Chartered Marketer SA

The objectives of the course were to ascertain which of these participants qualified for the CMSA designation.  Following an intensive programme concluding with a one-hour presentation to senior marketing personnel, members of the MA(SA) Education Committee and Discovery’s leadership, nine of the 12 selected candidates were awarded CM designations.. 

Following the success of this programme, VEGA is now preparing a similar offering, which may be adjusted to suit the needs of other organisations. Two leading financial institutions have already expressed an interest in the initiative.

The chartered marketer’s designation is both a quality guarantee to employers in terms of establishing that potential employees have the necessary expertise needed as well as individuals, as it assists them in highlighting their competence levels when seeking employment or furthering their career.

The number of CM designations being awarded is set to increase as MA(SA), in conjunction with the Wits Business School, prepares to host the next CMSA evaluation programme taking  place at the school from 17 to 19 November.

It will feature input from international experts, including the likes of Professor Russell Abratt, professor of Marketing and Assistant Dean at Florida’s Huizenga School and Professor Geoff Bick who, in addition to being named WBS Lecturer of the Year for 2005, 2007 and 2008, currently holds the school’s Coca Cola Chair of Marketing.

The evaluation course is recommended for senior marketers who have a recognised degree in marketing and at least five years in the discipline; three of which have been at a senior level. Those who do not hold marketing degrees are also welcome, provided they have 10 years’ experience, half of which has been held in a senior post. Candidates will undergo an assessment exercise, which takes into account their experience as well as the outcomes of a three-day workshop, a set assignment and demonstration of their knowledge, through specific case studies.

De Villiers reiterates that the qualification benefits companies as well as individuals. “Organisations have come to understand the importance of brand and this trend is certain to continue, marketers, most notably have a key role to place in this regard. As such, the need for professionals who are highly skilled and operate within accepted industry standards is greater than ever.”