Ask Heather: Asking for a raise

November 9, 8:23 AMEntry Level Careers ExaminerHeather Huhman

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Have a question about finding, landing or succeeding at internships or entry-level jobs? E-mail them to entrylevelexaminer@gmail.com to be included in an upcoming “Ask Heather.”

Q: After graduating this May, I applied for about 20 jobs before I landed a part-time, minimum wage internship at a nonprofit organization. It wasn't ideal because I was going for full-time salary, but I had no other leads so I took it.

I like the job, but recently my supervisor left, so I am now in charge of the project, which involves fundraising and program planning for a museum exhibit. As the lead on this project, I think I deserve more than $8/hour. Even though my job is technically an internship, I have moved into the position of project head.

Do you think I should ask for a raise? If so, how should I approach the subject to our executive director, who I now answer to?

A: This is definitely a tricky situation. Did you sign a contract for the internship? If so, it might have indicated your wage and length of the commitment, in which case you might not be able to get a raise.

However, it seems quite appropriate to broach the subject with your supervisor in this case regardless. You might not win the argument, particularly at a nonprofit organization, but asking likely will not hurt your position.

Arrange a meeting with your boss, and let him or her know what you wish to speak about so he or she can prepare. Speaking of preparing, you should come to the meeting with ample evidence as to why you deserve a raise, as well as how much more you are seeking. During the meeting, be willing to negotiate and listen to your supervisor’s point-of-view. Finally, make sure you get any deal in writing. (For more details, read "When and how to ask for your first raise.")

Hope this helps – good luck!

For more career advice, visit my new blog at HeatherHuhman.com.