Know-How Exchange : E-Marketing

I don't think you'll find the e-marketing certificate (I did it) anything earth shaking new. But while not "new" I did learn something. If you have a SEO certificate, you probably understand very well e-marketing. Its a credential that you can add to your toolbox-- education is never wasted. I wouldn't be concerned that your MBA is 5 years old. I got mine 2 years ago and am still hurting! Its very difficult and I wouldn't minimize it. Nor compare it professionally to a nominally accredited course.

Hi Carmilla,

I think you need to answer two questions first:

1. Where do you want to put this knowledge into practice? Who will hire you? How much do they rely on certificates? Do they want someone with proven skills?

2. How competent do you feel? What exactly will this course give you?

I looked into this certification last year. Hesitated simply because I did not have the time. I was already too busy using (learning) my web marketing skills for 2 websites. Today if I need to prove any aspect of my web marketing skills, my results are there for everyone to see. But it is a year later.

No matter what you decide, I think most people would like to see your work in action. A blog, or a hobby website is well worth the time investment. With your marketing background you will know how to use your online efforts to show your eMarketing results.

The handicap of creating your own "portfolio" is the time investment you would need to show the full range eMarketing tactics. Do not underestimate the other learning curves you need to incorporate when doing everything yourself. Even if this is added value for future employers.

Which leads you back to the first question: What do you want to do?

Do you know that you only want to specialize in one or two eMarketing tactics? In which case your probably have enough baggage to start with - especially if you add in a solid personal "portfolio" highlighting these skills.

Are you still unsure about what you want to do? Could you get enough out of the program to be of value to you? Does your potential employer value this certification? Then you should probably look into the certification program.

Hope this helps. And hope you hear from someone who has taken the program.

Cindy

I rently was offered a job because I had Internet Marketing knowledge. I achieved this with no certificate. I imagine a certificate would legitimize a applicant's knowledge to a hiring manager that knows nothing about Internet Marketing.

At worst, you (may) learn something new.
At best, someone else values your certification as special.