How to Take Advantage of Career Advancement Opportunities (That Your Company Will Pay For!)

As college tuition costs and the cost of living continue to rise, pursuing a degree can be a significant investment. This financial reality has led many people to explore alternative educational paths. However, some career paths and promotions can be out of reach without formal credentials. 
 
Here's the good news: Many companies offer education benefits, providing a powerful and affordable way for their employees to earn a degree. Organizations partner with universities like LSU to provide their employees with high-quality, tuition-reimbursed education. Let's explore how you can make the most of these benefits to advance your career and avoid hefty student loan debt. 

What Are Employer Education Benefits? 

Employer education benefits—also known as tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs—are benefits that companies offer to pay for their employees' education costs. Whether the program covers tuition in full or provides partial reimbursement, it allows employees to advance their skills, grow in their roles, and increase their career mobility. 
 
These benefits can vary widely by employer. Some companies may cover all tuition expenses, while others set an annual cap on reimbursements. Certain requirements may apply, such as maintaining a minimum grade, choosing a degree related to your job, or committing to staying with the company for a set period after reimbursement. However, regardless of the specifics, these programs can be a game-changer for employees looking to improve their skills and gain credentials. 

Why Professional Development Matters for Career Growth 

Professional development refers to any activity that helps you refine your skills and knowledge in your field. It's a cornerstone of career growth that can also contribute to the following: 

• Skill Building: Professional development allows you to stay updated in your field, helping you build new skills and enhance existing ones. A study by Accenture and the Lumina Foundation found that employees who took advantage of education benefits saw wage increases of up to 40% within three years and were more likely to be promoted. 
• Job Satisfaction and Engagement: Taking on new learning opportunities can lead to increased engagement and satisfaction at work. Developing skills helps you feel more competent and confident, improving your job experience and work-life balance. 
• Career Growth and Flexibility: Many jobs, especially at management and executive levels, require formal education. Using education benefits, you can gain the qualifications to transition into new roles, pursue promotions, or even switch industries if your interests change over time. 

Companies recognize the impact of professional development on employee engagement and job performance. According to Business Insider, many organizations now sponsor educational programs because they see the benefits of investing in their teams' skills and satisfaction.  

How to Make the Most of Your Education Benefits 

While employer-sponsored education benefits are valuable, not all employees take full advantage of them. Here's how to make sure you do: 

1. Talk to HR or Your Supervisor: The first step is to reach out to your HR department or manager to learn more about your company's education benefit programs. This could be as simple as sending a quick email to ask about available options and any requirements. Many companies also have their policies written out online or on an intranet. 
2. Check for Requirements: Some companies require you to maintain a certain GPA or choose a degree that's relevant to your current position. Make sure you're clear on these conditions before selecting a program so you can design your education plan to meet company guidelines. 
3. Calculate Potential Out-of-Pocket Costs: Education benefits often cover tuition but may not cover other expenses like fees or course materials. Choosing an online degree program, such as those offered through LSU Online & Continuing Education, can help keep these costs low by minimizing campus fees. 
4. Make a Long-Term Commitment: If you're unsure about staying with your current employer, remember that many education programs require employees to commit to a certain period after reimbursement. Consider this when deciding if the program aligns with your career goals. 
5. Choose a Program That Fits: Selecting a degree program that aligns with both your interests and capacity, industry trends, and your employer's requirements is essential. 

Choosing the Right Training for Your Career Goals 

Finding training that aligns with your career is the best way to make the most of your education benefits. Here's how to get started: 

• Identify the needed skills for your role: Think about the most important skills for your current job and any areas where you'd like to grow. Tailoring your training to meet these needs ensures you stay focused on learning that provides immediate value. 
• Seek out relevant programs: Many industries require specific training or certifications. Choose programs that align closely with your career goals and industry requirements.  
  • Online Degree Programs: Many companies offer funding for degrees that align with their needs, so explore programs in fields like business, technology, healthcare, and beyond. These degree programs often include the latest research and practices, equipping you with in-depth knowledge that's valuable across industries. 
  • Professional Development Programs: Professional development courses are typically shorter and focus on specific skills, making them ideal for targeted learning. Whether you want to develop leadership abilities, technical skills, or essential soft skills, these programs can help you make measurable improvements. 
  • Certificates and Specialized Training: If you want to develop specific expertise, certifications in project management, data analysis, or digital marketing can help you earn credentials that distinguish you from others in your field. 
• Consider nontraditional learning experiences: As a working professional, you likely have limited time to pursue a new degree or certificate. Online learning, self-paced learning, and asynchronous classes can help you balance your responsibilities with earning an education.  

Take Charge of Your Career with Employer-Sponsored Education Benefits 

Using your company's education benefits can make a huge difference in your immediate career and your long-term trajectory. Education benefits allow you to avoid student loans, save thousands of dollars, and advance your career. Whether you decide to pursue a new degree, a few courses, or a certificate program, you'll gain new skills to improve your job performance and career flexibility. 

The affordable, flexible programs offered through LSU Online & Continuing Education offer the chance to grow professionally with your employer's support. Ready to take the next step in your career? See if your employer is a partner, or explore all available programs today!