NEGOTIATING JOB AND INTERNSHIP OFFERS
Some of you have recently received, or on the cusp of receiving, offers for post-grad jobs and summer internships. While this is understandably exciting, it’s important to not let the emotional relief of receiving an offer lead to any hasty decisions.
Before accepting, consider all facets of the opportunity — pay, location, start date, job autonomy, professional development, etc. — and consider how they play into your values, goals, and well-being. Consider negotiating if there’s anything with which you’re not satisfied. (Even if you are relatively pleased with the offer, respectful negotiation will still ensure your compensation package is commensurate with the value you’re bringing.)
WHY NEGOTIATE
Negotiation, particularly with regards to salary and benefits, is fundamentally about ensuring your skills, experience, and education are fairly compensated. You deserve to be paid for the value you provide a company. Add to that, negotiating up front (that is, after receiving an offer but before committing) is not only easier than doing so after starting a job, it also helps make sure you aren’t caught off guard by any potentially unsatisfactory conditions of the position.
There’s more to negotiation than short-term satisfaction, too. As this blog post from the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School notes, negotiation can set you up for long-term success:
“Instead of looking at the job you’re applying for as a final destination, think of it as setting you up for the next job and perhaps the one after that, Lax advises. This shift in mindset will allow you to notice the advantages of negotiation in helping you gain the tools you need to grow and thrive. These tools might include a strong support staff, training, or a job title that will set you up for a future career goal.”
Slide from Negotiation & Decision Making Workshop Continue reading →
