Applying for internships is a long process. You start with researching the companies you want to work for, followed by applying, conducting informational interviews, and going through multiple rounds of case interviews. If you do everything properly, with a little bit of luck, you will get an offer. If you really push forward, you might even end up getting multiple offers.
The question then becomes which offer to accept and which ones to decline. While applicants usually place a lot of importance on the salary and other financial benefits (stock options, sign-on bonus, reallocation compensation, and 401k contribution), in order to make the best decision there are three other factors you should consider.
1. Company culture
Each firm has a different culture, which is a very broad concept that revolves around the company’s shared values, attributes, characteristics, and employees. While some firms have fixed hierarchal structures, others are more flexible. Some focus on teamwork, while others prefer a more individualistic approach. Some have a casual dress code, while others are more formal. These are just a few of the ways that firm culture can differ.
When you are attending careers events and doing your informational interviews, be sure to ask about the company’s culture. Ensure that you ask this question to as many people as possible because everyone will have a slightly different answer. If you have a specific question, make sure to be specific. Ideally, you need to find a culture that fits your own personal style. Perhaps you are looking for a company where employees like to hang together not only during working hours but after work as well. Alternatively, maybe you prefer to keep your personal and professional life separate. Whatever your style is, makes sure it is a good fit with the company you plan to work for. Finding a work environment where you feel comfortable is crucial for your long-term success at that company.
2. Management style
Before accepting an offer, inquire about who your direct manager or supervisor is going to be. Make sure to find out about their working style and see whether the two of you are likely to be a good fit. Not all managers are suitable to work for – some have a very straightforward and direct communication style, which may not match your expectations. You can carry out primary research by talking with people who have worked under a specific person. Reach out to them and ask about their experiences working with your potential manager. You can ask about things such as their method of giving feedback, how flexible they are when you need to take vacation days, and the fairness of the review process. Having a great manager sometimes requires a stroke of good luck. Having a bad manager can make your work life miserable and get your career off to a bad start. Managers develop a reputation over time, and so you just need to ask around before signing on the dotted line.
3. Co-workers
There is a lot of room to grow in your workplace. You get to learn from each project you work on and from your supervisor. However, you can learn even more from your co-workers. If you are the smartest person in the room, you’ll have no one to learn from or ask for help when you need it. During a typical workday, you will spend 8 hours or more with your colleagues, especially if you are working in a consulting project team. Hence, conduct your due diligence before accepting the offer. Use LinkedIn to see who will be working in your department. Try to find out about the previous projects that your potential co-workers have worked on. This will help you to determine if your potential colleagues have complementary skills and if they are likely to be a good fit.
Finding a job takes work. Finding the right job that fits your career aspirations, financial expectations and character requires a lot of work, a ton of research and a bit of luck.
If you are lucky enough to have multiple offers for your internship, make sure to inquire about the company’s culture, your potential manager and co-workers. These elements can really enhance or inhibit your performance, and make a big difference to your career in the long run.
Tringa Krasniqi holds an MBA degree from The George Washington University. She is the founder and consultant at Ivy Journey, an educational consulting firm for gaining admission to universities and winning scholarships.
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