[back
to top]
What
are the eligibility requirements?
SMPP is open to all individuals from ITSMA member companies, regardless of
professional background or years of experience. Additionally, you must have
a sponsor (typically a direct supervisor) who agrees to actively participate
with you in the program to help shape your goals, provide guidance and evaluate
your progress throughout. You must also be willing and able to devote 11-24
days over the 6 month program period to SMPP activities. (The actual number
varies depending on the number of courses taken and the scope of the Action
Learning Project.)
[back
to top]
Do
I have the right background and experience?
The SMPP is appropriate for individuals in virtually any capacity within services
marketing, regardless of their level of experience. Many enter the program
with no marketing background, but with experience in a related area such as
IT services or administration. Others come with significant marketing experience,
but none in services marketing. Years of experience have ranged from 1½ years
to as many as 26. The SMPP's flexibility enables all these people to gain valuable
benefits from the program.
[back to top]
How
do I apply?
Submit an Application for
Admission and have your sponsor submit an Sponsor
Agreement Form. The Admissions Committee requires both forms in order to consider
your application.
[back to top]
How
much does it cost?
Program tuition is $5,000 (which covers all program components). In addition,
we recommend attendance at one of our workshops or conferences. Please refer
to our calendar for details associated
with each event.
[back
to top]
What
is the role of a sponsor?
Because the SMPP is so highly individualized, it is critical that you work
with a sponsor from your organization who can help shape the program to your
needs. The participants who benefit the most from the program are those whose
sponsors help align their program goals with those of their organizations.
Your sponsor, typically your direct supervisor, helps to determine your goals,
provides guidance and evaluates your progress throughout. With the ITSMA mentor,
your sponsor is an essential part of your advisory team.
[back to
top]
How
will the SMPP benefit me?
The goal of the program is to build a professional development path for your
career success. You will learn the latest theories and research through directed
readings and study, then apply them to real-world business issues through your
action learning project. You receive active mentoring throughout the program
from an expert in the field, as well as learn from and network with your peers
through the virtual community of SMPP participants. By completing the program,
you receive formal recognition of your newly-acquired skills, experience and
accomplishments.
[back to top]
How
much time commitment does the program require?
During the 6 months of the program, you can expect to spend about 11 to 24
days directly on SMPP activities. The number varies depending on how many courses
you take and the scope of your Action Learning Project.
[back
to top]
What
are the requirements for completion?
After completing all the program components, you will write a final paper that
summarizes what you have learned, your major accomplishments, and their implications
for your longer-term professional growth. The final requirement for completion
is that your sponsor and mentor both approve your paper as proof that you have
met the goals you established at the outset of the program.
[back to top]
Who
can I talk to for more information?
For further information about the Services Marketing Professional Program,
contact Tammy Ribaudo at +1-781-862-8500, ext. 143, or tribaudo@itsma.com.
|
