Funding options
Preparing a case for sponsorship
What do you stand for as a leader? How effectively do you manage yourself and others? How effectively do you lead, manage and influence other people? What value do you add to your organisation?
Why me? Before you start preparing your sponsorship proposal consider the following: ■ Are you a worthwhile investment? Can you demonstrate this with an up-to-date CV? ■ Have you solicited departmental or company-wide support? It helps if the proposal for an MBA has come via appraisal, your line manager/director or a company mentor ■ Consider what expectations your sponsor might have and what benefits might be attractive to those who can influence the decision on your request for sponsorship ■ Remember that from any MBA programme, they are likely to want to see a balance between theory and practice, a gain for both the individual and the organisation, and both short-term and long-term value added ■ Present a range of short term and long term benefits linked to current business activity. There are advantages to be gained from your involvement in the programme and your association with other participants. There are also possible gains from links with Warwick Business School and access to the wider University and its professional networks ■ Consider making proposals as to how you will transfer your new knowledge to colleagues and the organisation.
Making your proposal ■ Is there a procedure for requesting funding? Consult with your HR department or line manager ■ If possible, gain in-principle support from your manager in line with strategic business unit criteria ■ A business plan may be required as part of the procedure for funding, or you may wish to submit one unsolicited to demonstrate the seriousness of your proposal ■ Check if you need to use your company’s ‘house style’ and what length of proposal would be acceptable.
The negotiations Prepare your case well before you open negotiations and be sure of your minimum negotiating stance: ■ Are you only prepared to accept sponsorship if it includes all academic fees, residential costs, and travel expenses plus generous study time and provision of computing facilities? ■ What will you do if none of these are forthcoming? ■ The question of ‘golden handcuffs’ may come up so you need to have your answer prepared; most employers will expect you to agree to some sort of lock-in period post-graduation. You should bear in mind that it is not clear whether these are enforceable in law, but also that if you move to a new employer, part of your initial negotiations could include them buying you out of the lock-in by paying the forfeiture costs; after all, they will then be reaping the benefit of your MBA.
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The Warwick MBA 2025
warwickmba.com
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