11 things to consider before accepting internship offer (USM@CS)

This article is tailored for students in three different stages of their internship journey:

• Still searching for the right company to apply to

• Received an offer but haven't yet signed on

• Already recruited by a company

1. allowance 💰💰

   • Can it cover your monthly expenses?

   • If you are not sure, you shall list the projected monthly expenses first.

   • This is to avoid financial stress during your 6-month internship.

2. house rent 🏠🏠

   • Distance from the rented house to the company?

   • Can you afford the rent?

   • How many parking lots does it offer?

   • Do you prefer to find a house through agent or direct owner?

     • Do you prefer a fully-furnished, semi or unfurnished house?

     • What kind of facilities does it offer?

   • Do you want your coursemates to become your housemates?

   • If yes, then quickly contact those who going to work nearer to your company.

   • Settle the house rent contract at least 3 weeks before your internship starts.

   • It took us 2 weeks to find a house.

     • Process: Find house > View house > Negotiate price > Pay (big amount! 💰) Legal procedure > Move in

   • After moving in, you might want to set up agreement with your housemates to avoid any conflicts in the future.

     • Do you all want to ON aircond every day? (electricity bill concern 😂)

     • Who is going to deal with the owner? (pay bills)

     • Who is going to cook?

     • Who buys the cooking ingredients?

     • How to settle your dinner?

3. monthly expenses 💸💸

   • Are you going to eat outside every day? How much is the budget?

   • Internet plan bill

   • Petrol bill

   • MUST KNOW: You are still required to pay tuition fee for this semester. 😏

4. transport 🚗🏍️🚴🚌🚶‍♂️

   • How do you plan to commute to work?

   • Does the company provide a free parking lot?

   • If not, do they provide subsidies for parking fees?

   • Do they provide toll subsidies?

5. meal 🍜🍚

   • Does the company provide free lunch?

   • If not, do they provide subsidies for meals?

6. health 😷🏥

   • How much does the company cover for the medicine fee?

   • How many days of medical leave?

7. daily clock in ⏰

   • Do you need to punch card?

   • Do you entitle to flexi working hours?

8. daily outfit 👚👕

   • Is it freestyle?

   • or must business casual?

9. working mode 🏢💻

   • How many days you are allowed to WFH?

   • or must F2F everyday?

10. job scope 🔥🔥🔥

    • What kind of project you will be working on?

    • Is that what you want?

    • What kind of resources do you want to get from the company?

      • Probably you know some really strong people who work there and you want to learn from them directly. (Networking)

      • Or do you want to extend your intern project as Final Year Project? And you know the company will support you in this. (Career prospect & Academic)

      • Or do you plan to publish a paper before the internship ends? And you know the company will support you in this. (Career prospect & Academic)

11. WHAT IS YOUR INTERNSHIP GOAL? ⚠️⚠️⚠️

Plan first or regret later. Harsh truth😏

All the points listed above are based on my personal experience and should be taken as a reference. Your own needs and preferences may vary. It's important to do your research and consider your priorities before accepting any internship offer.

Good luck to our juniors! 💖 Ping me if you need some suggestions or ideas through WhatsApp.
Feel free to leave your comment here if you found this useful. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

NEXT article: 'What to expect in your internship? Do & Donts.'

Prepared by,
Sin Yee (Final Year Student @ USM CS)