Angela explains that the compensation package that employees receive is more than just salary. The whole package is more than just a single number.

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Angela begins by urging students to recognize the elements of compensation packages beyond just salary. Other equally important elements in the job offer are benefits, program policies, and office culture. Benefits such as medical insurance, bonuses, and leave policy are crucial in both a fiscal and personal sense. Ask questions such as, “How much medical does the employee pay versus how much medical does the company pay,” “What is the timing of the bonus, “What is the recovery agreement,” and “what types of leave are offered?” Another key factor is if the company has professional development, which includes training for employees, mentoring programs to help develop employees in their careers, and regular feedback for employees on expectations and progress. Finally, office culture is a major part of what a prospective employee should understand. For example, a prospective employee should find out about the dress code and the social environment of the workplace. It is also important to look at gender equality and inclusion: What percent of top executives are women and/or ethnically diverse individuals? Lastly, be sure to understand the firm’s attitude toward mobility if you are interested in working abroad or being able to transfer. Overall, make sure to look at more than simply the base salary: read the fine print and understand the office culture to ensure a job offer is a good fit.

Marlene discusses how to learn about work-life balance at a company during an interview, and why it is important to ask questions during the interview.

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Marlene believes that young professionals must take the time to understand what is most important to them, particularly where work-life balance falls in their own values. Before an interview, do research on the prospective employer such as reading the diversity mission and the work-life statement. At the interview, a student can ask about tools and programs that help employees succeed both at work and in their personal lives. Note that some industries are friendlier to work-life balance. Students can also look at a company’s track record in diversity, demographics, and number of minorities in leadership positions. Students may be worried that asking about work-life balance will reflect poorly on their work ethic. However, Marlene says that this all depends on how the student asks the questions and how much homework they have done on the company. She suggests starting by asking about the company’s vision and mission, and moving on to programs and tools that support them. Work-life balance falls under diversity, and if that is not in the top 5 most important things to the company, that should be a red flag for students.

In this podcast, Sharon Dauk gives advice on career strategies in a tough environment from her perspective as both an executive coach and industry professional. Her unique perspective lets people see what it’s like on both sides of the interview table.

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Tough times can present opportunities, and Sharon suggests that creativity is key. First, try and figure out what you are good at. Even though the big names in investment banking may not be recruiting right now, find other companies that have similar characteristics and seek them out. Networking is very important, and you have to present your value proposition – what are your passions and what will you bring to the table. Sharon believes that hard economic times can increase entrepreneurship. She graduated during a downturn in the economy and ended up starting her own investment firm.
How can a student stand out in an interview? Sharon suggests that you should be yourself and show how you are going to dedicate yourself to making the business successful. Attitude is just as important as skills. Sharon remembers a particularly good interview with a student who asked questions about how their participation would benefit the bigger picture. People are hiring you to do a job for them and achieve something they need. Present yourself as providing a solution to that problem. From a corporate point of view, someone who seems really ready to work is more attractive than someone asking about work-life balance. From Sharon’s experience as a coach, she suggests doing more research outside of the interview to find if the work-life balance would be right for you.

Sharon Dauk gives advice on career strategies in a tough environment from her perspective as both an executive coach and industry professional. Her unique perspective lets people see what it’s like on both sides of the interview table.

To download this podcast, click here
 
Tough times can present opportunities, and Sharon suggests that creativity is key. First, try and figure out what you are good at. Even though the big names in investment banking may not be recruiting right now, find other companies that have similar characteristics and seek them out. Networking is very important, and you have to present your value proposition – what are your passions and what will you bring to the table. Sharon believes that hard economic times can increase entrepreneurship. She graduated during a downturn in the economy and ended up starting her own investment firm.
How can a student stand out in an interview? Sharon suggests that you should be yourself and show how you are going to dedicate yourself to making the business successful. Attitude is just as important as skills. Sharon remembers a particularly good interview with a student who asked questions about how their participation would benefit the bigger picture. People are hiring you to do a job for them and achieve something they need. Present yourself as providing a solution to that problem. From a corporate point of view, someone who seems really ready to work is more attractive than someone asking about work-life balance. From Sharon’s experience as a coach, she suggests doing more research outside of the interview to find if the work-life balance would be right for you.