For applicants
Making the case for company support
Employer support plays a critical role in your success as a student in the Executive MBA Program. As a result, all applicants must obtain a sponsorship letter from their employer that approves of the program’s time commitment and confirms permission to attend class on designated dates. Financial sponsorship, however, is optional.
To obtain sponsorship, Kellogg encourages applicants to approach their companies with a comprehensive proposal. Your proposal should make a strong case for the value of the program and its applicability to your company and role.
Need help getting started with a proposal? We’ve developed a customizable sponsorship proposal for you to make your own and share with your employer.
How to approach your employer for sponsorship
Outline the ROI of an MBA — both for you and your employer.
Be explicit: Cite specific goals and ensure that they align with your company’s objectives. Explain what skills you will acquire through the program and how you’ll apply them to your job. Show how your education will enable you to make a greater contribution to the company.
Explain why the Kellogg Executive MBA Program is right for you and your company.
Think about the unique value proposition of a Kellogg MBA. Explain why it offers a distinct advantage over other MBA programs, professional development workshops or other types of training. Articulate Kellogg’s specific offerings and how they will benefit your company and support your professional growth.
Prove your value.
List your professional accomplishments and the meaningful contributions you’ve made to your company. Where applicable, use data to quantify your contributions. Demonstrate that you’re someone worth investing in.
Summarize the program's requirements.
Make sure that your employer understands that the Executive MBA Program requires regular time away from the office for two consecutive years. Explain that the program also involves occasional international travel. If you’re also asking for financial sponsorship, you will want to share the program’s tuition costs.
Give examples.
Don’t just tell your employer about the program; show them what it’s about. Share descriptions of courses that you think will be particularly useful to you and relevant to the company. Use the Class Profile to illustrate the caliber of your classmates. Offer a list of companies that have sponsored a Kellogg MBA. Provide a sample schedule of classes.
Address any concerns upfront.
Anticipate the questions or concerns that your supervisor(s) may have about the program and your participation in it. For example, will they question how your absence from the office will impact your coworkers or work quality? Propose a plan for how you will effectively manage your job responsibilities, mitigate potential conflicts, and minimize disruption for your colleagues while in the program.
Communicate your commitment to the company.
Remember that, by asking for sponsorship, you’re asking your company to make a commitment to you. Consider how you can reciprocate that commitment. For example, you may want — or be asked — to agree in writing to remain with the company for a certain amount of time post-graduation.