Jobs & Internships
How do you find the right job or internship? Whether you’re looking for full-time or part-time opportunities, on-campus or off-campus, you can count on the Career Design Center for advice and connections throughout your search.
The moment that you've worked so hard for. After all the applications, interviews and all the stress that goes with it -- you finally got an offer.
Congratulations!
After you do a quick victory dance, here's some advice on all the things you should consider before accepting.
When evaluating a job offer you should consider many factors besides salary! Think about what is important to you and whether can you really commit to this organization.
What to consider when evaluating a job offer
- Nature of the work
- Level of responsibility
- Base salary/raises/performance bonuses
- Organizational culture/co-workers and supervisor
- The organization’s values/reputation/stability/location
- Health benefits (medical, dental, vision, health club membership, life insurance, etc.)
- Signing bonus/retirement (401k)/stock options/profit sharing, etc.
- Relocation assistance/ongoing travel
- Vacation time/tuition assistance
- Mentoring possibilities/advancement opportunities
Questions to ask before accepting
- What will be exact job title be?
- Who will I report to?
- When is my start date?
- What is the base salary rate? Is it payable monthly, semi-monthly or bi-weekly?
- What expenses are covered for relocation?
- What benefits will I have? Health insurance, dental, or vision? If so, what will my contribution be?
- Is there paid overtime?
- Do I get any sick or personal time? If so, how much and are there any restrictions?
- How many vacation days will I receive?
Career Design Studio
The Career Design Studio has tools and resources to help you when you're accepting a job/internship offer. Check it out now. >>
If you are happy with the compensation offered, accept it. If you believe you are being offered compensation below fair market value then it is time to negotiate.
Other things you may want to negotiate:
- Start date
- Opportunity to work remotely
- Vacation days
Before you begin the negotiation process make sure to do some research! Research your market value, typical salary ranges for the position and learn the employer’s compensation guidelines (salary or dollars per hour) and be sure to get the final details in writing.
Example Salary Negotiation Conversation
You: “I want to say again how extremely pleased I am to have the opportunity to work with you and this organization. I would like to discuss the compensation. Is there flexibility with the salary?"
Organization’s Representative: “Yes, there might be some flexibility. What did you have in mind?”
You: “I understand that you prefer to bring recent college graduates in at the lower end of the range for this position because they typically lack the experience that warrants a higher salary. However, I believe my two years of summer internship experience within this industry plus my leading edge technical skills warrant a higher salary.”
Other Helpful Tips
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When you land that job or internship, tell us about it.
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