Why CPD is important in marketing roles

Thinking about a future career in marketing, or looking to take the next step in your career? Training and CPD (continuous professional development) could be the key to securing your first job or successfully progressing into your next role.

Marketing is a constantly evolving industry, so keeping up to date with the constant updates across social media platforms, changes to the Google algorithm, and new technology is an ongoing process. It’s impossible to keep up with every single update (so try not to feel overwhelmed by information), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to learn as much as you can, especially if you already know what areas of marketing you would like to specialise in.  

How will CPD help my career progression?

Completing ongoing training, either through work or during your own time, proves to your team and your employer that you are willing to learn and take the time to develop your skills.

By learning new skills and keeping up to date on what’s happening in the industry, you can also bring new expertise and insights to your team, and in turn, introduce fresh ideas to your day-to-day work. Even the smallest piece of new knowledge could spark a big idea, meaning that your ongoing learning can add real value to your brand or clients.

If you know that your marketing department is missing certain skills, or you are particularly interested in specialising in a specific area, taking the time to upskill yourself in that area and demonstrating your knowledge to your team will open up more opportunities to progress and gain more responsibility. If you find that you are unable to step up within your current role, by completing ongoing training, you are putting yourself in a better position to step into a better role elsewhere in the future. 

What resources would you recommend to keep up to date with training? 

CIM 

With levels for marketers at all stages of their careers, the Chartered Institute of Marketing offers qualifications, ongoing professional development for accreditation, and a content hub with podcasts, articles and webinars for you to keep up to date with the latest industry news. 

Girls In Marketing 

An online community for girls and women working in marketing, Girls In Marketing is ideal for marketers at the beginning of their careers, solo marketers and marketing managers looking to progress and learn new skills. Their regular events include webinars with industry experts, online networking sessions, and courses.  

HubSpot Academy 

HubsSpot Academy offers a huge range of free online courses and certifications for you to learn new skills and stay on top of industry trends. When you sign up for a free account, HubSpot will ask you a few questions to determine which areas of marketing you are most interested in and what level you are currently at to help you decide where to start.

And of course, the Chapter II blog! We refresh this page each week with new content from industry news and tips, behind the scenes at Chapter II and insights on careers in PR, marketing and design.