Vocational post-graduate courses such as the Master of Business Administration and the CIM's Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing are becoming increasingly popular among industry professionals looking to fine tune their practical knowledge. And don’t let a few years out of education put you off. Your practical experience is likely to give you the edge over fresh graduates, and your prior earnings should provide you with more of a financial buffer; in fact some companies may even offer sponsorship.

Many colleges will also offer the option of studying part-time in the evenings so that you can continue full-time work. Tutors are often very supportive when it comes to balancing paid work with your studies; indeed many are very aware of the increasing need to do so.

CIM Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing
This is the most prestigious and recognised qualification offered by The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). It helps senior managers and directors to develop the strategic skills and international outlook they to need to drive their business forward across a range of industries, markets and organisations. Successful completion of the course will enable aspiring marketers to become an associate member or a full member of the CIM, depending on practical experience.

From the course you will gain:
  - A comprehensive understanding of the ways in which marketing interfaces with other business functions
  - The ability to use appropriate theories, techniques and proven methods to help make more informed marketing management decisions, applying what you have learnt to your workplace
  - A high quality educational experience linking knowledge, understanding and the practical application of strategic marketing.

Master of Business Administration
MBAs have long been recognised to improve business and management skills and long-term career prospects. And the financial rewards are enticing. According to the Association of MBA's Career Survey 2006, graduates experience an average increase of 20 per cent in their base salary, making the average salary £65,608 plus £19,671 in variable earnings.

If this all sounds too good to be true it is worth noting that MBAs are not open to all. Students are nearly always required to have a minimum of three years business and management experience as well as an undergraduate degree at 2:1 or higher. This is good news for professionals looking to return to college as applicants are rarely younger than 25, and are often in their 30s and 40s.

MBAs are taught through a variety of methods, including lectures, seminars, case studies, group projects, and role-playing exercises. The qualification comprises a set number of taught courses and a range of elected options, plus a dissertation or project. This dissertation/project should aim to integrate the knowledge gained from the taught elements and electives, and can be based in a company.

Your choice of college can be as important as your choice to study as many companies rank their credibility according to the academic institution. This does not necessarily mean that the more expensive the course, the better it is – fees range from £3000 to £40,000. Instead, choose a college that is accredited by the UK-based Association of MBAs and possibly the US-based body (AACSB) and the European body (EQUIS) to maximise your international recognition. The CIM will be able to advise you on approved courses.

The Author:
Liz Sutch is a consultant at Carrot Pharma Recruitment. She can be contacted on 0161 955 4406. 

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