Earning an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) can provide experienced business people a powerful career boost, improving earning potential and adding critical leadership skills needed in today’s rapidly evolving global market. Online EMBA programs, like the Howard University Online Executive MBA, offer convenience for busy professionals looking to bolster their skills and credentials. A Howard degree carries the additional benefit of entry into a powerful alumni network.
Earning an MBA requires a significant investment of time and financial resources. Your employer may be able to help on both fronts. They might offer accommodations to help balance your studies with your work schedule, and many employers offer tuition assistance benefits.
This article provides a step-by-step guide for senior executives on securing employer support and sponsorship to pursue an online EMBA at Howard University.
Why Employers Support EMBAs
The evidence is clear: earning an EMBA yields tangible benefits demonstrating how highly employers value the degree. The 2024 EMBA Council Student Exit Survey found that EMBA graduates received an average increase in compensation of 19.9%. More than half of all graduates reported increased responsibilities; more than one-third received promotions.
EMBA programs develop technical and professional skills that improve leadership, productivity, and results. Employers appreciate that EMBA students return value immediately, applying what they learn in real time. At Howard University, online EMBA students deepen their understanding of executive-level finance, management, business practices, and accounting through coursework, the Strategic Management Capstone, international immersions, and executive coaching. The program fosters advanced skill sets, management proficiency, and comprehensive business knowledge sought by senior executives.
How to Secure Employer Backing (Step-by-Step Guide)
Use the following approach in your efforts to secure employer backing for your Howard EMBA journey.
Step 1: Build Your Case
Explain how your employer will benefit from your EMBA. Start by identifying organizational needs or challenges and then explain how the Howard EMBA can equip you to address these. Focus on specific skills and insights you will gain and highlight the program’s unique strengths, such as the Strategic Management Capstone, in which students build executive-level finance, management, and accounting competencies while accruing hands-on experience. International immersions are designed to equip students to solve global business challenges.
Step 2: Demonstrate ROI
You can strengthen your case for support by discussing — and, if possible, quantifying — your employer’s return on investment in your EMBA. Highlight the enhanced leadership and decision-making skills you’ll gain explaining how these new capabilities can be directly applied toward solving organizational challenges, driving innovation, and effectively managing teams. Highlight specific skills targeted by the Howard EMBA curriculum: e.g., managing technology, marketing strategy, supply chain management, global business analytics. You can support your argument with data from the 2024 EMBA Council Student Exit Survey and this EdAssist study on the benefits of tuition reimbursement programs.
Step 3: Address Employer Concerns
Your employer may have concerns about balancing your academic commitments with ongoing professional responsibilities. Be prepared to explain how you will manage your workload and maintain productivity — for example, by emphasizing the flexible scheduling of online classes or highlighting specific strategies you’ll use to ensure minimal disruption at work. By directly addressing common concerns such as scheduling conflicts, you help reassure your employer that supporting your EMBA will be a positive decision that aligns closely with company interests. If your employer is concerned about costs and budgeting, consider exploring additional funding options, like scholarships, to help offset the cost of your EMBA.
Step 4: Create a Formal Proposal
Creating a formal presentation demonstrates professionalism and should improve your chances of securing employer backing for your EMBA. Include the following in your proposal for maximum impact:
- An overview of the program and its key strengths
- Tuition costs and funding options that can supplement your employer’s financial support
- How the degree aligns with organizational goals (include your ROI examples here)
- How you plan to balance professional and academic responsibilities
- Your commitment to remaining with the organization after earning your degree
Turn Employer Support Into Your Next Career Move
Earning an EMBA from Howard University can deliver various benefits for you and your organization. On a personal level, earning an EMBA can help you accelerate your career, qualify for executive positions, and boost your earning potential. Your employer will benefit from your improved proficiency. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, schedule a Howard EMBA application walkthrough or apply today.
