Diploma in Digital Marketing – newest edition of SLIM Education portfolio

SLIM, keeping abreast of evolving marketing needs, introduced its newest educational program, the Diploma in Digital Marketing, as a succession path of the Certificate in Digital Marketing. The launch was held on the 6 August at the Galle Face Hotel. Seylan Bank PLC Head of Marketing and Sales Gamika De Silva was the guest speaker while SLIM President Suranjith Swaris, SLIM Education Vice President Roshan Fernando and members of the Council of Management represented SLIM along with other professionals and invitees. 

The duration of the diploma is eight months and is designed to provide the most important digital marketing concepts, best practices and emerging concepts. It covers key areas in developing a comprehensive digital marketing plan that include strategies, tools and tactics to meet business objectives. The diploma is for marketing professionals equipped with the fundamental know-how of digital marketing and its uses in the current landscape as well as for professionals at senior managerial levels who wish to brush up their knowledge on the subject. The program also aims to empower entrepreneurs who wish to scale their businesses to greater heights by harnessing the tools of digital marketing.

The diploma comprises ten modules and the professionals who complete the diploma will become adept at identifying the importance of digital marketing for marketing success, obtain detailed knowledge and understanding of its concepts, functions and applications, be able to apply its strategies, tools and tactics in a variety of contexts, and to manage customer relationships across all digital channels for building better relationships. 

The President of SLIM spoke of the importance of staying abreast and said, “SLIM has always looked at enhancing marketing education. Despite the national education system still lacking marketing in the school curriculum, SLIM has not stood back. We observe and listen to the market, and do our best to offer courses wherever there is a lack. Our objective is to create marketing savvy people who take leaps and bounds towards the future, taking their businesses and the country forward in development. This is what drives us.”  Speaking at the event, Gamika De Silva stated that, “Digital Marketing is now a ‘must have’ for any industry to survive in the competitive landscape.” He shared his experience on how the subject is used in his industry as well as global examples. He also urged the audience to think of it as marketing in a digital era rather than digital marketing. Whilst challenging some age-old marketing concepts within the scope of digital era, he further stated that “If any organisation wishes to evolve and be profitable in business, it has to dive into digital orientation, as the customer is already looking for your brand in the digital space and if you are not present, your competitor will grab them.”

Roshan Fernando touched upon the changing marketing dynamics and stated, “SLIM commenced the Diploma in Digital Marketing after carrying out marketing research and because of the massive demand that was identified. Thus, SLIM is true to its name and embodies its role in the marketing sector and as the national body of marketing.” He further stated that “Our right blend of lecturers who are well-experienced digital professionals, drive our students to the next level in digital marketing.”