Simon Njuguna
I look forward to the next level .
The support from his family was encouraging to Simon , a father of two boys , who studied this particular unit when his wife was expectant . His wife would wake up in the middle of the night to check on him as he studied , just to ensure that he was doing well , and to offer any further support needed . This motivated Simon to push through the course .
I would not have been able to maintain that tricky balance during this time , much less achieve such high grades without her support and understanding given that she was expecting our second born . She was there for me all through and I am very grateful . I also acknowledge the immense support I received from the dean SGS and the dean SMC , the schools that supported the programme .
Another source of motivation came as a result of Simon ’ s great yearning to attain the CIM chartered status . Irrespective of the course ’ s demand , the fact that Simon committed to start and finish the program gives him the desired boost to push through , especially when times are difficult . Furthermore , the marketing industry is going global which causes Simon to desire to attain a global qualification , in line with the global trends currently being experienced .
At the graduation ceremony , it was interesting to find out that only 3 persons in the graduating cohort had completed level 7 . The course is not as hard as people state , it just requires a different kind of practical approach that sometimes can seem difficult for someone who has not attained wide industry experience . I believe it is doable . I have to go for it .
Simon is also working towards attaining his PhD in Marketing , which may slow down his completion pace for the CIM , but nonetheless he aspires to finish the course . Currently , there is a gap in marketing lecturers with doctoral degrees , a factor that persuades Simon to push through with attaining both the PhD and CIM .
We wish to take this opportunity to convey our congratulations to Simon on his great success . May his journey be more fulfilling and a testimony to others to grab the mantle !
Miriam Ngechi Gichomo is a Doctoral Fellow at the Strathmore University School Of Management and Commerce . You can engage her on this or related matters via email at : MGichomo @ strathmore . edu .