EDITORIAL: A dynamic career in marketing through the IMM GSM

Marketing is an exciting, stimulating and rewarding career for those who enjoy diverse challenges, who have a broad outlook, are resourceful and innovative and are critical and strategic thinkers. However, the relevant education and aptitude to apply a wide range of marketing techniques, the right skills, ability and imagination are fundamental to your success as a professional marketer.

Consider the dynamic opportunities in marketing to spearhead and drive the marketing focus: strategist, researcher, statistician, sales manager, marketing manager, product or brand manager, salesperson, public relations, sponsorship, advertising (radio, TV, print, Internet or below-the-line), creative director, direct marketing, sales promotion, e-commerce expert, distribution and product development.

The IMM Graduate School of Marketing (IMM GSM) has a fine history of delivering an outstanding education in marketing through relevant and recognised certificate, undergraduate, degree and postgraduate programmes. These qualifications also provide the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of marketing.

Recognition not only by business and reputable recruitment organisations in South Africa, but also internationally, the quality of the programme and the fact that he could study in a way that suited him, were reasons that Eric Ngidi, 25, chose to study towards an IMM Diploma in Marketing.

"The programme was challenging and hard work, but it was so interesting and the lecturers were really fantastic," said Ngidi, who studied for his diploma at the Durban University of Technology.

"Marketing is a at the core of every business and industry, whether its fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceutical, industrial, education, to name but a few. In fact, marketing constitutes an important element of all businesses, and I realised that by having a marketing diploma, I would definitely boost my chances of employment in an industry that I am passionate about once I had finished the programme," said Ngidi. "After graduating I entered the sales industry where my vast and newly-acquired knowledge in marketing definitely gave me the advantage."

"Marketing is a career that lets me explore myself and be creative. It is demanding, you have to think on the spot and act creatively. My dream for the future is to be a brand manager, to nurture, grow and manage a brand," said Ngidi. "And ultimately, I would like to own my own company or a franchise."

Ngidi said that the programme has given him self confidence, and there is nothing more that he enjoys than a challenging discussion on a marketing-related subject. His enthusiasm for the industry has inspired him to increase his marketing knowledge and aptitude – he is aiming high as he plans on furthering his studies with the IMM Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Degree in Marketing.

Excellent outcomes-based distance education allows you to study by means of distance learning through the IMM GSM offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban or Harare, or you can select the option of supporting your learning process by enrolling for face-to-face education on a full- or part-time basis at well-monitored, IMM approved and registered Student Support Centres around the country.

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