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University isn’t right for everyone

The Chartered Institute of Marketing advises school leavers to consider all their options

Profesional qualifications, work-based and academic study are all valuable routes to employment.

Employers increasingly seek evidence of experience and skills as well as academic study

The world’s leading professional body for marketers today urges school leavers to consider all their options when plotting their route to future employment. As thousands of sixth-formers ponder their A-level results, The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is encouraging students to consider whether professional training, work-based learning, a degree or a combination of all three will serve them best.

Sam Meredith, Chairman of the North East Branch of the CIM commented: “Evidence suggests that employers increasingly want to see proof of relevant skills and workplace experience - not just academic study. Businesses want to employ people equipped with the right skills to do the job, to be up to speed on the latest thinking and communication channels such as social networking opportunities, and professional training and qualifications provide this assurance. Furthermore, the CIM, and indeed most professional bodies, will be there throughout one’s career giving assistance and advice and, very importantly, keeping their members up to date on the latest techniques.”

The increase in university tuition fees coupled with the challenging graduate jobs market means many school leavers need to consider alternative routes into employment. Whichever route students choose, they need to think carefully about their future job prospects and whether the path they choose will make them attractive to future employers.

CIM wants students leaving school this autumn to strike up a relationship with the professional body in their chosen career, no matter whether they chose to go to university or not. Professional bodies can help at each stage of every career path, providing support, training and trusted professional qualifications which can be studied for while working or alongside a tradition academic qualification.

Sam Meredith continued: “University is absolutely the right choice for many students, but many students will also be thinking of other options - and there are more choices than ever before. Vocational training and academic study are both valid choices, and it’s easier than ever to conbine them. The CIM have partnered with 20 universities across the country to deliver our new Multi Award Pathway (MAP) programme, which allows students to study for a professional qualification alongside their degree.

“We want students to make the right decision for them. With the cost of studying so high, it’s worth considering every option, and it’s worth knowing that professional bodies can be a great first port of call.”

Collette Allen, who studied for a professional qualification alongside her degree, and who now works as a marketing consultant, said: “My professional qualification has been brought up as an advantage in a number of job interviews, and it’s an excellent tool to use to stand out in an extremely crowded job market. The qualification also shows that ’m someone who is constantly seeking to develop my skills.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Chartered Institute of Marketing .