You start scrolling through LinkedIn, Glassdoor and Indeed. That's when it hits you: does this path actually lead where you want to go? Are you even on the right path at all? Suddenly, you're asking questions you thought you'd already answered.
One piece of advice that stuck with me was to stop waiting until I felt 'fully ready' before taking opportunities. A lot of growth comes from putting yourself in environments that challenge you, even if you're still learning. I've learned that experience builds confidence.
While scouring social media sites, job postings and your favourite companies searching for opportunities to get your foot in the door, you kept seeing one constant – required experience. That's something you just don't have. You're trying but you can't seem to get your foot in the door. Either you get no response or the response is that they've decided not to move forward with your application. That sucks.
"The reality is that what matters most is your ability to use those tools or concepts or frameworks to make actual decisions." - Steven Lorini
When's the last time something you wanted was free? CMA Marketing Week 2026 could be the moment that shifts your entire career trajectory.
Maya Angelou once said, 'There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.' Looking at your new portfolio, you understood. The best stories don't come from assignments; they arise from what you truly care about. Your creative truth? Your words can make you unforgettable.
Your professor just mentioned the two words that could change your career trajectory: marketing internship. While some classmates were frantically taking notes, you're wondering if this is just another checkbox on your path to graduation. Spoiler alert: it's not. What started as just another class discussion could become the strategic move that launches your marketing career.
Can you really see yourself doing this as a career? Are you even going to be good at it? As you double and triple check your assignment due in an hour, you start to wonder - is this marketing education that you're pursuing – what you want or is it something you think you want? You're taking stock of how things are going in school but more importantly how you feel about it. Suddenly, questions like. 'Is this really where I want to be?' start floating around in your head. You're not sure if something's driving you, but at times it feels like you have more questions than answers.
We know what you're thinking. Your friends are binge-watching another series while you're wondering: Should I be doing something more strategic with my break? The answer? Absolutely.
"In marketing, you can't afford to stand still. Being current isn't a suggestion – it's a lifestyle to achieve success as you continue to evolve and grow." It was a powerful statement – one you agree with to your core. But it sounds stressful, doesn't it? Especially when you don't know where to start.
From Old Spice's "I'm a man on a horse" to Connor starring in the Georgetown Hospital Foundation video known as "Lottery girl," Connor discusses how unhinged ideas could become a major success for your brand.
Marketing case competitions will exceed your expectations and open doors you never knew you wanted to walk through. You can become a better marketer by taking a chance now. What are you waiting for?
Chasing trends might give you short-term spikes, but it’s your relationships—the way you show up for your audience—that sustains growth long-term.
The NXT Voice is your one-stop shop for tips, tricks and inside information about all things marketing, where Chartered Marketers share what they've learned with you. Today's topic is 'Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Marketing with Maheen Ahmed, CM, Specialist, Marketing and Communications at CBV Institute.
Confidence comes from being comfortable in your own skin and making the effort to improve and get better, at whatever it is you do. Remember, everyone makes mistakes. If there’s one thing to consider when it comes to confidence or a lack of it, maybe John W Hayes said it best, when he said, “What’s the worst that can happen?”
Picture this: It's early November, leaves crunch under your feet as you walk up the front steps to the annual CMA Award Show & Gala at the Westin Harbour Castle in downtown Toronto. When you look around, it's clear that everyone, like you, is dressed to impress. There are over 860 people here tonight, including Canadian marketers, advertisers, sponsors, and CMA staff.
The NXT Voice is your one-stop shop for tips, tricks and inside information about all things marketing, where Chartered Marketers share what they've learned with you. Today's topic is Trust and Truth in Influencer Marketing featuring Kevin Floether, CM, Director of Marketing and Communications at Chartered Business Valuators Institute.
Since speaking to people you don't know can be stressful, practice your pitch repeatedly until it comes out naturally to alleviate anxiety. Don't forget to mention your goals. Whether you’re job hunting, looking to be assigned to a new project or simply seeking to expand your network, clearly state what you’re looking for.
You just crushed the last answer in the interview. You could tell from the expression on their faces that not only did they like your answer – they loved it. You wonder if that was enough to make you stand out amongst the other applicants.
With new trends and technological advancements emerging daily, it’s going to be a challenge as the pace of change can be overwhelming. Trends come and go, so remember what Dick Clark once said, “I don't set trends. I just find out what they are and exploit them.”
As a former newcomer from France, Clem draws on her personal and professional experience to address the obstacles newcomers encounter and how they can get past them. Clem emigrated to Canada from France 11 years ago. As a marketer, she realized she faced a learning curve to find success in Canada.
I'm driven by the prospect of using diverse channels and techniques to engage with audiences and foster a sense of loyalty and advocacy. The ideal role for me would be one where I’m at the helm of brand strategy and storytelling, creating lasting and meaningful relationships between consumers and brands.
I’m passionate about helping lead teams to dream, learn and strive to become more. I’m a strong consumer advocate, who listens to and understanding the consumer will bring more revenue than amplifying a brand’s voice.
If you think back, you may recall hearing from family members, professors, or classmates, that while it can be difficult to hold your tongue in the heat of the moment, you shouldn’t burn bridges.
