Whether you currently are working or just got a job offer, negotiating paid career training can be helpful to your career future. Relax, and use these tips to get the paid training you need.
First, discuss your desire to attend a particular training with your current employer if you are already working. Research the training, and make a list of why it is a good training option for both you and the organization. Be sure to consider why it is a good option for the company, not just you. Consider time lost on the job, lowered productivity while you’re studying, and the financial cost the company will incur. The list of pros that you offer your employer should outweigh any negatives for the organization.
Consider:
- The reputation of the provider.
- Length of the course.
- Course content. (Is it comprehensive/deep enough?)
- Whether the course is recognized for continuing education/licensing hours by relevant professional associations and licensing/certification boards.
- Your ultimate learning goals.
- Why you think you should take the course.
- How it will benefit the organization/your department.
When you come to your supervisor with a thoroughly-researched plan, you’re more likely to get the course paid for by the organization.
Now, if you have received a job offer, you can negotiate paid training as part of your overall compensation negotiation. For instance, if your organization cannot commit to a higher salary, then you can ask the employer to invest in professional development opportunities for you. This type of non-cash compensation can help the organization through your increased knowledge and abilities. Although you probably shouldn’t mention it in job offer negotiations, organizations know that investing in learning opportunities for their employees also increases retention rates.
Before you propose that the employer pay for any training, check what training opportunities it already offers. For example, it may provide micro-earning opportunities, such as “Learn at Lunch” programs or subscriptions to learning platforms where you can enroll in a variety of courses that the company pays for.
Also, understand that managers have so much on their plates that they may not consider how important employee learning is. Avoid entering the situation with the idea that your manager doesn’t want to support your learning. It’s more likely that they are overwhelmed with their day-to-day activities that they haven’t given the situation the thought that they might otherwise.
In any situation, prepare as much information as possible in a succinct format to present to your employer about any conferences or courses that you want to attend. Be likeable and professional throughout the negotiation. Being agreeable will go a long way to helping you get what you want. Also, remain confident during the negotiation process that having the employer pay for your training course is important.
Ultimately, getting an organization to pay for your training will depend significantly on how well you convince the employer that the training is a good proposition for the organization as a whole. You may even be able to get the employer to pay for part or all of your college degree or the cost of getting a professional certification.
