of course - that's exactly what's happened, a legacy of the "smoke and mirrors" people who got by on "increased awareness" (?) and "potential opportunities to see". in the meantime the marketing directors are having to report in to a board that doesn't buy the terminology and an increased profitability requirement has put on pressure all around. the net result? those who can talk the actuals in terms of return on investment (and here we want to see measurement tools, not just a paragraph in a strategy) get the business/job. read Fortune magazine's latest issue about "management hooey" to understand how far this has gone. tip - richard branson, bill gates et al have no degrees, but they also clearly knew what they were doing.

I work for a large, internationally renowned research house, consulting to most of the industry's blue chips. We've just employed a pale male with a 1 year business admin diploma & some other marketing experience. Can't comment yet on how he's performing (started very recently) but that proves that there are opportunities for non-degreed people. I also have a couple of brand manager clients who aren't currently degreed BUT have realised the benefits of a degree and are working towards one. Don't air your dirty laundry in public- keep looking and remember each no is closer to a yes

You company must be one of the few that does look for character rather than a degree as first priority, more surprising to me though is that your most recent hire is a white non-degreed person!. I am currently holding a three year diploma with some very good experience and find it difficult to get interviews due to the fact that I don't have a degree. So when I am next in the area, I shall come knocking on your doors for a job will I?

You have all my sympathy - after going through a door closing exercise like that.

Maybe this happens for a reason: if plan A is not working, what about plan b?

This could be a sign that you need a revolution in your life: new avenues, new adventures?

Come and have a cuppa coffee with theWorksquad and let us see what new doors we can help you open?

Jo-Anne
theWorksquad
Tel 011 467 3240

Oh boy, Graham, you sure do have a big chip on that shoulder of yours. The world does not owe you a brand manager position. I'm sorry to be the one to convey the news to you.

If someone walked into my office with your attitude, degree or no degree, I'd pick it up straight away. You're going to be talking to some clever, intuitive individuals while you're looking around, Graham - do yourself a favour and change that attitude fast.

"Our industry stinks?" I say to you that if my industry stinks to you then why are you here?

Yes graham, i'm sure you believe that you are just as smart, if not smarter than the applicants with a degree - thats your illusion.
Sorry to say but a degree does count for something out there in the real world, you telling me you just intuitively know wat the gini co-efficient is and how the construct of an oligopoly influences your clients' brand? There are plenty of people out there thinking 'out the box' 'off to the right' or watever other terminology you feel at liberty to ramble to create a convincing case, so coupled with that, why not have the goods to backup your wild ideas? Richard Branson, Bill Gates are merely exceptions to the rule, for every 'Richard Branson' there are thousands who never got to even open shop flying on that fantasy that a formal education is not a pre-requisite. A degree won't guarantee success, but it sure shortens the line of 'NO.'
and by the way, I'm in the industry, and still busy studying for my degree.

dear other caroline... if you are going to diss the mans comments at least have the guts to say where you are from and what you do...

All I can say is that I agree with you whole heartedly... If this was jerry mcguire, I would be coming with you.

Nice one

unfortunately, this industry is not only run by 'accountants', but is constricted by politics - both external and internal! no matter how good a strategy you present, you cannot fight the "political" factor and most agencies or direct clients are willing to confess to that.

good luck to you Graham - i am in the same position as you, but have chosen to venture down a new avenue....

Graham, its all about what you can bring to the table. Degree or no degree.If some kid out of Wits makes you look like an amateur on paper who do expect is going to get hired?
What does your track record look like? Have you been part of a team thats saved an ailing brand in the past? Has your ingenious marketing strategy boosted anyones profit of late? Such are the elements that will get you that job. U need not worry if you are good. There's plenty of opportunity out there, but only for those who've got the goods.

By the way, Closing down your own shop doesnt do wonders for Brand Graham, best to leave that out of the resume.