Urgent! Need Your Thoughts on This Situation
Hi everyone, I’m set to start a part-time internship in the finance industry this April, though I won’t disclose the specific area just yet.
The owner initially offered me a salary equivalent to that of a full-time intern. However, I believe he may not fully understand the typical pay rates for interns, given his wealth and the size of his office.
When I pointed out that this was actually the full-time salary, I suggested a figure closer to $XXX (not in USD). He seemed fine with it and said I could take the full-time salary.
However, after further consideration, I spoke with the Accounting manager and mentioned that the initial offer was a bit high for my part-time role. I proposed accepting half of that salary plus a performance-based bonus.
Now, I’m concerned about how the owner might perceive my decision to negotiate. The manager hasn’t communicated this to him yet.
Do you think my negotiation could come off as disrespectful to him? I would appreciate any advice or thoughts you may have on this. I’m looking for urgent feedback. Thanks!
One response
It sounds like you’re in a delicate situation, and it’s understandable to feel unsure about how your decision might be perceived. Here are a few points to consider:
Transparency: You were honest about what you felt was a more appropriate salary given your part-time status. It’s important to communicate your value and what you believe is fair compensation.
Context Matters: Since the owner is wealthy and may not be fully aware of industry standards for interns, your clarification about the pay was reasonable. It’s possible he simply didn’t realize the difference between full-time and part-time intern salaries.
Performance-Based Pay: Suggesting a lower base salary with a performance bonus shows that you’re willing to earn your compensation and are confident in your abilities. This can actually be viewed positively, as it indicates that you’re results-oriented.
Respectful Communication: Even though you rejected the initial offer, as long as you communicated your thoughts respectfully and professionally, it should not come off as disrespectful. People in business understand that negotiation is part of the process.
Future Conversations: Since the accountant manager hasn’t communicated this to the owner yet, it might be wise to express your concerns to them first. You could articulate that you want to ensure clarity and maintain a good relationship with the owner.
Overall, it seems you approached the situation with thoughtfulness, and as long as you stay professional in your interactions moving forward, you should be fine. Good luck with your internship!