Create your Proposal
1. Start Early
Give yourself ample time to plan for and seek employer support. The request and approval process can be time-consuming. Check the Jenkins MBA application deadlines and the Cashier’s Office calendar for billing deadlines.
2. Assess Your Situation
Before you begin the conversation with your employer, it’s useful to assess your situation. Consider where you are in the company, how you are perceived, and develop your career plan in the company. How will your current and future knowledge, skills, and experiences benefit your company?
Once you know where you stand, it’s time to research your company’s education support processes and policies. In general, it’s a good idea to present your proposal for support before the budget review processes begin.
3. Seek Guidance
Colleagues and managers who worked while earning their MBA can give you valuable insights on how an MBA helped their careers. Ask them for advice on crafting your proposal to your employer. Better yet, do you know any Jenkins MBA alumni who received financial assistance? Ask them for tips.
4. Write a Request
Begin writing a formal request to your employer. Show your employer your willingness to take on more responsibility. Highlight your past performance, and how the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained through the Jenkins MBA can help you make an even bigger difference. Show your employer the return on investment of a Jenkins MBA.
Some topics you may want to address, include:
- Work absences/time off necessary to get an MBA
- Impact of pursuing an MBA on your job performance
- Why a Jenkins MBA provides the best value
- The time frame for seeing results from your MBA education
5. Give Specifics
Use the Jenkins MBA website, as well as brochures and other program information, to give your employer an idea of the skills and experiences you’ll gain. Be sure to explain how these skills and experiences will provide value to your employer.
6. Be Ready to Negotiate
Your employer may not be able or willing to meet all your demands. Employers typically want to protect their investments. For example, your company wants to make sure you don’t leave after completing your MBA, so they may propose conditions that require you remain at the company for a certain period of time after completing your MBA.
It’s a good idea to prepare what you are willing to concede and where you are willing to compromise before negotiations begin.