Will a professional qualification pay for itself?

raspberryrippl3

hi all

i am working in marketing at the moment, with a decent job but no "professional" qualification - i.e. CIM, diploma etc

I just wondered if there was anyone out there who has experience with these and whether or not the cost of doing the course (£2000ish?) would ever come back in "better" job salary? as an employer how much more favourably would you view someone with such a quali?

I appreciate there's more too it than just raw financial value, experience, mastery of subject etc - but this is MSE

thanks!

WHA

Is the lack of a professional qualification actually holding you back - are you being rejected for interviews/positions where a qualification is required and the lack of qualification is being given as a reason for rejection?

If you have years of relevant experience in your chosen field, then usually the lack of a professional qualification isn't usually a big deal, unless it's needed for regulatory purposes - i.e. you have to have the prof qual to be legally able to do the job.

I suspect it may depend on your field of work. In accountancy, for example, there are a great number of "accountants" and "accountancy practices" who aren't qualified. Anyone can call themselves an accountant - the general public don't seem to care! Some of the larger firms of accountants aren't regulated and aren't run by qualified accountants. I'd say that in accountancy, a decade of relevant experience would be just as attractive to an employer as a piece of paper held by someone with just 2/3 years of experience. I think you need to maybe talk to some recruitment consultants and look at jobs pages etc to see whether the qualification you're thinking of really would help or not.

raspberryrippl3

thanks for the reply!

no not holding me back at all. i might be able to get a higher calibre of job (public sector etc) a bit easier but it was more to do with just furthering myself and becoming a "professional" rather than a "blagger" - even one with a fair bit of experience

just the way it's worded by the awarding body is obviously quite sales heavy, but i can see the benefit of it just it is a lot of time & money to invest in.

i'll consider myself lucky to have a job in the first place and think about it some more

InsideInsurance

You really need to ask others in your sector what the current feeling is for formal qualifications and be aware that over time these things change.

In Project Management you will almost certainly be expected to hold a qualification like Prince2 Practitioner but as its such a common requirement it is almost not checked any more because anyone asking for professional salary/ rates has it.

My understanding is that CIM is more of a nice to have than must have but dont just value it as a piece of paper but actually consider what you may learn on the course as well.

coinxoperated

As an idea, why don't you discuss it with your manager? Ask them what you need to do to advance as you enjoy the role so very much and want to continue within that field (and that wonderful company )

You never know, not only may you get advice, you may get support / funding for it also

Best of luck!

ironlady2022

I know how you feel. I am in the same boat as I work in procurement and we people can achieve a CIPS qualification (chartered institute of purchasing and supply).

I do think the industry is changing and that sooner or later buying and marketing will end up like accountancy whereby achieving a professional status will be a given.

I am lucky enough that my employer shares the same view and they want their buying team to be a 'professional buying' team and they will pay for our tuition. In turn this is a selling point for them when they bid for contracts!