This is long, sorry. Cliffs at the end. So I'm graduating from GT in May and started the job hunt this past fall. I was brand new to this whole interviewing thing, and it was obvious in the first couple, but I started to get it down by the last few. Well, the experience paid off. I just recently got an offer with a major corporation (I'm going to leave out the name right now, just in case there is some crazy chance that someone knows someone, but I will say it involves the automobile industry :naughty. Awesome! I'm excited. Someone wants me. Now the hard part. This offer isn't my top pick. However, I only have a limited time to decide, and the only other companies that I've had bites with are waiting until the new year to start worrying about summer hires. I also didn't really dive into the job search as much as I had planned. I only really interviews with 6 or 7 companies. So basically I'm left with a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush situation. My offer is definitely a good job. And while a little less than the pay I was hoping (still decent though), the room for growth, the experience with corporate America, and their tuition reimbursement plan for further education (I'm planning to get my MBA) are all quite appealing. So do I pass on this good job in hopes that I'll get something more preferential in the future, or do I take this offer and run with it? I had also even considered taking the offer, but still looking. However, after some research I found that this is a really big business faux pas. I'm not looking for someone to tell me what to do here. I've talked to a lot of friends and family. I just thought writing it out to an attentive audience would help me out. Thanks for listening and input and questions are more than welcome. Cliffs: Got a job offer. Pros: Big company that seems to be doing alright despite economy. Corporate experience Will help with MBA I have the offer now (with the economy being that way it is, this is a big one) Cons: Big company (I recently started leaning towards smaller companies) unfamiliar location (but still in the south east) pay isn't quite what I wanted not my top choice Input and questions are more than welcome. All in all though, I must say, this is a pretty nice problem to have
I'm with you on this. I'm graduating in a few weeks and havent really done much job hunting at all. Fellinis keeps giving me raises so thats a plus but I really need something more concrete and challenging. I dont know what I'd do in your situation, probably keep looking until you find something you really like. I'm going to abuse the hell out of my delta flight benefits and go job hunting all around the country in January. I'm more looking to get out of the south and ideally out of the country for the short term.
Yeah, there definitely is a part of me that wants to keep looking. A big hesitation is just the economy though. I've already heard of multiple companies that always hire through Tech, not hiring anyone this year. I'd just kick myself if I turn down this job, and then can't get anything in the Spring because the competition is so tight. I also have to add I don't have the strongest resume ever. Only a little relevent work experience and a sub 3.0 GPA (barely). So in the event that the competition gets a little stiff because of a lesser amount of jobs, I'm worried I might be out of luck. Very cool. I'm not really looking to do it fresh out of school, but I definitely hope to work abroad at some point. It would probably be better to do it sooner than later too (having a family would make things more difficult).
I went through the exact same dilemma not that long ago. I picked out large regional firm over big national firm for the opportunity of learning and growth. Having a job at a BIG corp will get you some recognition among your friends, but I rather take more humble approach and pick position that will put me on the track of my future plan (having my own firm). HOWEVER, my advice cannot be applied in this economic recession!! Take the offer and start working. Make money, and SAVE! Then, when the economy turns out better (in 2-3yr), you can pick different company to grow with (or you might want to stay there too). BTW, what's your concentration/major?
I'm an Industrial and Systems Engineering major. From what I've seen it's a pretty versatile major (Walmart just elected an IE Tech grad as their CEO ). I'd like to stick in a engineering field but eventually just work towards the management side of it (hence the MBA). Ideally I think I'd like to work for a small consulting firm. My offer is with a large Manufacturer. Haha, pretty different, but I'm really not ruling anything out (or else I wouldn't have interviewed in the first place). I too am interested in eventually owning my own firm. I just like the personal touch of a smaller company. However, I know that some corporate experience could definitely go a long way.
Oh and another plus that I thought about. For the first 6 months I'd be going through a sort of training program where I'd be doing a lot of traveling and seeing the ins and outs of the company. During this six months I'm still making full salary, but the company is paying for my lodging (a combination of hotels and furnished apartments). That means I should be able to do a pretty good job at stockpiling my funds for the first half year. Starting my regular job with a padded bank account would sure be nice.
I say take the job.. as you know, the economy sucks right now.. everyone is laying off or at least in a hiring freeze. So, you getting an offer right now is huge (especially right before the end of the year). As others have stated, take this job, and take advantage of all it has to offer (experience, tuition assistance, further training etc..), all the while you can be saving money... And you can job hunt/interview while your making money, instead of not having a job and sweating bills/rent etc..
I have to second the take the job thing. You really cant underestimate experience and you will begin making new contacts. With the idea of employer/employee loyalty a thing of the past, you can get a year or two of experience and move on without burning any bridges. And with employee attrition rates you will probably have a raise in the first six months as someone leaves and you get promoted...good luck either way!
Ultimately it is up to you, and what you feel is going to be best for your career. One big thing to keep in mind with the current economy however, is the fact that many companies are going on hiring freezes and/or hiring a LOT less people than they usually would. That said, if you think the possible growth at this offer is good, it may be the smart decision to take it and run, but that is just my opinion. Good luck in your choice, and congrats on graduating (soon)
first of all congrats. not everyone is so lucky to be getting a good offer in these times! i would go with the offer -- you can get yourself into a solid position, earn some money and SAVE for a while, and if they are offering tuition reimbursement that's great, take advantage of that because many places don't have it. once you've spent a little time there, you'll have pumped up your resume a bit too. i think spending a year or two there in a secure position while the economy recovers is a good idea before looking around again for your ideal position.
Congrats, and if I were you I'd take it From what I've seen its much easier to start your career at a larger company and move to a smaller one later. Especially if its a reputable one
like everyone else...congrats on the soon to be graduating and take the job and learn all you can! Hope it works out!!! please keep us updated...
everyone has to work from the bottom to get to where they want to be in life. meaing everyone has to work those shitty jobs, or jobs they're not quite sure of, etc. take the job work it for a couple years, make some connections with their partners/sub-companies/etc and take a better paying, more lucrative job at one of those companies
Well spoken, wise one. I am an engineer that works for a company that makes automation machines. Our clients are manufacturers all over the US (+ Mex, PR,...), in many diverse industries. For 2009, we are looking at a challenging situation. Our once-strong clients have been slashing capital budgets and laying folks off. Even in 'protected' industries like nuclear, pharma, medical devices, power distribution,.... So, you have a sub 3.0 and an awesome job offer. Take the job. Stay with it as long as you please (3yrs, then things will be 'normal' again), go job hunting again - by then, your grades won't matter even a little bit. In the meantime, you will have had the opportunity to get the MBA. I'd say you're not really in a position to judge if a job is good/bad/indifferent. Hell, I've been in industry for 15 years now and I can't truly make an accurate forecast of whether a potential offer is any good or not. If you're not happy with the starting salary, you could always tell them about another offer you have....but be awfully careful - a good HR rep could call your bluff. Congratulations on the offer. You're obviously a good interview candidate.
Haha well the opinion seems rather unanimous Thanks for all of the congrats and input guys. Honestly, before I wrote this I was leaning towards taking it (after wavering for a few days). I still want to chew on it a little more, but you all are making a lot of sense. I'll definitely let you know what my final decision is. Unless I decide to ask for an extension, I'll know by Friday at the latest.
About the salary, do you think it would be alright just to ask if it's negotiable? I figure the worst they can say is no. I don't really want to try to leverage against another fictional offer because she does seem pretty good. I was thinking more along the lines of "Most the jobs I'm looking at had salaries in the $x range" (note: use of ambiguous words "looking at"). The only thing that I think may get shot down is the fact that they have a scaled yearly bonus program, and in good years I'd be making a 20% bonus. Thus, easily bringing my salary back into the range I was hoping. Of course, I was told that the way things are going it might be a few years before they're back up to that 20% level. Haha, I don't want to seem greedy.
Well, the worst they can do is rescind your offer! Tread carefully. I can't tell you what to do. Personally, I have always preferred to do a bit of horse trading when it comes to salary offers. Usually I view an offer as the first bid in a negotiation. Of course, following my example may make you most unhappy. OTOH, your suggested line of dialog seems reasonable. But if you use it, make sure you have specific facts at the ready, including benefits and bonus information. Keep in mind that the HR lady is much better at this bidness than you are
Haha it's all good. I still appreciate the input. Have you ever had an offer rescinded because of your negotiation? There's also the fact that I am a fresh out of college employee (or will be), and I don't know if I really have the experience to argue for a higher pay.
Dave H said it best, take it. Waiting it out could leave you high and dry. People in all industries are fighting for entry level to upper management positions. Get in, work hard, and never look back. Make sure when you accept you have ZERO second thoughts. As far as negotiating salary, make your case, but tread lightly. Of course, keep it respectable, show strong interest in the position, and have a few facts (job description, location, median pay, industry financials) ready to discuss. Another option that you can toss up is that AFTER you successfully complete your training, that you get a % bump on your salary. I have done it once and it worked well, especially if you work hard and kick ass! Stay at the company through your MBA, then see what they offer you versus other firms. Good luck!
Nope. I can't remember if I negotiated salary on my 1st grad job or not.... I was paid so little, I suspect I took the 1st offer. What industry are you entering? As an aside, a lot of folks advocate working for a big company. Sure, lots of good reasons to do this*. But be careful, you can become a specialist and less employable in the future. Small companies offer a huge benefit to one who is entrepreneurial: you can get to wear more hats. This is extremely valuable preparation for the future. * except for the fact that I think so much of US corporate culture blows
Thats is my biggest fear! Luckily I am trying to be proactive. Getting my MS/MBA, along with being an Access/Excel guru, I can be an analyst in any field (with a little training). If you take the job, always look for ways that you can be cross-trained, or help on other projects that are not directly in your position. It helps a lot!
Take it and keep looking at your leisure. This is common anyway. Once your foot is in the door the sky's the limit. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. There is nothing stating you can't continue to look and take a better offer if one surfaces. Just the simple fact that you are marketable right now says allot. Once the economy turns and you have experience under your belt you will have phenomenal opportunities. Sounds like you have been making good decisions so far......Good Luck!
Eh, I might as well reveal it. The chance of someone personally knowing the person hiring me is less than slim. It's with Bridgestone Firestone. Their corporate office is in Nashville, where I wouldn't mind working after the training program if possible. That way I could hopefully pursue an MBA from Vandy.
Take the damn job! I graduated with my bachelors 2 months ago and was forced to get a job at Fry's Electronics making $8.50 an hour and freelance editing on the side (I went to school for video production) If it hasn't been for my family I would be living in my car.
Just an update, I accepted the job offer this afternoon I did try to negotiate salary a little but they seemed pretty steadfast. Haha it surprised the hell out the HR lady I was talking to when immediately after getting rejected for a pay increase, I accepted the job anyways. So, come July 2009, I'll be in Nashvegas.