What am I worth?

[slm5v <slm5v -at- CC -dot- USU -dot- EDU>]

Good morning, whirlers.

I have a question: how do I know what I'm worth?

For the past three months, I have been doing a stellar job for the company
I've been interning with, and I have been repeatedly told of the quality of
my
work. Now, as I leave to finish my last semester of work, they have
expressed
an interest in my returning after graduation. ("Is there anything we might
do
to make [company name] one of your top-five choices for a career destination
after school?")

One of the women in the office told me that, before I begin negotiations for
compensation, salary, MONEY, I should have a good idea of what I'm worth, so
that I don't lowball myself, or demand myself out of a job (she speaks from
experience).

So, I'm doing my research. Come December, I will have a degree (Bachelor of
Science) in Technical/Professional Writing; I will have the experience of
already working for this company, proving my work ethic and abilities. Now,
when I begin negotiations, what does that translate into? Is there a
standard
formula? Are there any program managers or others in the position of hiring
people who could let me know?

Many times I've read on this list the argument that tech writers should not
sell themselves short, it hurts all writers. Okay, I won't--but how?

Thanks in advance for all the help.

Graham Fredrickson

"Into each life some rain must fall--what I wouldn't give for an umbrella."
--me.

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