Upskilling in a Digital World: CIM Level 4 Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing

Stephanie Zahra tells us about her experience studying at Edinburgh College while continuing in her professional role. With a background in marketing, Stephanie enrolled on the CIM Level 4 Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing to refresh her knowledge and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly digital landscape. She spoke to us about the flexibility of the course, the practical skills she gained, and how the learning has already made a meaningful impact on her day-to-day work.

Why did you decide to study at Edinburgh College?

I chose Edinburgh College because it’s local to me, and although the classes were online, there was still the option to meet classmates face-to-face. I really valued this balance, as it allowed me to study while fitting learning around my work and lifestyle. 

What are the key things you have learned in the course?

Although I’ve been working in marketing for some time and gained a qualification many years ago, this course was a great opportunity to refresh and update my knowledge. I enhanced my understanding of current marketing trends, especially in digital and social media, and learned new tools and techniques that weren’t around when I first studied. It also gave me fresh perspectives and ideas that I’ve been able to apply directly in my day-to-day work, helping me approach campaigns with more creativity and adaptability.

How has the course helped you in your current role?

The course has been a great way to update my skills and bring fresh ideas into my work. I’ve been able to apply new digital marketing techniques, make more strategic use of social media, and use data more effectively to measure campaign success. It’s also boosted my confidence in trying new approaches, helping me to keep our marketing relevant and engaging in a fast-changing environment.

How has the experience of learning while working been? Has it been easy to manage alongside your job?

Balancing work and study has been challenging at times, but the flexibility of the course made it manageable. Being able to do classes online meant I could fit learning around my work schedule, while still having the option to connect with classmates when needed. It’s been rewarding to immediately apply what I’ve learned to my role, which has made the extra effort worthwhile.

Do you have a message for anyone thinking of applying to this course?

I would highly recommend it. Whether you’re new to marketing or have experience, the course is a great way to develop practical skills and stay up to date with the latest trends. The flexible format makes it achievable to balance with work or other commitments, and you’ll come away with knowledge you can apply straight away. It’s an investment in yourself that really pays off.

If you could describe your learning experience in three words, what would they be?

Transformative, motivating, relevant