Gaining Corporate Support
It’s up to you to show management that corporate
support for your MBA is a good business decision. But
we’re here to help. Here are some tips for presenting a strong proposal.
Plan ahead
The approval process will probably take longer than you expect, so allow plenty of time.
Evaluate yourself
You will be most successful if you:
- Demonstrate motivation and senior management potential.
- Plan a career path within your company.
- Identify skills and knowledge you need to assume more responsibility at work.
Do your homework
Research your company’s education policy and approval process. Find out when you should present your proposal. For many companies, the best time is before the annual budget review process.
Ask around
Talk to other managers who earned an MBA while working. Ask them how their MBA advanced their careers. Ask managers in your company for advice on developing and presenting your proposal.
Write a formal request
Prepare a written request for support to demonstrate your motivation and desire to contribute at a higher level. Remember that the final decision-maker may not know you, so include a personal profile highlighting your accomplishments.
Anticipate objections and concerns that you may encounter,
such as:
- How you will manage time away from the office.
- How costs will be paid.
- How you will continue to excel on the job.
- Why UNC offers greater value than other MBA programs.
>Follow one of these request outlines: Evening [PDF:109KB] , Weekend [PDF:109KB], and OneMBA [PDF:120KB]
Use our brochure and Quick Facts as sales tools
Provide your management with all the information they need to make their decision. In back of the brochure, inserts explain the details of our Evening, Weekend and OneMBA Programs.
>Order UNC’s MBA for Executives brochure
Also print out the Quick Facts sheet which outlines major Program features. Share these MBA for Executives sales tools with your corporate management to help gain their support.
>Download and print Quick Facts about the Weekend MBA [PDF], Evening MBA [PDF] or OneMBA Programs [PDF]
Prepare to negotiate
Think through the concessions you are willing to make. Include them in your proposal or be ready to discuss them in person. Some common negotiation points include:
- Foregoing raises or bonuses while in school.
- Committing to staying with your company for a specific number of years in exchange for financial support. (A two-year commitment is common.)
- Using vacation days for attending classes and residencies.
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