With the rise of online degrees and remote study options, there has never been a better time to invest in your education and career.
If you're considering pursuing a part-time, online degree, requesting sponsorship from your employer can be a smart move for both parties.
Let’s start with the stats. 94% of employees are more likely to stay in their job if their company invests in their growth and development.
And for organisations, the benefits aren’t just limited to retention. A strong learning culture leads to higher productivity, improving performance by up to 25%.
That’s not all though: studies have found that firms who offer training programmes experience an impressive 218% increase in income per employee, and a 24% boost in their profit margin.
The benefits are clear, but to get your employer fully on board, it's important to approach the request strategically.
Here are 3 top tips to help win them over, and for 1-to-1 advice, why not book in a chat with a course adviser?
To persuade your employer to sponsor your studies, make sure you come prepared. You’ll need a compelling, well-structured business proposal that showcases your dedication to personal development and the company's success.
Employers want to see a return on their investment, so always keep your organisation’s goals in mind, and be sure to highlight all the benefits they'll gain if they choose to sponsor you.
Try researching any staff training programmes or training allowances your employer offers, and find out if any of your colleagues have received sponsorship before. You can use this information to tactfully support your case.
Don’t rush through the process, and make sure every aspect is well thought out and deliberate. This means starting as early as possible. Once you’re certain about studying online – and you’re clear about the course you’d like to pursue – begin working on your proposal.
Bear in mind that big organisations often have to run decisions past several stakeholders, which means that getting an answer can take longer.
When it’s time to pitch, don’t beat around the bush. Focus on what your employer wants: solid results. Think about the specialist skills and knowledge your online degree will equip you with, and how they’ll benefit your organisation immediately and long-term.
Be as specific as you can, taking a careful look at the curriculum, linking the experience, knowledge, and skills it offers to your workplace and its business goals.
For example:
Our global online community means you’ll connect with professionals from all over the world. As well as gaining fresh international insight, the connections you make could lead to global opportunities and partnerships for your organisation.
You’ll gain cutting-edge academic and industry knowledge, as well as advanced skills and strategies in essential business areas, such as entrepreneurship, leadership, and change management, to ensure both you and your organisation stay ahead of the competition.
A practical approach to learning combined with the part-time and flexible nature of our courses means you’ll be able to put your newly improved skillset and expertise into action right away, making an immediate difference in your workplace.
To talk through course details, skills, and benefits, it’s often worth setting up a conversation with your course adviser for some personalised guidance.
If you’ve done everything in your power to secure full sponsorship from your employer but still come up empty-handed, it’s time to consider negotiating.
Your company may not be able to offer full funding, but they might be willing to compromise with partial sponsorship, paid study leave, or a flexible work schedule.
Negotiating gives you and your employer the chance to come up with a solution that works for everyone, so keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to explore all your options.
Get in touch with a course adviser to find out more about sponsorship, our courses, or the benefits of studying with us. Thanks to our flexible online courses, earning your degree alongside a full-time job is easier than ever.
For key points to inspire your sponsorship proposal, see:
BA Business Management
5 reasons to study a BA in Business Management
What skills do business managers need?
MSc Project Management