5 Excuses for NOT taking an Executive Education program SMASHED

1. ‘It costs too much!’

A turbulent global marketplace and disruptive technologies mean the world is changing quickly, and organizations need to invest in their workforce in ways they might not have before. Sponsoring professional development so employees can keep their skills sharp makes sense. Also, local and federal government agencies offer job grant programs that can provide partial financing to some organizations and businesses for employee education. Get details about one Ontario program here. Studies have proven that an investment in executive education pays off for businesses and career professionals.

2. ‘I’ve had a lot of formal education, now it’s time to learn on the job!’

There’s no doubt that direct experience on the job quickly enhances expertise, knowledge and confidence. But day-to-day demands can make problem analysis and personal reflection difficult. How does one prepare for an unpredictable future? Like everything else in today’s volatile world, success in the corporate sphere is a moving target. Employees can’t give up expanding their professional skills and insight if they expect to get ahead. Strategic thinking, leadership and management skills aren’t eternal qualities. Executive education credentials show employers that a worker is preparing to tackle the challenges ahead.

3. ‘I’m just a small business owner!’

Although on a different scale, small businesses deal with issues of governance, risk management and leadership similar to a big company. The insight and skill development offered by executive education is just as valuable. There are even executive education programs that deal specifically with entrepreneurship and can help a small business thrive, whether it functions as a retail shop, a B2B service provider or a non-profit organization. Enhanced knowledge in finance, sales leadership or any dimensions of business can help put a company of any size on the path to success.

4. ‘No time for that!’

Work/life balance is a major consideration in today’s stressful work environments. Executive education providers understand that and offer classes that take place on weekdays during work hours. On-line and blended learning delivery formats make the experience infinitely more convenient and allows for maximum flexibility. Blended options offer the benefits of both the immediacy of the classroom and the convenience of distance learning. Some certificate programs have a modular structure, where programs can be taken independently or build on each other, and participants have the freedom to spread out their classes to obtain a master’s certificate. It’s possible for anyone to find a program that suits their schedule!

5. ‘I’m not an executive and don’t want to be one!’

Not everyone is vying for the corner office. Many workers are happy to be in positions they excel at and enjoy. But even if a senior position isn’t in a worker’s sightlines, that doesn’t mean they can take anything for granted. In these turbulent times, skills that are valued today might be obsolete tomorrow. Executive education isn’t always geared towards those climbing the corporate ladder; it is also for people who want to expand their skills and knowledge in what they are currently doing. Enriching one’s toolkit will make such a worker even more valuable to their organization and less likely to be let go in times of transition and restructuring.