Continuing education. Lifelong learning. Professional development. Whatever you happen to call it, you may be seeking unique ways to help you advance in your career. Of course, as you weigh your educational options, you’ll want the support of your employer. That’s because you need buy-in from those around you so you can fully invest the time, money, and effort required to make the most of the educational opportunity in front of you.
If you work at an executive or managerial level, then MIT Sloan Executive Education is an excellent option for you. Boasting three executive certificate tracks and more than 90 courses, Executive Education welcomes students from around the world to expand their skill sets and learn how to gain a competitive edge in the ever-changing business world. If this sounds like the ideal setting for your educational journey, then it’s time to make the case for your company to send you to one of the world’s top business schools. Here are a few talking points to support your request.
1. In the Real World
MIT is one of the most renowned research universities in the world. Its name recognition is unparalleled, the faculty are second-to-none, and the work coming out of the institution is outstanding. That same level of excellence is found in MIT Sloan Executive Education’s non-degree executive courses. But there’s something else as well: practical knowledge.
Executive Education’s courses are helmed by leading MIT faculty who are seasoned business leaders in their respective fields. In addition to providing scientific- and research-based data during each course, these instructors are able to share real world experiences that often mirror the challenges people face today. When you participate, you will walk away with immediately applicable methodologies and frameworks that can help you address issues you may be tackling within your own company or industry. It's like being personally counseled with advice and guidance you can use now and in the future not only for your benefit, but also for the benefit of your company.
2. Choose Your Own Adventure
So many educational programs are basically set in stone. The courses you take are pre-determined, and you must follow a specific plan to successfully reach the end of the curriculum. MIT Sloan Executive Education is totally different. You have the ability to choose which courses you want—or need—to take based on your particular situation. The experience is completely customizable, allowing you to pick and choose the topics that make the most sense for you and your company. Does the direction of your employer require you to learn as much as you can about digital transformation and artificial intelligence? Are you in a new position that will require you to build strong teams and engage in a great deal of negotiation? There are courses that speak to each of these needs, and you can select from a menu of options that will give you the information you need when you need it.
3. Time is of the Essence
As with any type of learning opportunity, executive education requires a time commitment. This may concern your employer, as your attention will be elsewhere while participating in courses. However, MIT Sloan boasts an environment that hinges on flexibility for its students. That’s why there are several options when it comes to choosing how and when you will attend classes.
Visiting MIT Sloan’s Cambridge campus for in-person courses is a fantastic opportunity; if you are able to travel to participate, then you can rest assured that most classes require only a two-day commitment and provide all of the information you seek in an intensive, immersive experience. However, MIT Sloan also offers live online courses, which became very popular during the COVID pandemic and provide in-person interaction in an online setting, which removes the need to take time to travel; these courses also require between two and three dedicated days, but there is no additional time needed to get to and from campus. Finally, self-paced online courses give you the complete flexibility you need to complete a course over a six-week period and engage with the content as your schedule allows; this will give you the chance to study and complete assignments at any point during the day and may not require you to dip into your work day at all. These diverse options should ease any concerns your employer has regarding the amount of time you’ll need to complete MIT Sloan Executive Education courses.
4. Money Matters
Undoubtedly, one of the first questions you’ll be asked regarding Executive Education courses is “How much does it cost?” Yes, there is a financial price to pay when you decide to advance your education. However, there’s a good chance your company already has money set aside for just such an occasion. In fact, according to the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, nearly 92 percent of U.S. companies offer some type of educational benefits, which cover everything from in-house training seminars and educational conferences to continuing education courses. And this is a trend that certainly is being seen globally.
If funds are available, then it’s your job to convince your company that your experience with MIT Sloan Executive Education will provide a significant return on the investment. Whether you complete one course or finish all three tracks of learning, you will walk away with an entirely new skill set that can be applied both now and in the future. What’s more, the opportunity not only will allow you to do your current job better, but it also will prepare you to take on other roles within the company in the years to come. And because the information provided during Executive Education’s courses is so comprehensive, you may find ways to open up new opportunities and revenue streams for the company, as you will be able to cross sectors within your company and your industry. Your new breadth and depth of understanding will benefit both you and your employer. You can count on it.