Dear Dr. Mimi,
How do I ask my employer to assist me in paying for my education? I would use my education to get a better job in our company. I can’t afford it at the salary I am currently receiving. I know that they have paid others to go to classes in the past.
—Poor
Dear Poor,
Let them know that you enjoy working there and that you want to continue to be a valuable asset and grow with the organization. Suggest that they are investing in you and tell them what will be their return on investment. Show them that you are seeking a relevant program and prepare a cost breakdown, showing how your education benefits the company, selling yourself, addressing productivity concerns and offering to provide updates. Perhaps they can loan you the tuition and if you pass, they will forgive the loan.
—Dr. Mimi