Spending time on improving your skills in supporting or leading your organization’s workplace optimization, talent sustainability and culture enhancement efforts is beneficial, not only to you but also to the organization. So why not ask for their financial support. The best way to get companies to fund your professional development training, certificate or certification program is to lay out the return your company will get. Your goal in making a proposal to your company is to show that the investment will not only pay for itself, but that over time, the organizational culture, inclusive culture, feelings of belonging and equity in policies and practices will have an impact on the bottom line.
Also, most organizations have a training and development budget for the skills that will directly enhance your competencies. If your skill set can be applied to progress in your current career or expanded to provide you with knowledge, it’s worth an ask.
When asking your manager to pay for professional development you must know the pertinent details about the program, and your company’s policy about paying for employee training, so do your research. Here’s a good place to start:
Provide them with the EveryPath360 Learning Institute program website so they can review the program and curriculum.https://learning.everypath360.com/
Below are some potential questions you should be prepared to answer:
The cost is outlined on the EveryPath360 Learning Institute main page. At this time EveryPath360 Learning Institute does not provide individual discounts, however, with 5 or more people from the same company or collaborating companies who attend together, EveryPath360 Learning Institute will offer a significant discount. Keep in mind, if your company can’t cover the full cost of your program, think about how much you’re comfortable paying on your own and ask for the rest. What do you have to lose?
This may seem like a simple question, but if you can’t articulate clearly, your manager might not understand the benefit of you participating. So nail down the top three takeaways and learning objectives of the course you have selected. Be able to articulate why you are excited to learn these skills and how they relate to your personal and professional goals.
Your company and your manager will want to know the WIIFT, or “What’s In It For Them”. This is one of the most important questions to prepare for because it’s your chance to explain how the training will benefit both you and the organization. Next, prepare to discuss how you’ll apply what you learned to your role.
Before they agree to pay for your professional development, most managers will want to ensure you’ll remain productive in your current role. Plan for and explain the time commitment and how you plan to manage it.
Because the ROI on learning is not always obvious, think of ways to justify the ROI by explaining how it will help you improve team culture, reduce turnover, minimize disparities to underserved groups of people, enhance your company’s brand, reduce exposure to legal pursuits and more.
You can certainly share what you’ve learned with your team, so they can take advantage of the opportunity as well. If your boss is intrigued by the program, find out if it’s feasible for part or all of the team to participate. Many of our programs offer a discount for group enrollment.
You might also suggest that you have a weekly or bi-weekly update meeting. Talk about the ROI (return on investment). When a company allocates funds and time for an employee to develop their skills, leaders want to know what the outcome will be. Be prepared to report back on what you learned and how you can apply your skills in your role. Because our certificate and certification programs are multi-week, it’s a good idea to suggest that you send them an update weekly or bi-weekly on what you’ve learned.
Hi [Name of Manager],
Since we’ve discussed ways I can strengthen my skills in helping to create, lead and sustain a culture of equity, inclusion and belonging, as well as to continue growing professionally, I’ve been researching professional development programs. I wanted to let you know I recently came across an intriguing program that aligns with many of the organization’s strategic goals as well as my goals and interests: EveryPath360 Learning Institute’s [name of program].
This program stood out to me because of [explain why the program interests you]. I believe it would help me [explain one or more specific benefits for your company and/or team]. I’d also enjoy learning more about [reference program specifics] and think this would be a great way to do so. In my current role/committee/assignment, I [reference your roles and responsibilities that align with the program] and the topics within this program will enhance my knowledge of culture building, workplace optimization, inclusion strategies, and strategy development and implementation.
This [certification program, certificate course or masterclass] is designed by University academics, faculty and practitioners (Harvard, University of Penn, UC Berkeley, and more), organizational psychologist, and organizational executives, along with the EveryPath360 Learning Institute team. The program makes a real and measurable difference and equips participants to effect societal and organizational change, and effectively impact positive change in our organization and community.
Does [Name of Company] provide funding for professional development opportunities like this? I wasn’t sure but wanted to ask before I move forward. If it’s possible to be reimbursed for the program, I’d love to discuss. Here are some of the program specifics:
Start date: [enroll immediately, and provide date the program begins]
Duration: [# of weeks per course based on the program you select]
Cost: [$X,XXX for the program]
As you know, I am fully committed to our company and its success. I envision utilizing my new skills to help build the culture that is at the core of our mission, one of equity, inclusion and belonging. Are you available to discuss more sometime in the next week? Let me know what works for you. Thank you for considering this request. I am committed to this company and would like to further my knowledge and skills to help meet our organizational goals.
Best,
[Your Name]
Our courses are designed to identify opportunities to build organizational change, where inclusion and belonging are core values. If you want equitable policies and practices embedded in your organization, our EveryPath360 Learning Institute courses will help you achieve your goals.
