Ask HN: Younger/less experienced person here. Should I ask for a raise?
2 comments
From what I've seen at IBM/HP, interns/coops usually get paid somewhere around $20 to $25. A bit lower if a freshman, higher if grad student. And last I heard, the MECOP program at Oregon State sets a floor of $15 an hour for interns and it sounds like the vast majority, if not all companies, pay more than that.
So while not an apples to apples comparison, I'd say at $15/hour you're low assuming no equity. That said, unless you need the money to survive, I would view the job as a springboard to your future goals.
So if you're learning a lot and enjoy what you're doing, I'd recommend sticking around. Maybe you can make a play for some equity? On the other hand, if you don't feel like your skills/resume are developing, consider looking for an upgrade (pay and personal development).
On the last point, I've been out of college for almost 10 years now and I still pick up quite a bit from my coworkers. It sounds like you're developing on an island which is both good and bad. You learn a lot, but you also miss out on the expertise of others. Something else to consider.
So while not an apples to apples comparison, I'd say at $15/hour you're low assuming no equity. That said, unless you need the money to survive, I would view the job as a springboard to your future goals.
So if you're learning a lot and enjoy what you're doing, I'd recommend sticking around. Maybe you can make a play for some equity? On the other hand, if you don't feel like your skills/resume are developing, consider looking for an upgrade (pay and personal development).
On the last point, I've been out of college for almost 10 years now and I still pick up quite a bit from my coworkers. It sounds like you're developing on an island which is both good and bad. You learn a lot, but you also miss out on the expertise of others. Something else to consider.
Definitely go ahead and ask for a raise. You've been working for a year and from your post, have big responsibilities. Hesitation is a bitch.
Up until this point, my pay has been set at around $15 an hour. I know I am just a freshman with only a year of professional experience, but I am also aware that I have a lot of skill and contribute value on many fronts. I was wondering if you guys had any ideas about salaries for younger people who may not have been in the workforce very long. Thanks so much for your help.