When seeking company sponsorship, it’s essential to craft a well-structured business case to maximise your chances of success. A strong proposal not only showcases your commitment to doing a Masters degree at London Business School (LBS) but also clearly outlines the potential return on investment (ROI) for your organisation.
Research and Preparation
Before drafting your business case, investigate whether colleagues in your organisation have successfully secured sponsorship in the past. Understanding how they navigated the process and the agreements they reached can provide valuable insights. If you know of any LBS alumni within your company, consider reaching out for their support – they can help attest to the value of an LBS degree and bolster your case.
Thoroughly research your chosen programme to ensure it aligns with your organisation’s objectives. Be specific about the time and financial commitments involved and clearly articulate the benefits the programme will bring to both you and your employer.
Pursuing a Masters at LBS offers significant advantages for your personal growth and your organisation’s success. When structuring your business case, we suggest focusing on three key areas: network, learning and brand.
Network
At LBS, you’ll collaborate with a diverse group of professionals from a wide range of industries, backgrounds, and nationalities. Additionally, you’ll gain access to LBS’s global alumni network, which includes over 55,000 professionals across 160+ countries.
Emphasise the value of learning from peers with varied experiences and how this exposure can drive innovation in your organisation. For example:
- Gaining insights into best practices from other industries and regions.
- Developing a deeper understanding of client needs to strengthen relationships and boost revenue.
If your employer suggests internal training as an alternative, highlight the unmatched diversity and global perspective offered by LBS.
Learning
LBS programmes provide tailored opportunities to address your organisation’s unique challenges. Some programmes, for instance, include company projects designed to tackle specific issues within your workplace.
With guidance from world-renowned LBS faculty and your peer group, you can deliver impactful solutions that may reduce the need for external consultancy services. This hands-on approach clearly demonstrates the tangible benefits of your participation in the programme.
The LBS Brand
The LBS brand is a powerful asset, particularly if your role involves external engagement with clients or stakeholders.
- An LBS degree signifies credibility, prestige, and world-class expertise, enhancing your ability to attract new business.
- It aligns with organisations that value leaders equipped with global perspectives and innovative strategies.
Position yourself as a strategic investment by showing how the LBS brand aligns with your organisation’s goals and enhances its reputation.
Tailoring the Business Case
Frame your business case around your organisation’s strategic objectives. Companies may have different motivations for sponsorship, such as:
- Supporting employee retention or facilitating key career transitions.
- Developing a global mindset for international expansion or innovation.
To strengthen your proposal, compare LBS programmes with other options, including internal training initiatives. Consider using a value curve or similar tools to visually demonstrate how LBS delivers superior benefits.
Levels of Company Support
Be prepared to negotiate when presenting your case to HR or leadership. Employer contributions vary widely, ranging from partial tuition support to comprehensive sponsorship packages that may cover tuition, accommodation, and travel expenses.
Organisations that gain the most from sponsorship often integrate the programme into an employee’s career development plan. If full funding is unlikely, suggest a cost-sharing arrangement, reflecting the mutual benefits of the programme.
When negotiating, keep these points in mind:
- Employers may require a contractual agreement, such as a commitment to remain with the company for a certain period. If you are seeking full funding, and you are genuinely committed to the firm, we would recommend being as flexible as possible here.
- Reimbursement of the sponsorship if you leave prematurely.
- If tied to a longer tenure, ensure that clear opportunities for advancement are outlined during this time.
Key Questions to Consider
Before preparing your business case, reflect on these critical questions:
- How does this programme align with your organisation’s strategic objectives?
- What unique benefits does LBS offer compared to other options?
- How will you apply your learnings to deliver measurable results for your company?
- Are you prepared to negotiate terms that balance your professional goals with your employer’s expectations?
Your 3 next steps
- Review template Business Case for your programme here.
- Speak to our Business Development team who can support you 1-2-1 in creating your business case: sponsor@london.edu
- Consider all of your funding options here.