Dear Matt: I would like to take advantage of the tuition reimbursement policy at my work. In the past, other colleagues have been denied their request because of the state of our business. I am hoping to make a case about why I should be granted this opportunity.
Matt: According to a recent Accountemps survey, 94 percent of senior executives interviewed said their firms offer tuition reimbursement benefits for employees, and 95 percent said their companies reimburse for other forms of professional development.
"Companies that support their employees' continuing education demonstrate they are committed to helping staff members in their career development," says Susan Thomas, branch manger of Accountemps in Minneapolis. "Offering this perk can give firms an edge in recruiting and retaining skilled professionals."
It's important to develop a solid business case for any education program you want to pursue. In other words, show your employer how continuing your education will benefit your ability to do the job you are currently doing, or how it will improve your ability to help the company in the future. Keep it focused on how it relates to your career path with the company. Don't expect them to pay for any classes or programs unrelated to your current or potential position within the company.
When making your proposal, come prepared to sell your employer on why it should help you. Provide complete details about the school, class, program, cost, timeframe and any other pertinent information that can help show you have done your homework and are serious about pursuing this. Use work-related examples of how this can benefit the company, and enhance your ability to help the company succeed. Sell the idea, don't ask.
"Mention how continuing your education allows you to build your skills and enhance your expertise and how these attributes enable you to better contribute to your organization's success," says Thomas.
Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, and has nine years of experience reporting on the employment industry. The first Sunday of each month this column will answer readers' questions. E-mail questions or subject ideas to askmatt@startribune.com.
