| Graduating from college can be a very exciting time. | | | | able to do just that based simply on the fact that they |
| You are finally fulfilling the dream of starting the career | | | | went further in school. |
| for which you have been working so hard all those | | | | It is important that you not sell yourself short. You do |
| years. However, reality may set in quickly if you | | | | not necessarily need to work for a small wage if you |
| cannot find the job you are looking for or are not | | | | believe you are worth more. But you first need to |
| offered the salary you were expecting. Most | | | | research salary averages for your field of |
| graduates have little - if any - experience actually | | | | employment and general locale. Many companies try |
| working in their chosen profession, so that lack can | | | | to "lowball" prospective employees. However, armed |
| make landing a related position even more difficult. | | | | with knowledge of average salaries in your specialty, |
| You may need to start from the bottom at an entry | | | | you are better equipped to strike a bargain for your |
| level job while gradually working your way up the | | | | market value. |
| ladder. This can be a difficult emotional adjustment, but | | | | You do not need to feel compelled to take the first |
| it may be the only means of initially getting your foot in | | | | offer that is given to you, either. Salary for the most |
| the door of your preferred employer. The challenges in | | | | part is open to negotiation - within reason. Again, since |
| that scenario are that you may not be paid what you | | | | you do not have experience, you will likely be limited in |
| think your skills and effort are worth, and there may | | | | your ability to negotiate a much higher salary, but even |
| well be a lot of competition for the very position you | | | | a small about above an initial offer is helpful. |
| seek. | | | | The most important rule of thumb about salary |
| As a recent graduate, unfortunately there is not a lot | | | | negotiation is that you avoid discussing salary until a |
| of room for negotiation of salary. This is because you | | | | formal offer has been extended for employment. |
| do not bring a wealth of experience into the position, | | | | Doing so will first afford you the opportunity to |
| and you are still young. You normally cannot negotiate | | | | understand the core and peripheral responsibilities of |
| effectively something for work you have never truly | | | | the position. That knowledge may help you during |
| done before, while applicants with experience will be | | | | salary discussions. |
| much better positioned to negotiate based on previous | | | | Lastly, salary is not your only financial consideration. |
| positions. | | | | You need to weigh company benefits such as health |
| However, you still have the ability to figure out what | | | | insurance, dental insurance, and 401K plans as well. |
| you are worth. Depending on the type of degree you | | | | Taking the entire package into account will help you |
| graduated with, you may be able to successfully | | | | better analyze whether you are being offered a good |
| request a higher salary based on your education alone. | | | | deal to start your new career. |
| Many graduates with Master Degrees or PhD's are | | | | |