Internship Negotiation

Can I negotiate salary/start date/length of my internship?

Answer

You can attempt to negotiate everything.  For the larger corporate programs, salary will probably be consistent among all new hires (no matter the school).  Start date may be tricky to negotiate, as well, because many of the larger firms plan for a day or two of orientation.  The length of internships is usually a standard 10 weeks, but last year this standard was flexible.  Some firms had eight-week internships and many firms will be accommodating if you want to stay longer.  Staying a shorter amount of time, however, might prove difficult.  But, hey, it doesn’t hurt to ask.  Always be professional in every negotiation and if you don’t get what you want, don’t show it, because  they will certainly be watching your reaction.

Connie Thanasoulis is co-founder of SixFigureStart, a success-coaching firm that equips college students and young professionals with the skills and knowledge essential to ensuring success early on in their careers. She comes from 25 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies, including Merrill Lynch, Pfizer, and Citigroup.

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