OXFORD, England, July 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The debts associated with a University place are persuading a growing number of would-be professionals to find alternative routes to career success. This year 50,000 young people have decided they will not go to University. However, many astute young people are exploring the option of taking a job in their field of interest and undergoing professional training to get the academic background they need for promotion.

They are earning while they are learning - rather than incurring mountains of personal debt. Even better, many of them are finding that switched-on employers are willing to support them with their studies.

This proven route to career success is perfect for self-starters who want an independent life at 18 and beyond - and don't want to burden themselves or their parents with debt. It is a highly winning formula.

The Oxford College of Marketing has seen many students with 'A' levels go on to do the Professional Certificate in Marketing, followed by the Professional Diploma in Marketing and finally the Professional Postgraduate in Marketing. From there they can become Chartered Marketers -the most prestigious marketing title in the world and a recognised rank generating status and income.

One of our own tutors is an example of how this can work. She came to the Oxford College of Marketing with A Levels. Having worked her way up to postgraduate level she is now a Chartered Marketer and is running her own company - as well as training other ambitious marketers.

But it's not just marketing where this route can work. Many professional institutes offer professional training - for instance the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

Of course career success is as much about position as salary. Many non-graduates are concerned that their pay levels will always be behind those of their graduate colleagues. However, by the time most of our self-starters get three years' work under their belt and the Professional Diploma, they are at the same level as their graduate counterparts - some even earning more.

Now isn't that something worth working for?

How to work your way to career success

• Decide on the sector you would like to work in - for example; marketing, financial services, publishing
• If your goal is a marketing career, apply for vacancies as an assistant in the marketing department or working in a shop so you can get some experience of dealing with customers
• Talk to your prospective employer about how your professional training could help them - they might be willing to provide financial assistance
• Ensure you give enough time to do the reading, homework and assignments associated with your course. It helps to put aside a regular time to study each day or week.
  

For more information visit http://www.oxfordcollegeofmarketing.ac.uk or email janey@oxfordcollegeofmarketing.ac.uk. The Oxford College of Marketing is holding open evenings for prospective students over the next few months nationwide. To book an appointment call Jane Young on +44-(0)1865-515255.

SOURCE Oxford College of Marketing Ltd