Independent graduate salaries survey

fungie

"Female students at the country's top colleges expect to earn a starting salary on average of €40,000 when they graduate "

I had no idea graduate salaries were that much, is expectation way off?

http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/female-graduates-expect-to-earn-less-than-males-34760030.html

PhoenixParker

I'll say that when I was graduating my salary expectations were totally out of whack with reality and that was in a strong market.
I suspect the same is still true.

Anecdotally there'll be one person in the class above staring on E40k and everyone graduating will "expect" the same salary. Reality will be below E30k, probably below E25K for most courses.

TrustedApple

Well from my It course working in IT i was getting 20K with my grad job as a IT Analyst . And the 1st offer was less then min wage from them.

I know a lot of grad programers who are on a lot less then 28k. Some in the early 20k in huge IT companies.

So call bull on the wages of 40K. Jesus i be in luck to get that with 5 years exp ha ha.

callaway92

Mr.S wrote: »

The big tech firms pay stupid well for new starters fresh from college.

A lot of grad programmes start at around 28k.

Depending on the area, and someone with relevant experience, 40k doesn't seem to crazy.

Yeah, I think just the title of grad program alone allows the salary to be limited down because the job is for experience/to be trained in.

The relevant experience point is very valid though. As a graduate I'm on >30K however I did have a previous college work placement with the company. Just found out recently that I'll be on 4K more than the titled graduate roles so relevant experience is a big deciding factor on getting to jump the starting/entry roles.

Should people really be overly worried about wages in Graduate roles? As long as people aren't being f'd over with their starting salaries surely anything should be taken so to get their foot in the door. (Might be lenient thinking on my end there though).

For my college course I get the impression that people without previous work experience that have entry level jobs now are on about 22-25K and people with relevant past experience are about 28K-40K - A couple have gotten in with very strong companies.

purpleisafruit

TrustedApple wrote: »

Well from my It course working in IT i was getting 20K with my grad job as a IT Analyst . And the 1st offer was less then min wage from them.

I know a lot of grad programers who are on a lot less then 28k. Some in the early 20k in huge IT companies.

So call bull on the wages of 40K. Jesus i be in luck to get that with 5 years exp ha ha.

I've just finished my first year post graduation with an MNC as a Software Developer. Started on 41k so it's not bull.
Ran an anonymous survey on my classmates and average salary came out at 35k, ranging from 28k to 67k at the top end.
67k guy works in NY for an investment bank so completely realistic number

TrustedApple

purpleisafruit wrote: »

I've just finished my first year post graduation with an MNC as a Software Developer. Started on 41k so it's not bull.
Ran an anonymous survey on my classmates and average salary came out at 35k, ranging from 28k to 67k at the top end.
67k guy works in NY for an investment bank so completely realistic number

Everyone in the software company I work in all come from grad jobs in other company's there is 12 of us. So a very young team. Not one who was getting over 22k a year in large multi nas company's. Then I know of countless people who can't get jobs in IT as well or people who took over a year to get work and took what ever they got basicly what I had to do I used the crap job to get a better job.

Allway's find people who brag about getting big money are the ones getting next to Notting in there job as I would not tell anyone my wages online as that's my own business.

mightyreds

25 graduated from my software dev course this year and out of those i know about 10 who have jobs, the lowest starting salary was 34k from a range of companys

BGozIE

I graduated in 2010...32k with a large multinational and I believe I was doing well, based on casual conversations with fellow pupils.

ec18

when i started in one of the big 4 consulting companies in 2012 grad salaries were 28K + potentials bonus for IT and 31K for management consulting.......

40K seems a bit out of whack with what I've seen unless they're being headhunted based on a thesis/FYP

callaway92

ec18 wrote: »

when i started in one of the big 4 consulting companies in 2012 grad salaries were 28K + potentials bonus for IT and 31K for management consulting.......

40K seems a bit out of whack with what I've seen unless they're being headhunted based on a thesis/FYP

Ya, 40K is a bit extreme unless they do either have impressive previous experience or struck gold and were just luckily headhunted.

reallyrose

I recruit for IT. I place graduates quite often and the usual salary is 30-35K. I would be very shocked if anyone was offered below 30K at this stage. I haven't gotten anyone a graduate salary over 36K but I do have a role open at the moment offering up to 40K for a software dev who wants to get into testing.

It's tough to find a really good software graduate - lots of people have the degree but not the skills so companies will pay to get talent.
The salaries are high though compared to other sectors, including my own!

callaway92

Mr.S wrote: »

It's an important factor to consider tbh. If you are in a high demand area, eg IT then you should really shop around.

I've seen (usually Irish or UK) companies offer grads peanuts (low 20k) and the job specs always read like they are doing YOU a favour eg "you will learn so much!" etc but if you look at the MNCs or bigger Irish companies, they always seem to offer a much better package all around.

40k is obviously an extreme. 30-35k would be the norm I would say, across business and IT grads.

Keep in mind, the top gradates will already have 1-3 years experience through placements and internships, which reflects the higher salaries once they fully graduate.

Yeh spot on. I'm with an MNC but others in my course who didn't do college work placement/internships and have no relevant experience have gotten jobs with Irish companies for <25K, and like you said, they are coming across as they are doing the grad a favour.

Shop around is great advice but I'd imagine more graduates would be impatient and just take the first job that they can, rather than buying their time and finding something with more money on offer.

ted1

I know Graf engineers in ESB start on 31k.

reallyrose

Mr.S wrote: »

It's an important factor to consider tbh. If you are in a high demand area, eg IT then you should really shop around.

I've seen (usually Irish or UK) companies offer grads peanuts (low 20k) and the job specs always read like they are doing YOU a favour eg "you will learn so much!" etc but if you look at the MNCs or bigger Irish companies, they always seem to offer a much better package all around.

40k is obviously an extreme. 30-35k would be the norm I would say, across business and IT grads.

Keep in mind, the top gradates will already have 1-3 years experience through placements and internships, which reflects the higher salaries once they fully graduate.

It has a continual knock-on effect also. If you're on 25K now and the salary band for the next step is 40K+, it's hard to ask for the 40K. Employers shouldn't know what you're on at the moment but they'll often get it out of you. If you're looking for a huge jump in salary, it raises eyebrows.

I've definitely had the "Why are they looking for a 20K increase in salary?" conversation with clients and answering "Well, they're basically being screwed now" doesn't always work!

Note: Don't forget that grad roles don't always come with benefits so getting in on healthcare + pension early costs money.

Kenya1234

graduated with masters in finance in 2016 - started a job on 27k

Valord

Anecdotally, about €40k would be pretty normal for chemical engineering graduates. As an electronic engineering grad applying for software positions, I've had interviews with two companies who paid €40K+ as a starting salary, although others. I also know from classmates that Intel pays its engineering graduates €35K plus bonuses. That said, most people don't "expect" these kinds of things until they get them. These companies tend to be very cagey about what they pay until you get through to a final stage of the interview process, or even get an offer. I also know someone who started as a grad in some sort of Aldi regional manager program and he's on €60K but he really does have to work crazy hours for that job and spend a lot of time on the road so I don't envy him.

Ayuntamiento

Most medicine grads will make 45-50k + in their intern year which is the same as a graduate job. Of course you'll work 60+ hours every week.

Mary63

I know a law graduate aged twenty three who has ben offered a starting salary of 42,000 with one of the bigger law firms.(training contract)

Maples, another law firm are offering trainee contracts and pay 50,000 to new graduates.

doc11

Mary63 wrote: »

I know a law graduate aged twenty three who has ben offered a starting salary of 42,000 with one of the bigger law firms.(training contract)

Maples, another law firm are offering trainee contracts and pay 50,000 to new graduates.

Exceptional graduates, literally the best of the best.

callaway92

Kenya1234 wrote: »

graduated with masters in finance in 2016 - started a job on 27k

I think you're kinda getting done badly there unless it's a Grad role you're in?

If I did a Masters and started my first job on 27K, my goal would be to do one year there/finish your contract and then move onto another company (not transfer internally), especially if money is your goal.

Elessar

I would agree with the majority here in saying grad wages are in around 30-35k, in IT (specifically software related), as a general rule. Although I know some of the larger American tech companies with bases here offering more. If you're lucky enough to get in. I know of one guy who got offered a job after college with one of them at €45k (he did an internship with them previously).

Honestly if you get offered <€30k as an IT grad you're getting seriously undervalued, unless it's basic run of the mill helpdesk support.

Mr.S wrote: »

It's an important factor to consider tbh. If you are in a high demand area, eg IT then you should really shop around.

I've seen (usually Irish or UK) companies offer grads peanuts (low 20k) and the job specs always read like they are doing YOU a favour eg "you will learn so much!" etc but if you look at the MNCs or bigger Irish companies, they always seem to offer a much better package all around.

40k is obviously an extreme. 30-35k would be the norm I would say, across business and IT grads.

Keep in mind, the top gradates will already have 1-3 years experience through placements and internships, which reflects the higher salaries once they fully graduate.

Placements are generally around 9 months or so. If you do well enough to have 3 years of development experience once you graduate, I would consider anything <€50k basic as being taken for a ride. But then you probably wouldn't be applying for graduate roles in the first place!

TrustedApple

Grads need to realise its not about money for jobs.

I was in high k a year role in IT just one year out of college I walked away from it after 9 months as I hated the company basically what was in my Contact didn't mean a thing and wasn't enjoying what I was doing and only thinking about the money.

I took a big wage cut and went back to a entry lv role and went and got a job with a larger it company and I can't believe the difference between the two of the company's. I am happy and love what I am doing now and love everything about the company and the fact I get 32 days of hoildays a year is crazy.

I was driven by money and job title. I took a huge step down and I am happy and working my way back up to what I won't to do.

Hollister11

I'm 18 months away from graduating as a software developer and there's not a hope I'd accept less than 30K. I'd want at minimum 31/32 plus paying for me to do a posters part time. If I was offered circa 25K in a interview, I'd stop the interviewer, laugh, get up and walk out. You want top graduates, you pay top dollar.

TrustedApple

Hollister11 wrote: »

I'm 18 months away from graduating as a software developer and there's not a hope I'd accept less than 30K. I'd want at minimum 31/32 plus paying for me to do a posters part time. If I was offered circa 25K in a interview, I'd stop the interviewer, laugh, get up and walk out. You want top graduates, you pay top dollar.

See your doing it wrong you could get the 40k a year job and hate everything and learn to hate yourself.

Join the biggest company even if it'd a bad job for bad money. It be worth while. In the long run.

I was help. Desk for 6 months crap money went to edi and Sap developer and became a lead on a team I walked away from that job as I enjoyed help desk more hated the company with a passion was on stupid money but wasn't about the money I was not happy .

Went into a entry lv role in one of the world's largest tech company's and love everything about it and the job you name it I am good money for what I do. I took this job to get my foot in the door and go from there

Hollister11

Mr.S wrote: »

If your coming from a good college and you've some experience then that will be a doddle. Maybe not funding the part time post-grad but the pay should be fine.

I'm coming from NCI.

fungie

Hollister11 wrote: »

I'm coming from NCI.

Thats unfortunate.

Hollister11

fungie wrote: »

Thats unfortunate.

Really isn't. 98% employment rate from tech graduates. Highest in Ireland.

neonsofa

Hollister11 wrote: »

Really isn't. 98% employment rate from tech graduates. Highest in Ireland.

That doesn't mean the employment was well paid though no?

Hollister11

Mr.S wrote: »

Wouldn't be known for top graduates to be honest, but if you get a 1st and have some experience in software dev, then you should do fine.

Experience is key, your going up against grads from similar streams in more respected colleges such as DCU, DIT, UCD, UCC, CIT etc who all do placements similar to yours.

I've been a getting a 2:1 without too much bother, High marks in 2nd and 3rd year programming modules, struggled in first year. Should be able to get a first with a bit really effort.

What makes them colleges more respected?

fungie

Hollister11 wrote: »

Really isn't. 98% employment rate from tech graduates. Highest in Ireland.

I only responded with that because of your arrogance about walking out of interviews if they offered you lower than x amount. No offense, but if you go to NCI you probably aren't going to be a top graduate in the grander scheme of things.

Hollister11

fungie wrote: »

I only responded with that because of your arrogance about walking out of interviews if they offered you lower than x amount. No offense, but if you go to NCI you probably aren't going to be a top graduate in the grander scheme of things.

So it's not what you know, it's where you go?

I do alot of additional programming outside college, learning frameworks, languages ect that arent covered in class, so I can try as much as possible to be ahead of most people.

I didn't mean to come across arrogant. But I know more than most of my class mates programming wise, and feel additional skills should mean a few more K.

Nermal

Hollister11 wrote: »

them colleges

Hollister11 wrote: »

them colleges

Hollister11 wrote: »

them colleges

If you have to ask...

Denny_Crane

Hollister, perhaps adjust your expectations. NCI is a lower level technical college, you're going to have to prove yourself once you get out into the field. It's not difficult to do and you may find yourself quickly overtaking the TCD/UCD/UCC and UK graduates in terms of pay quite quickly, but for your own sake don't expect a 2:1 for NCI to compete against degrees from top universities. It's simply not how it works. As someone who has picked a brand name as a username I expect you understand that point.

Valord

So it's not what you know, it's where you go?

I do alot of additional programming outside college, learning frameworks, languages ect that arent covered in class, so I can try as much as possible to be ahead of most people.

I didn't mean to come across arrogant. But I know more than most of my class mates programming wise, and feel additional skills should mean a few more K.

To an extent, yes. Generally, employers will consider someone who managed to get into a higher-level college to have a better natural aptitude and the courses will generally be taught to a more advanced level. That said, in my own experience working and doing interviews, grads from ITs work alongside grads from the universities at a lot of places and they'll get paid the same, because most of the big tech companies with graduate programs will have a standard graduate salary and they'll stick to that for everybody. If you have additional skills, that can help you get the foot in the door and get the interview, but I wouldn't usually expect it to get you a special high-paying job, at least not with the major multinationals.

Utah

I think there's more to getting a good graduate position than the degree grade too.

They need to like you and want you to be part of the team, your grades aren't going to help there!

mitresize5

Hollister11 wrote: »

I'm 18 months away from graduating as a software developer and there's not a hope I'd accept less than 30K. I'd want at minimum 31/32 plus paying for me to do a posters part time. If I was offered circa 25K in a interview, I'd stop the interviewer, laugh, get up and walk out. You want top graduates, you pay top dollar.

This is why after 15 years of hiring graduates straight out of college I have changed our recruitment policy in the last 2 or 3 years to focus on more experienced developers with more rounded skills.

The sense of entitlement I've got off graduates, some of who we have mistakenly hired, in the last few years is unbelievable (with some notable exceptions)

Talented developers, with good interpersonal skills can do very well in the industry but this illusion that the streets are paved with gold the day you graduate is doing recent graduates no good at all.

LC2017

Hollister11 wrote: »

So it's not what you know, it's where you go?

I do alot of additional programming outside college, learning frameworks, languages ect that arent covered in class, so I can try as much as possible to be ahead of most people.

I didn't mean to come across arrogant. But I know more than most of my class mates programming wise, and feel additional skills should mean a few more K.

I'm not sure how it is with the tech companies, but with the likes of the major banks in London, their computer system automatically filters out CVs which don't contain a certain college as a word so you would need very good connections to get your CV in the door.

Kenya1234

what would salary expectations be for the insurance industry?

newacc2015

LC2017 wrote: »

I'm not sure how it is with the tech companies, but with the likes of the major banks in London, their computer system automatically filters out CVs which don't contain a certain college as a word so you would need very good connections to get your CV in the door.

It is pretty much the same here. When you go to interview for the top grad programmes, you will only see TCD, UCD and the odd UCC person. I have seen 2.2 grads from TCD in interviews, as firms will respect a 2,2 from Trinity as they don't grade inflate like most Colleges.

Ayuntamiento

University snobbery seems to be a feature in certain professions more than others. A colleague of mine who was trying to get into the legal profession told me that his DCU law degree was seen as hugely inferior to a Trinity or UCD equivalent despite him having a masters too.