Making Better Decisions
Stay motivated and on track with your long-term goals by grounding yourself with frameworks for easier and more intuitive decision making.
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Currently a student looking to enter the job market in less than 2 years, what should I be looking for in offers, and what are some benefits I should be asking about as a potential employee. This is regardless of pay. How do I know a company wants to invest in me?
It's hard to say what the average job offer will look like in 2 years. Here are some benefits you want to look for: healthcare - medical, dental, vision (and is the employer paying or are you or both); retirement plan and does your company offer a matching contribution; personal time off (pto) and sick days - how many of these do you get? Are they automatic or do you have to accrue/earn them?
In terms of how you know a company is willing to invest in you, pay attention to how the offer is made and if they're willing to negotiate. Some companies and organizations have a strict budget. In those instances they may not be able to offer the money you're looking for on day 1, but it's a good sign if they're willing to negotiate something. For example, re-visiting your pay in 6 months or offering you more remote working days or PTO. Whatever you agree to, be sure to get it in writing.
I am seeking out internship opportunities, when extended an offer, there is a deadline to accept or decline. Since different companies offer at different times, and I am not sure I will be offered from my preferred company, should I accept now and declined later? Is that wrong?
I recommend ranking the internships from your favorite to least favorite. When you get an offer, feel free to reach out to your higher ranked internships and let them know you have received an offer and ask what their anticipated response timeline is. Sometimes they will make an earlier decision if they know you have a competing offer. Try to avoid declining after accepting, since you never know when you may come across that recruiter or employer later. You don't want to burn that bridge. If you change your mind after accepting, let them know as soon as you can and provide a simple explanation as to why you're now declining.
Here's an article on 10 self-affirmations you can use to counter micro-aggressions. Also, be encouraged to create your own affirmations.
Thank you for sharing this. (My field can be kind of isolating, so it’s really helpful to think about ways I can respond to micro-aggressions, by myself).