Convince your manager: talking points
Use these talking points in a discussion with your manager or in your letter or benefits worksheet.
Be strategic. Think about what is going on in your company right now. Is there a big job that requires new skills? Is it time to evaluate new software or hardware? Does your firm have job openings? When you state your reasons for wanting to go to AU, consider what is most important to your company first.
Also, try to put yourself in your manager’s position. If you can explain why AU answers a specific need he or she has, you will be much more likely to gain approval to attend. For example, if your manager is really interested in mobile technology, you can offer to attend classes and visit vendors who address that topic.
Training
ReviewAU sessions for examples and make a list of the types of classes that will provide the most benefit for your office. Is your firm getting all it can from the software it uses? What skills do you need to improve your company’s competitiveness in visualization, building information modeling (BIM), or cloud technology? Remember that you can get Autodesk Certified for free at AU.
Strategy and trends
AU offers classes that address the latest trends and provide real-world solutions. In addition, vendors in the AU Exhibit area display the latest technology and services for design firms. Does your firm need to learn about cloud computing? Are you trying to manage large BIM projects using distributed teams? Tell your manager how classes at AU can help your firm understand and manage new technologies. Make a list of the types of classes that you want to take.
Networking
AU is where everyone comes together. You can find out what other firms are doing to solve problems that your organization has encountered. You can make industry contacts that might help your firm win the next big job. You might even find the perfect team member to plug a hole in your firm's skill set. Tell your manager how you plan to meet people, and ask if there are specific types of contacts it would be advantageous for your firm to make.
Bringing it home
When you come back from AU, it is important to share what you learn with your colleagues. Tell your manager exactly how you plan to do that. Will you host some lunchtime training sessions? Create new standards documents? Host webinars? Have a plan and include it in your request packet.