5 Ways to Negotiate Your Internship Salary

Negotiating your internship salary may seem intimidating, especially if you are a first-time intern in Malaysia. Nevertheless, it is essential to remember that you possess valuable skills and experiences that can benefit your potential employers. As such, it is only fair that you are compensated appropriately for your time and efforts during the internship period.

Why is it important to negotiate your internship salary?

• To get paid what you're worth: Interns are often undervalued, but that doesn't mean they should be underpaid. By negotiating your salary, you can ensure you're being compensated fairly for your time and skills.
• To set a precedent for your future earnings: Your internship salary is often the first benchmark for your future earnings. By negotiating a higher salary now, you can help to set yourself up for a higher salary in your first real job.
• To demonstrate your confidence and negotiation skills: Employers are impressed by interns who are confident and assertive enough to negotiate their salary. Doing so can show potential employers that you're serious about your career and are not afraid to stand up for yourself.

Read more: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid as an F&B Intern

5 tips on how to negotiate your internship salary

1. Do your research: Before you start negotiating, know the market rate for interns in your industry. You can do this by researching online salary guides or talking to other interns and recent graduates. Once you understand the market rate, you can start to set your target salary.

#Tip: You can find other interns through LinkedIn or use a Salary Checker.

2. Be ready to walk away: If you find yourself dissatisfied with the salary offered by your employer, be prepared to walk away from the negotiation. However, this doesn't mean that you should behave rudely or aggressively. Instead, it's important to stand up for your values and be willing to assert your worth.

3. Be confident: Confidence is key when negotiating your internship salary. Remember that you have something to offer the employer and deserve to be paid fairly. Believe in yourself and your skills, and don't be afraid to ask for what you want!

4. Be professional: Even though you're an intern, maintain a professional tone during the negotiation process. Respect the employer's time, and be prepared to answer any questions.

5. Be flexible: Be flexible during the negotiation process. You may get a different salary than you're asking for. Still, you may be able to negotiate other benefits, such as a higher stipend, more leave days, or a more flexible schedule.

Read more: How do you answer when HR asks, "What is your expected salary?"

Here is an example of how you can negotiate your internship salary:

You: Thank you for offering me the internship position. I'm excited about the opportunity, and I'm confident that I can make a significant contribution to your team.

Employer: Great! We're excited to have you on board. Our standard internship allowance is RM700 per month. Is that acceptable to you?

You: I appreciate the offer, but I was hoping for an allowance of RM900 per month. I have done some research, and that seems to be the market rate for interns in my field in Malaysia.

Employer: I understand. However, our budget is a bit tight this year. Would you be willing to accept an allowance of RM800 per month?

You: I'm willing to be flexible, but I'm not sure if RM800 per month is enough. I have to pay for my transportation, accommodation, and other expenses. Is there any extra allowance for interns?

Employer: What if we offered you a basic allowance of RM800 per month plus an additional travel allowance of RM200?

You: That sounds like a fair offer. I'm happy to accept the internship position under those terms.

#Tip: When negotiating, ask about the company benefits and be confident and realistic.

Additional Tips!

1. Understand the Benefits Package: Internships often come with benefits beyond salary, such as flexible hours, professional development opportunities, or travel allowances. Consider the overall package when evaluating an offer. Sometimes, these benefits can compensate for a lower salary.

2. Choose the Right Time: Timing matters in negotiations. Aim to discuss salary after you've received a formal offer but before you've signed any contracts. This period is when companies are most open to negotiations.

3. Practice Active Listening: Pay close attention to what the employer is saying. Acknowledge their points and respond thoughtfully. Listening actively shows your genuine interest in the position and willingness to collaborate.

4. Follow Up Professionally: After reaching an agreement, email your gratitude for the opportunity and confirm the terms discussed. A professional follow-up showcases your attention to detail and professionalism.

Find internship jobs in Malaysia on Ricebowl

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What should I do if I'm not sure what salary to ask for?

A1: If you need help deciding what salary to ask for, start by doing some research to find out what the market rate is. You can do this by looking at our Salary Checker or talking to other interns and recent graduates. Once you understand the market rate, you can start to set your target salary.

Q2: What should I do if the employer is unwilling to meet my salary demands?

A2: If the employer is not willing to meet your salary demands, you have a few options. You can try to negotiate other benefits, such as more leave days or a more flexible schedule. You can also try to arrange a start date in the future when the employer may have more budget flexibility. If you still disagree, you may need to walk away from the negotiation.

Q3: What should I do if I feel nervous about negotiating my salary?

A3: Feeling nervous about negotiating your salary is normal, especially if you're a first-time intern. However, it's important to remember that you have something to offer the employer and deserve to be paid fairly. Practice negotiating your salary with a friend or family before negotiating with the employer. This will help you to feel more confident and prepared.

Q4: What should I do if I'm unhappy with my internship salary?

A4: If you're unhappy with your internship salary, you can renegotiate with the employer. If the employer is unwilling to renegotiate, you may need to find a new internship. Many internship opportunities are available in Malaysia, so feel free to look for a new one if you're not happy with your current one.

Written by Siti Khairina Mohd Fikri