Sold myself short?

pushpop

Hey all,

I'm starting a job later this month as a Java software developer. I'm about to complete an M.Sc in computer science first. I'm just concerned that i may have undersold myself salary-wise, as they are offering 29k base plus a possible 1.5k bonus and benefits. Most of my classmates are aiming for about 37-40k in development roles. Have I sold myself short?

P

cronos

pushpop wrote: »

Hey all,

I'm starting a job later this month as a Java software developer. I'm about to complete an M.Sc in computer science first. I'm just concerned that i may have undersold myself salary-wise, as they are offering 27k base plus a possible 1.5k bonus and benefits. Most of my classmates are aiming for about 37-40k in development roles, although they don't have any industrial experience in development, just academic. Have I sold myself short or do they have unrealistic expectations?

P

They have insane expectations. Have them committed right now... im serious

They could make that money in a years time... but they have never had a job in IT before so why would someone risk that money given they don't really have to.

I would say 30 - 33 would not be a crazy expectation but early in your career its more important to be getting good experience than good wages... wages will rise far quicker with better experience and u will make more in the long run

mikemac

37k -40k straight out of college?
Your classmates are deluded, no employer is going to pay that unless they are exceptionally lucky

In fact, having a masters doesn't even mean a higher salary then a degree.
So you may well start on the same salary as others who didn't do a masters, it's entirely normal.

D500B

27 does seem a bit low. as for the bonus that is standard in almost any job. (even dunnes gives a Christmas bonus).
Are you working in a software company or the IT department of non-software company? you should be hoping to start on at 30 in the first case and a little bit more in the latter.
Like another poster said employers don't rate masters as much as you might think. If it's directly related to the job then it should be worth a few thousand more otherwise lots of employers won't consider it worth extra remuneration.
Also a small place tends to pay a little better than a big place for starting salaries (normally cause its harder to attract people)

mikemac

D500B wrote: »

Also a small place tends to pay a little better than a big place for starting salaries (normally cause its harder to attract people)

+1
And with a smaller company you'll be learning all tasks as you'll be expected to cover for your teammates.
A larger company would probably give you a set role and that's your job.
Bit of a generalization but you know what I mean

It's your first job out of college OP, it's all about getting experience.

Giblet

pushpop wrote: »

Hey all,

I'm starting a job later this month as a Java software developer. I'm about to complete an M.Sc in computer science first. I'm just concerned that i may have undersold myself salary-wise, as they are offering 29k base plus a possible 1.5k bonus and benefits. Most of my classmates are aiming for about 37-40k in development roles. Have I sold myself short?

P

29k is pretty typical. That's what most of your class mates will be getting too. 37-40k is usually >1 years experience and that's pushing it.

KhanTheMan

pushpop wrote: »

Hey all,

I'm starting a job later this month as a Java software developer. I'm about to complete an M.Sc in computer science first. I'm just concerned that i may have undersold myself salary-wise, as they are offering 29k base plus a possible 1.5k bonus and benefits. Most of my classmates are aiming for about 37-40k in development roles. Have I sold myself short?

P

1st year out aim for minimum €30k. Probably more if you can swing it.

Bonus should be 5 - 10% on top of that. Then Pension etc.

Dont take lower. They are only taking advantage of you geting you at this price (unless you're useless and cant learn). If the bonus quoted is lower and there is no pension then ask for a higher base salary.

AARRRGH

You have the rest of your life to earn good money.

The most important thing is to find a nice employer who will be patient with you while you learn how to program. (Nearly every development job is altering someone else's code - this is nothing like the writing-stuff-from-scrath you did in college.)

So, aim for a nice employer who will provide training and support you. The money will come with time.

craichoe

Do it for a year and prove your worth more, if they don't want to increase after the year then move on.

seamus

By the same token, don't expect a 10k salary jump after one year, particularly with all this talk of recessions and the like.

As other have said, your classmates are dreaming. There will be one or two guys (there always are) who land cushy positions which give them a company car, 30 days' holidays, training bonusses and €40k, but these are a tiny lucky minority. Sometimes these are people who've written exceptionally interesting/good theses or who happen to know someone somewhere. It's usually the latter.

The problem is that everyone sees these guys and wonder what they're doing wrong. "Nothing", is the answer.

If you prove your worth, the salary will follow.