Studying while working full-time is never easy, especially when your career path hasn’t followed a traditional route. For many marketing and communications professionals, skills are built through experience first, with theory and formal recognition coming later. In this blog, one of our students, Lucy, shares her journey of studying the CIM Level 6 Diploma, why they chose Oxford College of Marketing, how she balanced study alongside a busy role and the impact the qualification had on her career progression.
What made you decide to study a CIM qualification?
I have worked in Higher Education for twelve years, gradually moving into roles focused on communications, marketing and engagement from positions that did not fit neatly into conventional definitions of the profession. I learned by doing – acquiring skills in practice long before I had the language to formally describe them.
It was this gap that led me to study a CIM qualification. I wanted to give my experience structure, context and professional recognition, particularly as many of my roles were not obviously marketing or communications-orientated at first glance.
I came to the CIM Level 6 Diploma with a clear purpose. I was looking for theory to underpin practices I already understood instinctively, alongside challenge in areas that were less familiar, and accreditation to support progression into more senior roles. Having previously completed the CIM Level 4 qualification, I understood the demands of studying alongside full-time work, and Level 6 felt like the natural next step – more strategic, and aligned with where I wanted my career to go.
The course encouraged me to think more deliberately about audiences, engagement and value, sharpening both how I approached my work and how I articulated it. Covering areas such as marketing and digital strategy, innovation, content and social media management, the Diploma strengthened my strategic thinking while complementing my practical experience in communications roles.
Why did you choose Oxford College of Marketing for your studies?
My experience with the Oxford College of Marketing began during the Level 4 qualification, which I had originally intended to study in person. When Covid forced a move to distance learning, I found that the format suited me well. The flexibility allowed me to work at my own pace, supported throughout by a responsive and reassuring team.
When I enrolled on Level 6, Oxford College of Marketing felt like a natural continuation. I was familiar with the clear, well-structured online platform and valued the ability to adjust module timings around busy periods at work or planned time away. Rather than committing to fixed deadlines upfront, I could decide when I was best placed to fully engage, ensuring I could write coursework to the best of my ability and sit examinations when I felt prepared.
How did the course fit around your work or personal commitments?
Balancing study alongside a full-time role and a busy personal life was challenging, and I think it’s important to be upfront about that. A good degree of self-discipline is essential. However, the flexibility of the course – combined with support from my employer, who allowed me dedicated study time – made it achievable.
How has achieving your CIM qualification impacted your career?
Since completing the qualification, I have secured a new role as Senior Engagement Manager, and I have little doubt that the CIM Level 6 Diploma played a significant role in that progression. It sharpened my thinking, strengthened my confidence, and gave me the professional credibility to step forward into a more senior position.
Being named Top Student and attending graduation in November 2025 was a moment of pride – one that came as a surprise, and felt like recognition for the hard work, late nights and weekends spent studying alongside full-time work.
What advice would you give to someone considering a CIM qualification?
I have always believed that learning does not stop once you leave formal education behind. How you continue to learn is, in many ways, a personal choice. For anyone considering a CIM qualification, my advice is simple: go for it, and don’t underestimate the value of asking for support – from both your course provider and your employer. Even small adjustments to a busy schedule can make a significant difference in getting you across the finish line and into the graduation hall, ready to put what you’ve learned into practice.
Thinking about studying a CIM course? If you’re working in marketing, communications or engagement and want to build confidence, credibility and strategic thinking a CIM course can be a powerful next step.