Kathy Mumford

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.

But the relevant education and aptitude to apply a wide range of marketing techniques, the right skills, abilities 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, sales manager, researcher, statistician, marketing manager, product or brand manager, salesman, 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 a 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 at the Durban University of Technology.

Ngidi said: "The programme was challenging and hard work, but it was very interesting and the lecturers were really fantastic. Marketing is at the core of every business and industry, whether it's fast moving consumer goods, pharmaceutical, industrial or education, to name a few.

"In fact, marketing constitutes an important element of all businesses and I realised that by having a marketing diploma, I would boost my chances of employment in an industry about which I am passionate," he said.

"After graduating, I entered the sales industry where my newly acquired knowledge in marketing definitely gave me an 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 is to be a brand manager, to nurture, grow and manage a brand. And ultimately, I would like to own my own company or a franchise," Ngidi said.

He is an accounts and client liaison officer at the IMM GSM. He said the programme had given him self-confidence and there is nothing he enjoys more 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 plans on furthering his studies with the IMM Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing.

You can study through distance learning at IMM GSM offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban or Harare, or enrol for face-to-face education full or part-time at IMM-approved and registered Student Support Centres around the country.

For more information call 0861-IMM-GSM or visit www.imm.co.za.