Marketer upgraded to Fellow offers funded support to other marketers

13th July 2021

Laura Stead, Head of Marketing at Whyy? Change, has become the latest member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Fellowship community.

The accolade, which is awarded to senior marketing directors and consultants with significant industry experience, comes as Laura celebrates her 19th year in the industry. 

Laura said: "Fellowship is something that I'd been aspiring to my whole career and I couldn't believe it when the email confirmation came through. Being part of the CIM community has always been rewarding, it's always been there as a banner on my portfolio to demonstrate my level of qualification and experience. Fellowship status is the icing on the cake."

Since launching her freelance consultancy in 2017, Laura has worked alongside a range of clients including local authorities, commercial businesses and not-for-profits, which she especially enjoys. In January 2021, Laura secured a Head of Marketing (CIM) role at Whyy? Change where she leads their CIM courses and apprenticeships. 

Laura said: "I love teaching as it's an opportunity to share my skills and my hefty back catalogue of marketing stories. At Whyy? Change, I have the joy of upskilling the regions aspiring marketing professionals and my new Fellowship award demonstrates that learners are being taught by an industry experienced practitioner. I have literally been there, done that and got the t-shirt. Literally, a bag full of promotional t-shirts!" 

Businesses can access apprenticeship funding for marketers wherever they are on their career path, from marketing assistant and marketing executive to marketing manager and everything in between. 

Marketing apprenticeships offer a route to achieving professional Chartered Institute of Marketing qualifications at the same time as being recognised for your competence and achievements in your workplace. An apprenticeship is a commitment from an employer that they will fully support that marketer's personal and professional development. 

Whyy? Change offers a wide range of CIM programmes from the Level Three Foundation Certificate to the Level Six Diploma in Professional Digital Marketing. Anyone interested in exploring their CIM study options can arrange an informal chat with Laura by emailing laurastead@whyychange.com or by visiting www.whyychange.com/marketing/.