In a Tight Job Market – benefits become a Major Benefit.

The two week vacation and partially subsidized insurance are the norm in the United States. Edith Ramirez, a client accounting manager, is thankful for the extras she has taken advantage of during her 15 years working at Bromley Communications.

Beyond liberal vacations and insurance benefits, Bromley Communications offers its employees shorter hours on Fridays during the summer months. For Ramirez, a mother of two, it’s extremely valuable. “Summer Fridays is a great help to fit in doctor’s appointments, especially for the kids. The whole benefits package here is a step above. It’s a huge difference.”

Perhaps the biggest benefit to Ramirez is a longstanding arrangement between Bromley Communications and the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). Bromley employees and their immediate family members are eligible to take coursework at any of UIW’s campuses, tuition-free. By Ramirez’ count, she and her husband have received nearly $50,000 in educational benefits for free.

Her husband finished his BBA in Management at UIW. Later, the couple set their sights on MBAs. They have been taking one course per semester, together, for several years, and after their current session ends, they will be short only two classes for their graduate degrees.

“It’s very convenient,” says Ramirez of UIW’s ADCAP (Adult Degree Completion Program) program which is an accelerated program of studies designed for working adults. “A lot of us have families and the professors are very understanding. It’s still a lot of work, but less stressful, and eight weeks goes by really fast. It’s more convenient and they have options to fit our needs.”

Bromley has offered the UIW coursework benefit to its staff since the mid 1980s. It has been one of the most popular benefits, allowing not only the employees, but their spouses or children to attend elective classes, complete an undergrad or graduate degree. Additionally, Bromley works with UIW to identify interns who often will advance to full time permanent positions.

“We’re pleased that our partnership with Bromley Communications has provided opportunities for their employees and families to attain their dream of a quality higher education,” said UIW President Dr. Lou Agnese. “We look forward to continuing our special relationship with Bromley Communications well into the future.”

“It gives you a more well-rounded perspective of the agency as a whole,” adds Ramirez about how the advance learning has helped at her job. “At Bromley, everyone works close together. I’m taking marketing and human resources classes so now I know where everyone’s coming from.”

By Deborah Charnes
Bromley Communications