Earning your MBA offers long-term benefits to you and your organization. Sponsoring your education is a business decision for your employer. Here’s how to present your best case.
Research your organization’s policies regarding educational sponsorship requests.
Prepare an answer to this question: “Why should my company sponsor me?” Include aspects of company growth and the need for strong leadership in a challenging economy.
Include a realistic schedule of the time you will be away from the office for residencies and other optional on-campus experiences during the program. Let them know that the flexible Part-Time formats allow you to continue working while you gain the skills you need to make an impact.
Your employer might be worried about losing you after you acquire your degree. Demonstrate your commitment; explain how much your organization will benefit from your new-found knowledge and tools.
Try designing and communicating your approach to complement the goals and policies of your organization. And keep the dialogue open with your organization’s leadership, your direct management, and your colleagues and peers. When they know what to expect, they will be prepared to accommodate your needs.
Determine who will make the decision about your sponsorship and work your way toward this person, starting with your closest mentor. If each person can endorse you to the next in line, you are more likely to succeed in your request. Once the ultimate decision-maker has approved you for sponsorship, make sure to get it in writing.
Make sure to follow up on every detail required by your organization and the program. Make the process as seamless as possible for your staff and superiors. It’s your education, your responsibility, and your future.
Share the Guide to Sponsoring an Employee brochure to help answer their questions about sponsoring your PTMBA education.
Many Ross part-time students receive company sponsorship.
Companies structure sponsorship packages in a number of ways, from a percentage of tuition to a set dollar amount per year or credit hour. Companies may also tie tuition support to a promised time commitment to the organization after completion of the degree.
Please contact us with any questions you have about sponsoring a student: [email protected].
Enhance your employees’ business knowledge and skills with a top-ranked MBA education. Supporting professional growth helps retain top talent.
Improve your company’s performance and ROI with lessons that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
Expand your network with exposure to other top-tier classmates - 58,000+ Michigan Ross alumni, and more than 682,000 University of Michigan alumni worldwide.
