How to Convince Your Employer to Sponsor Your PMP Training?
For most project
managers, getting PMP certified is regarded as an asset that can enhance their
credentials and take their career to greater heights. However, despite the vast
advantage they stand to gain, on further contemplation, the extent of investment
that is required tends to hold them back. The cost involved for registration,
buying course materials and signing up for a PMP exam review course can amount
to a staggering sum. It might well be beyond your personal finances. How do you
get around this situation? The only way you can achieve what you want without
shelling out money from your pockets is by acquiring company sponsorship.
With most
employers implementing cost-cutting measures, what can make a stark difference
in a project is placing your persuasive
skills in action- this way things are sure to fall in an order.
Here's a step-by-step guide through which you can get your employer to cover your PMP certification expenses:
Step 1: Speak their language
The first
question you'll be asked by your employer is why. Your employer will not be
convinced with vague answers. To answer this question, you need to be precise.
This means that you'll have to understand the cost involved, advantages and the
returns the company stands to gain from the investment.
Step 2: Understanding the benefits
Remember, the
organization isn't really doing you a favor by sponsoring your PMP exam review
course and other training costs. A PMP certification will indeed improve your
marketability and skills, but at the same time, the organization you work for
also gets a large share of the pie. Your project management skills can help
them save money, reduce project failures and boost company-client
relationships.
Step 3: Keep
the costs to a minimal
No matter how
fruitful your proposal may seem, a hefty bill is bound to get them thinking
twice. This is why you need to cut corners but without compromising on the
quality of PMP exam review course training received. Be careful while choosing
a PMP exam review course as most reputed educators, charge exorbitant sums. You
can also opt for a PMI membership that can bring down your PMP exam registration
fee
Step 4:
Drafting a business proposal
Once you have a
clear picture of the facts in mind, you need to project your idea to your
employer in the right way. Think like a business pro, and not like a school student
preparing a scholarship application. Set the tone right and pitch your idea in
a succinct manner. Substantiating your claims with adequate documentation is an
added plus. If you believe certified PMs perform better than their
counterparts, prove your statement by pulling out relevant data. You can also
tap into your company's resources and pull out instances of projects that went
wrong due to lack of trained PMPs in the company.
Step 5: Seal the final impression
If done right,
the business proposal in itself can help you seal the deal. Most major organizations,
however, will call you for a face-to-face meet regarding the proposal. Feel
confident about yourself and stay firm and true to what you've stated in your
business proposal. Also, elaborate further on various benefits the company
stands to gain, if they sponsor your PMP exam review course and other costs.
With these
simple steps, you can be assured of becoming PMP certified without bearing the
costs alone.
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