<p>I was emailed a couple of questions concerning a possible intern position. One of these questions was my expected wage.</p>
<p>I'm a chem e, GPA=3.5, graduating Fall'12, and have no prior industrial experience. I don't want to seem to cheap or too overconfident.</p>
<p>It's a small chemical production company this</a> one. The intern will provide support in formulation, quality control, as well as a number of other engineering related tasks.</p>
<p>what's a fair wage? plz I need answer fast. thanks</p>
<p>$19? I hate those things, I never want to overshoot them. I am IE and was offered ~$20 plus a housing stipend that worked out to 25/hr.</p>
<p>Does it require an actual number?</p>
<p>If not, I’ve always put “commensurate with experience” in that line.</p>
<p>In interviews, I’ve said likewise - “I’d expect to be paid similar to those who have previously held this internship position.” That’s been more than fine in my experience.</p>
<p>Note - it was my Dad who gave the initial suggestion, and he helps in the hiring of interns at his company.</p>
<p>Here’s the info for Clemson: <a href=“http://career.clemson.edu/students/cooperative_education/docs/coop_salary_survey01.03.11.pdf[/url]”>Home-Clemson Center for Career and Professional Development;
<p>Personally, it’s all about what you are getting out of the internship. You have 40 years of your life after college to make money. Take the internship that is more in line with what you want to do with your career.</p>
<p>You may also want to try asking around people a year ahead of you in your department, faculty members, or down at the career center what’s the typical compensation students get from companies like the one hiring you.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind, being underpaid is considerably better than not being paid at all. Especially since the majority of your compensation is actual work experience which will help you get a “real” job when you graduate. ;)</p>
<p>still, a little extra dough can’t hurt</p>