Step 2: How-To Ask for Employer-Sponsored IT Training

A job promotion is on the horizon and you’re wondering how you can prove to your boss that you deserve it more than others. The tried-and-true method is the act of sacrificing your time to grow your skill set through additional training.  Earning a certificate is an achievement that no boss will overlook. However, it can be intimidating to ask your leader for a higher-priced investment, like training.

After 30 years in the training industry, we have learned from many of you the best process to ask for Employer-Sponsored IT training. Here are those tips and tricks.

Make Time

We know you have a busy schedule. The life of an IT professional is rarely uneventful, and often you’re being pulled in a lot of different directions. However, we have learned that those who spend time researching what course is perfect for you have a much higher approval rate than those that go in without doing the heavy-lifting, upfront. Your boss will appreciate the prep work and you’ll feel more confident in your choice.

Do the Math

To show your employer how serious you are about your continued education, we suggest doing some basic math. Divide the cost of the training by how many years you plan to be with the company or how often you plan to tap into that new knowledge — daily, weekly, monthly? Once you have done the math, you’ll need to present it in a way that will get noticed.

Prepare to Present

Imagine the last time your boss had to make a big decision. What type of presentation style swayed them? A casual coffee conversation, a formal presentation or a detailed email? Approaching the subject in a personalized manner for your boss is the sure way to hear a ‘yes’. No matter the style, you’ll want to address these points as part of the presentation:

• How will the course benefit the entire company?
• What is your personal motivation behind continued education?
• How often do you plan to apply the learnings?
• How can your boss justify the cost to their boss?
• How do you plan to share your learnings with the rest of your team?
• How do you plan to keep the knowledge fresh, after the course is complete?

Show Appreciation

Throughout the process, find ways to show your appreciation for your boss’s time and consideration. If the timing is off, and they can’t justify the course right now, the kindness you showed will be top-of-mind when the opportunity arises. If the timing is right and promotion does come your way, the additional training should be part of your promotion package. Kindness always goes a long way.

We are committed to providing our students with the best service possible and that includes guidance before and after you take a course. We’re here to help you advance your career and we know your boss is too. Let’s chat about what your future holds!