Gaining employer support is an essential step towards successfully undertaking any MBA programme. While the UL Executive MBA programme is part-time, with a defined schedule and structured assignments, it does require significant time commitment from you to complete the course – a commitment that is only possible once your employer understands how best to support your goals.
The good news is that most employers will naturally want to support you —because your newfound knowledge and skills will directly benefit them. For them, it’s a clear business decision – so crafting your proposal should follow the same thought. Show your employer why you’re a smart investment for the company by creating a proposal that clearly benefits their business goals.
Do Your Research
Preparation is key. First, research company policy to determine if programmes to support continuing education exist – many companies prioritise further education and will already be set up to support employees, or will be open to the conversation.
Next, ask around. Ask colleagues who have completed MBA programmes to share their experiences. Ask trusted colleagues and superiors for their support in recommending company support for your MBA, as internal support for your goals may mean the difference between “yes” and “no” from your employer. These internal conversations can also help you to clarify the potential reasons your company may choose to support you in this endeavour.
Writing an Effective Proposal
If a written proposal is required, you’ll need to remember that the most effective proposals will answer questions before they’re asked. This is your chance to demonstrate to your employer that you have not only considered how you will succeed, but that you also fully understand what the stakes are for the company.
An effective proposal should follow the below set of guidelines:
Answering key questions in a polished, professional manner—positioning yourself as a strong investment for the company—will help you receive the support you seek. Let’s take a closer look at a few of those key questions, which will help you structure your proposal.
Why do you want to get an MBA?
This is your opening paragraph – outline how your MBA qualification will help you to accomplish personal and professional goals while sharpening your business skillset.
Outline a professional goal
If your professional goal can align with business plans, even better. For example, your company is expanding into a new market, and you believe you are the right person to lead that team with the skills gained from your MBA.
Share a personal goal
While a personal goal does not need to be closely aligned with your professional career, making the connection between both will help you be more successful in this conversation. For example, you’re excited to expand your network of entrepreneurial and inspiring professionals, which can in turn benefit your professional career by offering valuable insights and connections.
How will our company benefit?
At the end of the day, your company’s decision to support your MBA programme hinges on how beneficial they perceive the course to be for company growth. Make sure to outline how your new skills and knowledge will move the company’s agenda forward, using specific examples like:
New insights into persistent issues
Insights gained from your classroom and project work can be applied to real work problems from day one.
Greater management capabilities
Your studies across all areas of management, business strategy, and global leadership will help tobring a fresh perspective to management.
International focus and exposure
The practical experience, insights, and connections you’ll gain through the MBA will help to support your company’s international business goals.
Direct development of leadership skills
Your time on the MBA will help to hone many important management skills and tools that will directly benefit you, your employer, and your team.
“From a company perspective, the greatest benefit we gained was from our employee’s mindset shifting from operational delivery to a more strategic approach and from tangible recommendations made to the company through assignments and projects.”
- Una McDermott, Human Resources Manager, Dell
Why choose the UL MBA?
Introduce your employer to the UL MBA, including how it is structured and why it works so well for so many companies.
“The quality of my peers was above and beyond my expectations—there were people from different industries, people representing different functions, and we would hash all these topics out. Also the programme didn’t just focus on the academic, but really made the content of each programme relevant to business. Instead of keeping it at an academic discussion, we took projects with real companies.”
- Siobhan Ryan, MBA Student, Sales Director, EtQ
Why should we invest in you?
This is your chance to pitch yourself. Highlight your successes during your time with the company, which helps to reinforce your value as an employee.
What are the time and financial requirements?
Detail the time required to attend sessions and workshops, and complete coursework. If you’re looking for financial assistance also, include the programme’s tuition costs.
The UL MBA programme requires physical attendance approximately 32 days each year, which include:
Programme fees for the UL MBA are €15,300* per annum. Annual fees can be paid in full at the start of the academic year, or in two instalments at the start of the autumn and spring semesters.
How does the coursework relate to our company and your role?
Make the connection between the subjects you’ll be focusing on, the skills you’ll acquire and how they will strengthen company goals. Be as specific as possible, including examples of coursework that directly relate to your role in the company.
Including case studies from other employers can help to demonstrate the benefits gained through their support of a UL MBA student:
“UL MBA students gain a much greater understanding of the mechanics of business through a better understanding of key financial and economic indicators, and are able to apply this at a micro and macro level. The course also makes the student think about the role of leadership and people management in the context of global and cultural nuances, which has added benefits for those without international experience. In addition, the focus on continuous learning helps keep employees current with business trends and really helps to broaden their business and personal network.”
- Una McDermott, Human Resources Manager, Dell
How will you manage this and your other responsibilities?
Explain how you plan to manage work, study and personal commitments, while demonstrating that you’ve given all requirements thoughtful consideration.
Include stories from successful MBA students who balanced their studies with work and other commitments:
“The way the structure of the UL MBA works, you’re on campus Wednesday through Friday once a month. You can plan your calendar out six months in advance—that’s something I could work with. Being able to step away from work for three full days once a month and be on the campus at UL was something I found liberating as we went through the two years of the course.”
- John Slattery, MBA Graduate, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer
What if you leave the company after finishing the course?
This is a common question posed by employers during this conversation. Here, you’ll need to alleviate any fears that you’ll move on after the course by reinforcing your commitment to the company. Discuss the future and how you see yourself evolving with your current employer:
Prepare Your Pitch
Now that you have a thoughtful proposal, spend some time getting comfortable with your pitch. Keep in mind, this is the kind of decision that may take more than one conversation. Be prepared for your employer to counter with their own proposal—for example, they may offer to split the cost of the course with you instead of paying for it in its entirety.
If your employer decides to contribute financially, they may also include a clause that guarantee their investment. You may be wholly responsible for repaying your tuition if you fail to complete your MBA or leave the company before an agreed upon timeframe. Just remember, you can always negotiate. Earning your company’s support is not a guarantee, but if you present a strong case, it’s very likely they will find some way to help.
Have further questions about the UL MBA or want to discuss your suitability for the programme? Get in touch – our course director, Prof. Michele O’Dwyer, would be delighted to hear from you.
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