If you’re getting frustrated at the slow pace of career progression in your current role, you’re not alone.
Gallup research shows that 93 per cent of employees need to move to a new company to advance.
But if your company culture is good overall, there might be an alternative way to stay — upskilling with a formal qualification.
So here are a few ways to convince your boss to pay for your degree.
Appeal to policy
Some organisations have learning and development policies that include contributions to staff education — but they’re sometimes not well publicised internally.
Remember that your company will only part with cash if your course meets their criteria — so clearly demonstrate how your chosen course meets the requirements.
A supportive HR colleague might help you through the process and submit your application — they can clarify any fine details you might have missed, so you’ll avoid any administrative pitfalls.
But keep on the best side of your boss by keeping them informed of your intentions from as early as possible in the process.
Online learning
If you’re good at your job, your boss might be reluctant to let you reduce your hours so that you can take a day or two off each week in order to attend a part-time degree course.
But it’s possible to find accredited distance learning degree courses that allow you to study in a completely flexible manner.
So, provided you sacrifice some of your own time, choosing this type of course means that there will be no disruption to core duties.
Once your boss realises that your course won’t prevent you performing your current role, they might be more likely to sign off your funding.
Earning while you learn and fitting coursework around family responsibilities requires good organisational skills — but the sacrifices will pay off in terms of career progression.
Promote your hidden talents
Progressive organisations know that there’s a lot of hidden leadership talent at every hierarchical tier.
And if you already go above and beyond the call of duty in terms of collaborating on side-projects, coaching colleagues and providing excellent customer service, the chances are that you’ve got the right stuff to move up a level.
If your boss hasn’t formally recognised these achievements, set them out during a meeting and explain that a degree will provide you with the formal qualification that should seal the deal for a promotion.
And if diversification is part of your company’s strategic plan, taking a degree in a relevant discipline could help you drive your firm in the right direction.
If you adopt the tactics described, you’ve got a great chance of convincing your boss to pay for your degree.
But if not, it might be time to move on to a place where the company culture supports your ambition and ability.
Has your company paid for your education? Share your story in the comments section.
