Tuition_Reimbursement

Tuition Reimbursement Monica Castaneda Comm/105 January 06, 2009 Rosemary Lodato Tuition Reimbursement Why take out student loans when you could earn a degree for free' You may be able to save thousands of dollars by asking your employer to pay for your education through a tuition reimbursement program. Employers have a vested interest in making sure employees have the knowledge and skills that will help them succeed at work. By earning a degree in a field related to your job, you can become a better employee. Additionally, employees are more likely to stick with a company when they are relying on their employer to fund their education. Employers often see less turn-around and more employee loyalty when they provide tuition reimbursement for education. Many employers know that education is the key to on-the-job success. Thousands of companies offer tuition assistance programs. Even if your employer does not have a tuition program in place, you may be able to convince him or her to pay for your schooling if you can present a compelling case. If your company already has a tuition reimbursement program or business-college partnership in place, visit the human resources department to learn more. If your company does not have a tuition reimbursement program, you will need to convince your employer to design a personal program. First, decide what classes you would like to take or what degree you would like to obtain. Second, create a list of ways your education will benefit the company. For example: • Your new skills will make you more productive at work. • You will be able to take on additional assignments. • You will be able to be a leader in the workplace. • Your degree will improve the company’s professional image when you work with clients. Third, anticipate your employer’s possible concerns. Make a list of problems your employer may raise, and think of solutions to each. For example: Problem: Your studies will take time away from work. Solution: Online classes can be completed in your free time and will give you skills to help you do better work. Problem: Paying your tuition will be expensive for the company. Solution: Actually, paying your tuition may cost less than hiring a new employee with the degree you are working on and training the new recruit. Your degree will make the company money. In the long run, your employer will save by funding your education. Finally, set an appointment to discuss tuition reimbursement with your employer. Practice your “why-you-should-pay spiel” beforehand and come to the meeting with your lists in hand. If you are turned down, keep in mind that you can always make another request in a few months. • Outline how the advanced degree will benefit the company in your current role (and where you may end up). At the very least, this will put your ambitions within the organization on the table. • Reinforce your commitment to the employer. Share examples of how this increased training will help you stay on top of the latest trends. • Show how the competition has employees with this level of education and how it offers a reimbursement benefit. In this day and age—when you can find anyone on the Web—getting this information is not as difficult as it sounds. • Have your paperwork in order, and do your research on the program so you are ready to answer any and all questions. Make it easy for your employer to say "Yes," difficult to say "No." • If you get the runaround or are rejected, ask when you can broach the subject again. Show that you are committed and that you won't simply go away. (So many bosses I've run across just want to "send you away" as quickly as possible.) • Don't circumvent your boss, but do have conversations with HR and upper management about your desire to further your education. These can be casual in nature and could lay the groundwork for when your boss approaches them on your behalf. If possible, try to negotiate tuition reimbursement before you get hired Never assume your company won't pay for at least part of your tuition. Your boss may not pay for your entire degree but chances are he or she will pay for some of the courses. Negotiate for such benefits if they don't already exist. Show how what you will learn can help the company in some way. For example, your business courses may help you develop a new marketing database or strategy that will save your company more than the cost of the classes.