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