I’m an associate Director at a company. I am being asked to go to India for two weeks in August to do some training for some new hires out there. I would like to know if there is anything in it for me …a bonus or extra flex time more money…because I will literally be losing a quarter of my summer by going to India for them . How would you ask that question “what’s in it for me“?

5 Comments

1. Remi GibbsJune 18,2024 at 3:39PM UTC

   Start by figuring out what you want to do this. If you don't go, does it cost you your job? Are you up for the opportunity and challenge? If you are up for it, what do you think it's worth? Is it just part of the job? Or is it completely out of the norm? Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. The worst they can say is no.

2. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 4:08PM UTC

   First of all, I would jump at that opportunity... and second, it is not a quarter of your summer...

   If you don't want to go, I'm sure that there is someone else who would jump at the chance. Don't complain when you don't get opportunities to travel other places though

3. James WarkJune 18,2024 at 4:34PM UTC

   I would agree with the other 2 comments 1) India is not necessarily a safe or comfortable place for an inexperienced traveler - particularly a female. I spent 4 years going to meetings in Delhi for a project and it was great - excellent hotel great project and a chance to meet some very clever and capable colleagues / clients. I had another project where I commuted to southern India from the UK for 2-3weeks every couple of months - great project, great people, great hotel, fabulous scenery and a chance to travel within India - but a difficult client! Always had transport laid on and was met by a driver etc. If you do your due diligence as suggested and make contact beforehand with colleagues I'm sure you will be fine - they will look after you - just be sensible about travel etc. International Hotels in big cities catering to business travellers are very safe and very comfortable with no real need to go out - particularly ones used regularly by multinationals for their staff - smaller cities & hotels are more hit or miss. my experience is that Indians want to help so if you wanted to see some places on your day off just mention to them and somebody will likely volunteer to assist/ accompany you - alternatively if you are in a popular tourist location the hotel can probably book a place for you in a group tour for you at the weekend. After 4 years travelling to Dehli and not going out of the hotel much a colleague and I took a bus tour one sunday to Agra to see the TajMahal - 10hrs round trip but worth it. The experience of arriving is India for the 1st time is something else! so yep that is what is in it for you - an experience that you might not otherwise have, to travel and experience one of the great cultures of the world. It is a long way to go from the USA so you could try for a stop over in Europe to break it up - even a night or 2 either way would be enough to break up the jet lag. Also the opportunity to make connections internationally with colleagues, to be seen as a team player. On one project I got a call on the friday - was on flight to India from the UK on Monday and home again by Friday after a 800km round trip road journey from Mumbai to the site - a fabulous chance to see the western Ghats and coastal Maharashtra.

   Dress codes will be smart - not necessarily formal but definitely smart - Indian men tends to be formal trousers/ long sleeved shirts maybe a tie and jacket but not always. Ladies have more lee way - but you should make the effort to be smart and business like in your appearance. Indian business culture is quite formal and dressing well is seen as appropriate in a professional situation. Expect multiple meetings to meet the boss - He (or She) will tell you what you are there to do over a cup of tea and then afterwards tell you what you did over a cup of tea.

4. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 5:47PM UTC

   Plan a personal excursion on the way back. Somewhere you would love to go. Use the benefit of your company's travel expense to cut down on your own. Enjoy your summer with a personal vacation at the end.

5. Nadia Ibrahim-Taney, MS. MA. M.Ed.June 18,2024 at 6:30PM UTC

   Judi, I'd ask it just like that! I recently did a big international trip for my employer and had about 5-7 ways it benefited me before I said yes. Ask critical questions like "how does this relate to my goals" "what are ways I can use this in my next promotion" etc. If it is not of general interest to you and you are not getting anything out of it career-wise, say no!