A CA student in Faridabad sparked a heated online debate when reached out to a CA firm before applying for an articleship and asked two basic questions:
- What will the working hours be?
- What stipend is being offered?
The student inquire about working hours and stipend before applying for an articleship. Instead of providing a clear answer, the firm responded in a rude manner, saying the student was trying to be "oversmart" and suggested not to visit firm for an interview.
The student shared a screenshot of the WhatsApp on Reddit, where they explained, “If my timing can’t be adjusted, why would I waste time on going interviews? I can focus on firms that suit my schedule.”
They feel that the firm's reaction was unprofessional and reflects poorly on its image, especially since many students feel exploited during articleships.
People on social media reacted strongly. Some comments included:
- One person said it shows early signs of a toxic work culture.
- Another criticized the term "oversmart," saying it's often used by corrupt people who are too afraid to answer reasonable questions.
- Some argued that discussing pay should happen at the end of an interview, while others disagreed, stating that being upfront about stipend helps both parties save time and effort.
- One commenter suggested that the student’s focus on pay and hours made them seem more interested in money than in learning and growing in their career, which might not be appealing to employers.
Overall, the discussion encourages potential interns to advocate for their needs while reminding employers of the importance of respectful communication and a supportive workplace culture.
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