you can work on your terms in your own time.

Resources are available 24-7 in easy to use formats which makes the material much more useful than solely through face-to-face lecturing once a week.

High quality learning providers invest in their technology and provide support to ensure students enjoy the very best learning experience available.

And as we’ve said above, there are numerous ways for students to secure 1:1 and group support.

Takeaway: Make sure you are comfortable with the learning platform and resources being offered. Ask questions about how new students are supported.

I don’t know if I have the confidence to study?

Ultimately, your confidence really needs to come from you.

If you’ve got this far, we’ve already dealt