Employer Sponsorship Guide

How to show that supporting

you in an IATA academic
program makes good
business sense
Completing an IATA academic program
can be a win-win for you and your employer,
but you must show that the investment is
worthwhile to your employer. We’ve created
this brief guide to help you present a strong
business case to your supervisor and other
stakeholders.

Before you meet with your supervisor

Know the facts: People often are unaware of education benefits available through their employers. Find
out more by speaking with your colleagues and asking your human resources representative about tuition
assistance. Also, be sure to get clarification about any prerequisites and requirements, such as committing to
stay at the company for a designated period or meeting your employer’s academic performance expectations.
Think it through: How will the new skills and knowledge you’ll gain, help you in your current role through
enhanced effectiveness, efficiency, and leadership? What key initiatives will you be able to advance further?
How will it help you grow into a future role at the company? How will you fit class time and coursework into
your work schedule?
Clarify your motivation: In your program application, you’ll be required to submit a letter of motivation.
What would you say in the letter? Knowing in advance will help you prepare for the conversation with your
supervisor.
Consider timing: Choose the right moment to speak with your supervisor. An upcoming performance
appraisal can be an opportune time to discuss career progression and professional development priorities.

Convincing your supervisor

Enhanced productivity: List the aviation skills and knowledge you will gain and explain how you can use them
to benefit the company in your role. Use specific examples and scenarios where possible. Also, numerous
studies have established that increased educational attainment has a positive correlation with employee
productivity. Ideally, show that the expected productivity gains more than offset the cost of the program, by
estimating the value of any gains as a positive return on investment (ROI).
Flexibility: Your employer may be concerned about time away from your work and the cost of travel. Currently,
IATA academic programs are delivered remotely and do not require you to be absent from the workplace. Also,
you may delay some first-year modules to the second year, and the schedule still allows time for you to do
your work.
Motivation: Understanding employee motivation is helpful to any manager concerned about loyalty and
retention. Make it clear that professional development is a key motivator for you, explaining why this IATA
program is the right fit for you and the company. Also, reassure your supervisor that you intend to remain at
the company after program completion.
High quality: Your employer may only make benefits available for programs at accredited and reputable
institutions. IATA partners with world-class educational institutions that are well-known in the aviation industry.
Plus, IATA brings to each program practical insights and training that complement the academic training.

For any other information to support your business case,

please contact us at academicpartners@iata.org