Benefits

When looking at a potential job offer, one considers many items like pay, location, working hours, job description, and benefits. With my new co-op offer I was extended many of the same things that a full time hire would be offered. For obvious reasons, my offer was not as extensive as a graduate’s would have been, but the company still enticed me with a small portion of benefits.

While I could not participate in a full benefits package, I was given the opportunity to partake in the company’s health insurance plan. Until I talked to another co-op in my same company, I did not realize I was automatically enrolled. He said this caused a problem when he required medical care, because he did not sign off of his parent’s plan. Both companies insisted the other company should pay for his medical expenses. His recommendations were to remain on my parent’s plan since I am technically a full time student. From my understanding, I will be covered by my parents plan until graduation. At that point, I will require personal health insurance. So I decided to cancel the company’s plan which I could enroll in at a later point if need be.

My conversations with co-workers have enlightened me with the many different benefits that a company can offer their employees. The biggest advice that I have learned is to request as much as possible before accepting the job, because it is harder to be awarded extra benefits when hired. Each has told me stories about their 401k’s, per diem, health insurance, saving plans, company vehicle, signing bonus, and relocation packages. I am very appreciative of their wise words and consider them greatly before I accept a permanent position.