Career Tips

Non paid Internship


I have an interview for an internship next week.  The job description states that while the internship is not paid but there is a stipend that will be rewarded to the intern at the end of the internship.  The stipend varies based on performance.  I know it is usually recommended not to bring up salary in the interview.  In this situation would it be okay to ask about the potential range for the stipend?  I am a full time grad student and the stipend may affect whether or not I would accept the position if offered.  I don't want to waste anyone's time with multiple interviews (if it comes to that) if financially I cannot afford to take the position.

I'd say from the way you described this that the stipend could range from $0 to $(whatever an entry-level person in your field usually makes).  You should go into this figuring that your stipend is $0 and consider anything over that a bonus.  If you can't afford to do that in trade for the great opportunity, then move on.

 

Tess

Sounds to me like the stipend is based on performance, which means the amount - within limits - you receive will be up to you.  If, however, you can't run the risk of a low stipend and you require an internship that has a fixed salary, you might have to pass.  But I don't see how you can ask what the stipend will be during an interview when you're actually the one who will determine the amount based on your performance.  If I were them, and you asked about the stipend, I'd say the amount will depend on how well you do.

Paul W. Barada

The Negotiation Expert

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