L.L. Bean Partners With B-School

L.L. Bean is offering to pay for its employees’ MBA.

In a partnership with Husson University in Maine, the outdoors company will offer 22 employees selected by lottery the opportunity to pursue their MBA at the university, the Portland Press Herald reports.

“We were attracted to the opportunity to offer a program for our employees that leveraged Husson’s experience and the strength of their program,” Maureen Lafferty, director of human resources at L.L. Bean, tells the Portland Press Herald. “We’re excited for the opportunity for our employees to pursue their education, and that they can do so conveniently onsite.”

PAID BY L.L. BEAN

Nearly 100 employees cited interest in the program, however, those not selected will have the opportunity to pursue their MBA online through Husson University.

Tuition will be paid for through the company’s tuition reimbursement program, although employees themselves will be responsible for fees.

WIN-WIN

For the employees, the program enables them to build business skills at little to no cost.

“The MBA program provides participants with the opportunity to deepen creativity and knowledge of organizational systems in addition to expanding knowledge of organizational systems and leadership,” Marie Hansen, dean of Husson’s College of Business, says in a press release.

On the other side, L.L. Bean benefits from the skills its employees bring back.

“L.L. Bean benefits from the knowledge our employees gain through an MBA program in terms of business understanding and leadership skills,” Lafferty tells the Portland Press Herald. “Opportunities for employee development also strengthen our ability to retain current and recruit future employees.”

Sources: Portland Press Herald, Husson University