There is no silver bullet or standard operating procedure that can ensure financial sponsorship, but here are a few guidelines that may help, including a Sample Sponsorship Request (PDF, 1,200KB) written by a former student.

Start early. This may be the single most important piece of advice. The process often takes longer than you think. Allow enough time to plan your proposal and get the needed approvals and endorsement letter ready by the February 1 application deadline.

Know your own organization. Do the research. Understand your organization's policies and processes for this type of request, and tailor your request so that it can be reviewed and evaluated easily. Find out if others from your organization have done this (or a similar) program; if possible, talk to them about their experience and ask their advice on making your request for sponsorship.

Consider your sponsor's perspective. Think through and communicate the advantages that attending this program and earning a Wharton degree can bring to the organization and to you as an employee. How will the experience prepare you to contribute more effectively to the company? What makes the Wharton degree more appropriate than other programs that might be less expensive? How are you prepared to make sure that your company will get a good return on its investment? (As a start, you might check out the For Sponsors section, and think about how the advantages and questions cited there can be translated to your own situation.)

Take steps to minimize negative impact and maximize gains. Anticipate ways that you can minimize the impact of your time away from the office and maximize gains, not only for your management but also for your peers and reports. There's no way to avoid the fact that you will be missing work and that others will have to adjust their schedules and expectations (and sometimes, workloads) for you to take advantage of this opportunity. What can you do in advance and during the program to reduce potential conflicts, demonstrate your appreciation, and bring back some of the program's benefits to your colleagues?

Create a proposal and a profile that speaks for you. In larger organizations, where the final decision may not be made by someone you know, prepare a proposal that also includes something about you and your work. Take a look at this Sample Sponsorship Request (PDF, 1,200KB), written by a former student.

Be prepared to negotiate positively. Depending on your situation, your priorities, and your organization, there may be some flexibility even when your company cannot provide full, no-strings-attached support. Are you willing to use some of your vacation days or forego a raise or bonus? Would you be willing to commit to staying with the organization for a specified period of time after earning your degree?

Start early. Yes, it's worth repeating.