Employment contracts for interns

[nono03_2003]

Hi guys,
I am in CA, seeking for an intern job. Recently, I am being considered for an intern position with Wal-Mart and Vons; however, both offers require relocation and employment contracts. I am not sure if it is a good idea to make such moves; making a long-term commitment and signing a contract with a company just sound scary.

I was wondering if there are many similar cases out there. Any of you have similar experience? Could you please share your opinions? Any inputs and suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

[ramutha]

Are they offering sign in bonus?How many years contract? In which state are you?

[nono03_2003]

Hi ramutha,
Thank you for your response. I am in Southern California. I haven’t had interviews with them, but by talking to Wal-Mart, I know Wal-Mart require 2-year contract (Wal-Mart didn’t mention anything about sign on bonus). Haven’t asked Vons about how long the contract will be; I might ask Vons this question during the interview.

[ramutha]

All the best.Keep us posted about your interview.

[nono03_2003]

Hi there,
Could any of you give me a hand, please? I definitely need some help and suggestions for employment commitment. Thanks!

[xtinch]

I got an offer from Rite-Aid, but they asked me to relocate to San Diego or Palm Springs with an employment contract of 5 years.

[ramutha]

5 years contract is too much.Are they offering any sign in bonus? If yes, how much?

[pharmalady]

Well xtinch, in my own oppinion , Five years is too long a time to be irrevocably bound to a company if the company does not have to file your h1 visa. But then again, it depends on your kind of personality because this type of decision comes with a lot of disadvantages. You may want to seriously consider such disadvantages before signing any contract. I have a couple of friends who understandably went into such long time contracts due to work visa disability but it was a struggle throughout the five years. Being very free minded individuals, they were stripped of their decision powers and they had to stomach what they do not believe in because they are bound by the terms of their contracts. My friend had worked for this chain for over three years in a remote city and had rose to the the level of pharmacy manager. The very moment they found a US trained pharmacist who was willing to work in that store, they made him the pharmacy manager and sent her to another remote city to build up the pharmacy. This was so demoralising for her but she had to stay on until she gets are green card. You may also want to negociate with the company that a two year contract is most comfortable with you.

[knok]

My friend did not even get through the two year contract because of poor working conditions and a rude store manager. Check work environment inside and outside. If possible, just go to look around to see your co-workers and work place. How often has this store changed the pharmacists and so on? There is always logic behind a long contract.

If the distance is the main reason, it is not a big deal, but if it is not, that's what you have to think about.

[xtinch]

Pharmalady:

Yes, that was what I was thinking, too. 5 years is too long. And I certainly would not appreciate being transferred to another remote location if or once they find another pharmacist to work for them just like what happened to your friend. I called their manager and left a message asking if they have a shorter contract for me. Still waiting for their reply.

Ramutha:

I am still waiting for a reply from the District Manager on what the other terms and rates they offer for the post.

Knock:

That is a good idea, to check out the store, co-workers, and such.