Training – How to Plan and Negotiate It

The annual appraisal interview is the ideal opportunity for this. However, you should find out in advance exactly what you want to do and how you can achieve this goal.

• Ask yourself the questions: "Where exactly do I want to go? Do I have a specialist role in mind or would I rather take on a leadership role? Take a close look at your career so far and write down your strengths.
• Find out which skills will be in demand in your industry in the future and what further training you could do to increase your employability.

The annual appraisal interview is the ideal opportunity for this. However, you should find out in advance exactly what you want to do and how you can achieve this goal.

• Once you've set your sights on a goal, find out what skills you need to achieve it. Do you need an academic degree with ETCS points or is further education outside of a university sufficient?
• What financial resources are necessary? Can you find these yourself or do you want to negotiate financial or time support with your employer?
• Find out how much time this further education will cost you. Is it compatible with your current work? Will you have to reduce your workload?
• Put togehter arguments in favor of your further training for your discussion with your superior. Refer to your good performance so far and also to a wage increase that might be due this year (high inflation, etc.). Maybe you can negotiate that your employer (co-)finances your further education instead of a wage increase.
• In our guide to salary negotiation, you will find helpful examples of arguments you can use to negotiate further training.
• Explain to your superiors exactly what advantages the company will have if you acquire new skills.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Dare to lay the foundation for a career change through continuing training. You have nothing to lose.