Continuous Learning & Growth

Professional Development Plan

Commitment to ongoing education, certifications, and industry engagement to deliver cutting-edge consultancy services

Professional Memberships

Active participation in leading marketing bodies to stay current with industry standards and best practices

CIM Membership

Chartered Institute of Marketing

Status: Planned Membership

Target: Q1 2025

CIM is the world's leading professional marketing body, offering access to research, training, and a global network of marketing professionals.

Why CIM Matters:

  • Access to cutting-edge marketing research
  • Professional development resources
  • Industry credibility and trust signals

DMI Membership

Digital Marketing Institute

Status: Planned Membership

Target: Q2 2025

DMI sets the global standard for digital marketing certification and education, with a focus on practical, job-ready skills in the digital space.

Why DMI Matters:

  • Digital-first curriculum and certifications
  • Globally recognized qualifications
  • Community of digital practitioners

AMA Membership

American Marketing Association

Status: Under Consideration

Future opportunity

AMA provides access to global marketing thought leadership, research, and networking opportunities with international marketing professionals.

Why AMA Matters:

  • Access to global marketing research
  • International networking opportunities
  • Exposure to diverse market perspectives

Certification Pathway

Strategic plan for acquiring industry-recognized certifications in digital marketing, analytics, and brand strategy

Google Analytics 4

In Progress

Official Google certification in GA4 fundamentals, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Progress 70%

Target: Q1 2025

Google Ads

Planned

Search, Display, and Video advertising certification from Google Skillshop.

Progress 30%

Target: Q2 2025

Meta Blueprint

Planned

Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate covering Facebook and Instagram advertising.

Progress 15%

Target: Q2 2025

SEMrush SEO

Planned

SEMrush SEO Fundamentals and Toolkit certifications for advanced SEO strategies.

Progress 10%

Target: Q3 2025

HubSpot Inbound

Planned

HubSpot Inbound Marketing and Content Marketing certifications for lead generation.

Progress 5%

Target: Q3 2025

Advanced Path

Future

Long-term certifications including CIM Professional Diploma and DMI Advanced certifications.

  • CIM Level 6 Professional Diploma
  • DMI Digital Strategy & Planning
  • Advanced Analytics Certification

CPD Roadmap & Timeline

Structured Continuing Professional Development plan with clear milestones and learning objectives

1

0–3 Months: Foundations

Q1 2025 • Building Core Competencies

Learning Focus:

  • Complete GA4 certification
  • Master Looker Studio dashboard creation
  • Deepen SEO technical audit skills
  • Study Keller CBBE model in depth

Practical Application:

  • Apply GA4 to 3 client projects
  • Create 2 custom dashboards
  • Conduct 5 comprehensive SEO audits
  • Develop brand positioning frameworks
2

3–6 Months: Expansion

Q2 2025 • Broadening Expertise

Learning Focus:

  • Google Ads Search & Display certification
  • Meta Blueprint certification
  • Apply for CIM membership
  • Advanced content strategy frameworks

Practical Application:

  • Launch 3 paid campaigns (Google + Meta)
  • Build 2 content strategy roadmaps
  • Attend CIM webinars and events
  • Publish 2 case studies on LinkedIn
3

6–12 Months: Specialization

Q3-Q4 2025 • Deep Expertise

Learning Focus:

  • SEMrush and advanced SEO tools
  • HubSpot Inbound Marketing certification
  • DMI membership and courses
  • Attend BrightonSEO and marketing conferences

Practical Application:

  • Implement advanced SEO strategies
  • Build end-to-end inbound systems
  • Network with industry professionals
  • Speak at local marketing meetups
4

1–3 Years: Mastery & Leadership

2026-2028 • Industry Authority

Learning Focus:

  • CIM Level 6 Professional Diploma
  • DMI Digital Strategy & Planning
  • Advanced analytics and data science
  • Marketing leadership and team management

Thought Leadership:

  • Publish research papers and whitepapers
  • Speak at major industry conferences
  • Mentor junior marketers and students
  • Build thought leadership through content

Conference & Event Plan

Strategic attendance at industry events for learning, networking, and staying ahead of digital marketing trends

Priority Event

BrightonSEO

The world's largest SEO conference with 6,000+ attendees, featuring cutting-edge talks on SEO, content, analytics, and digital strategy from industry leaders.

Frequency: Twice yearly (April & September)
Location: Brighton, UK
Attendees: 6,000+ SEO professionals

Why BrightonSEO:

  • Latest algorithm updates and SEO techniques
  • Networking with top SEO practitioners
  • Actionable strategies to implement immediately
Next: April 2025 Confirmed

MozCon (Seattle/Virtual)

Premier SEO and inbound marketing conference with actionable tactics and data-driven insights.

2026 Target

SearchLove (London)

Advanced SEO and digital marketing conference focusing on strategic approaches and technical deep dives.

2025 Target

Marketing Week Live (London)

UK's largest marketing event covering brand strategy, customer experience, and digital innovation.

Under Consideration

Additional CPD Activities

Weekly Podcasts

Marketing Over Coffee, Search Engine Journal, Authority Hacker

Industry Reading

Moz Blog, Search Engine Land, CIM Insights, HubSpot Research

Local Meetups

London SEO Meetup, Digital Marketing London, Marketing Meetup

Professional Reflection

Honest assessment of current strengths, identified skill gaps, and evidence-based action plan

Current Strengths

Strategic Thinking & Research

Strong ability to analyze complex problems, conduct thorough research, and develop strategic frameworks. Academic background in digital marketing provides theoretical foundation.

Communication & Storytelling

Radio and media experience translates into excellent communication skills, ability to craft compelling narratives, and connect with diverse audiences.

Technical Foundation

Multimedia technology degree provides solid technical understanding of web technologies, UX principles, and digital platforms.

Brand Strategy Knowledge

Understanding of Aaker, Keller, and Kapferer frameworks enables structured approach to brand positioning and identity development.

Discipline & Work Ethic

Sports background instills discipline, resilience, goal-setting, and the competitive mindset needed to excel in consulting.

Skill Gaps & Actions

Advanced Analytics Proficiency

Need deeper expertise in GA4 advanced features, data interpretation, and predictive analytics for client reporting.

Action: Complete GA4 certification by Q1 2025, build 5+ custom dashboards, practice data storytelling

Paid Media Campaign Management

Limited hands-on experience managing large-budget paid campaigns across Google Ads and Meta platforms.

Action: Gain Google Ads & Meta Blueprint certifications, manage 3+ real campaigns, learn bidding strategies

Enterprise-Level Client Experience

Most experience with SMEs; need exposure to larger organizations with complex stakeholder management.

Action: Seek 1-2 larger client projects, study enterprise marketing structures, build case studies

Advanced SEO Tool Mastery

Familiar with basics but need deeper proficiency in SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Screaming Frog for comprehensive audits.

Action: Obtain SEMrush certification, complete 10+ in-depth audits, master technical SEO workflows

Industry Network Building

Limited professional network within UK digital marketing community; need stronger industry connections.

Action: Attend BrightonSEO 2025, join CIM/DMI, participate in local meetups, engage on LinkedIn

Evidence & Tracking

Documenting progress and measuring professional development impact

Portfolio Evidence

  • Case studies with results data
  • Client testimonials and feedback
  • Before/after campaign metrics

Certification Records

  • Digital certificates and badges
  • CIM/DMI membership proof
  • Course completion records

Thought Leadership

  • Published articles and blog posts
  • Conference attendance records
  • Speaking engagements and workshops