Sally McLean, 4 August, 2022
As you are weighing up your decision to invest in your leadership journey, we understand there will be many things to consider, such as the commitment of time, energy and focus that will be required to complete a master's program. You might also be weighing up the financial commitment, and how that might look for you depending upon whether you have employer support or intend to personally fund your study.
By sharing your Executive MBA intentions with your employer and those closest to you (ie: life partner, family, friends, and colleagues), you can improve your chances of success through establishing a strong support network – a must have as you embark on your Executive MBA journey.
Develop your pitch
When contemplating how to approach your employer for support, ask yourself, "What is in it for my employer?"
It could be the immediate ‘real world’ application of learnings into the workplace, including the key elements of the program such as the capstone workplace project, executive coach and executive advisor.
It could be the option of two leadership streams, both of which contribute to your leadership development as an adaptive leader in the volatile, uncertain complex, and ambiguous world we operate.
By highlighting the key elements of both the professional and personal development of the program, that is realised the moment you commence, you’re on the right path to gaining support and buy-in.
Negotiating your employer's investment
With your employer/sponsor, you might consider starting high with your request and negotiating down (if required).
Suggested ways in which you could be supported other than paying for the full course fees include:
- Part payment of your course fees
- One day’s full paid study leave every week or fortnight to focus on assessments
- Paid study leave to attend the face-to-face workshops
- Two weeks' full paid study leave for the international study tour (generally in September of the second year).
It might also be valuable for your employer to hear more about the course. Some examples include:
- The intensive program is delivered on a part-time basis with a blended of 3-day workshops across one weekend every eight weeks.
- Leadership development: The concept of ‘knowing one’s self’ lies at the forefront of the program, facilitating the development of a deep understanding of personal goals and leadership traits.
- Executive coach: To provide feedback on leadership style, advise on effective managerial techniques, and help through course work.
- Mentored: In the second half of the program, each Executive MBA participant is paired with an Executive Advisor (Executive or Board level), meeting monthly to explore leadership, decision-making, and governance.
- Immediate benefits: QUT Executive MBA is real-world program with a ‘learn today, use tomorrow’ philosophy, where subjects and assignments are designed to be applied to the participant’s workplace. An exemplar of this philosophy within the program is the completion of a capstone project, the Workplace Project.
Finally, it is critical that you understand the experienced program. The best way to do that is by attending one of our Canberra or Brisbane events.
You can also engage with our program managers:
- Canberra Program Manager
- 02 6198 3098
- emba@qut.edu.au
- Brisbane Program Manager
- 07 3138 7731
- mba@qut.edu.au
They will be able to give you a more detailed understanding of the program experience for you to consider through your own decision making process as well as provide the opportunity for you to connect with current associates and Alumni to hear first-hand how an Executive MBA journey could look and feel for you.
