From Classroom to Commission: How the PXA Fundamentals Course Kickstarted My Affiliate Marketing Journey
New to affiliate marketing? Learn how the PXA “Affiliate & Partnerships Industry - Fundamentals” course helped one professional transition from education to performance marketing with confidence.
From Educator to Marketer: Starting with the Basics
In September 2024, I made a bold pivot—leaving behind a career in education to join Nick Marchese’s team at The Partnerships Collective. While the skills I honed as an educator—communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving—remain relevant, affiliate and performance marketing was a brand new world to me.
I knew I needed to get up to speed quickly. That’s when I discovered the “Affiliate and Partnerships Industry – Fundamentals” course offered by the PXA (Partnerships Experience Academy). It turned out to be the perfect launchpad AND I also didn’t want to have to ask Nick for everything!
Why This Course Was the Right First Step
The Fundamentals course isn’t overwhelming—it’s welcoming. It assumes no prior experience and walks you through the foundational pillars of the affiliate and partnership ecosystem, including:
Key terminology and industry definitions
The role of partners (publishers, creators, influencers, etc.)
Tracking, attribution, and program structures
The difference between affiliate and broader partnership marketing
Tools and platforms that power the space
For someone like me, completely new to the industry, this structure made the concepts click quickly and clearly.
What I Took Away—and Why It Matters
The biggest benefit? Confidence. (I do still have to ask Nick for clarification on a lot of things!)
After completing the course, I felt more prepared to contribute in team conversations, ask better questions, and begin thinking strategically about partnership activation and growth.
This course helped me:
Speak the language of affiliate marketing fluently
Understand key levers that drive performance in the channel
Connect the dots between what partners need and what brands want
Begin to identify opportunities for innovation and optimization
Whether you’re new to the field or brushing up on foundational concepts, this course delivers real value in a digestible format.
A Must for Newcomers in the Space
At The Partnerships Collective, we work with fast-moving brands and partners. Having a strong foundational understanding isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
The PXA Fundamentals course is an excellent, no-frills place to start. It sets the groundwork so you can move quickly from passive learner to active contributor in the affiliate space. Highly recommend from a recovering teacher!
Ready to Dive In?
👉 You can enroll in the course here: Affiliate & Partnerships Industry - Fundamentals
FAQ
-
A: It’s self-paced and typically takes 1–2 hours to complete, depending on how thoroughly you review the content. (This part is what I loved!!!)
-
A: Yes, the course is free through the Partnerships Experience Academy (PXA), a learning platform powered by impact.com. (Kudos, Impact Team!!!)
-
A: Not at all! It’s designed for beginners and those new to the affiliate and partnerships industry.
-
A: Yes—upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate you can share on LinkedIn or include in your resume or portfolio. (Teachers LOVE certificates!)
