Starting a new job next year.

[TStef1]

I am currently a Senior at Oakland University in Michigan. I live near the University and would rather not relocate very far out of state. I have been working for a company that is a Tier 1 supplier to many car companies for a year (and it will be 2 years by the time I graduate). At my job I do both computer (programming PLCs, ladder code, HMIs programming, etc.) and electrical (Wiring diagrams, finding and correcting problems with our enclosures, integrating new parts, etc.) engineering and I also occasionally do quoting and frequently use CAD for cell layout design, wiring diagrams and standard drawing sets for our electrical enclosures. I will be graduating next year with 3 degrees: Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Bio-Engineering with a minor in Quantitative Methods (basically data analysis using excel, VBA, and statistics). I will also have 2 years of Computer and Electrical Engineering experience as a Controls Engineer in our Assembly Engineering group doing the work I mentioned above. I have no idea what I should expect to be offered, or ask for when it comes time for me to apply for a full time position. I know most computer engineers start at around $70,000 unless they work somewhere like Microsoft where $100,000 starting is not uncommon.

Would anyone be willing to give me advice as to what I should ask for as fair compensation, how to negotiate, where I should apply, or anything of the sort? I would greatly appreciate any and all help and replies.

 

[KENAT]

You could start out with getting a rough estimate for fair market value somewhere like [link salary.com]Salary.com[/url].

Trouble is all of us are individuals, some more so than others, so extrapolating what sites like that say to what you can experience in the field you want to work in etc. can take a bit of effort & experience.

To me Salary.com tends to read a little high - but maybe I'm underestimating the worth of my general awesomeness.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

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(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[IRstuff]

Generally, starting salaries are ginned up by HR. But, you've got some unique circumstances, so you could certainly counter. Having some other offers from other companies would certainly help in that regard.

TTFN
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[GregLocock]

It very much depends which industry you are intending to start in. Personally I'd suggest that you carry on with your Tier 1 for another year. I don't know that computer engineering is a real job in many states. If it boils down to software development then you may get some sticker shock.

Cheers

Greg Locock


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[miningman]

Yep I think greglacocks comments are the most relevant. Seems like you havent exactly focussed your efforts over the last four years or so. If you havent managed to that in your academic carreer , why should I, as a potential employer think that your will get your s**t together all of a sudden. ?? I suggest you spend more time determininhg what exactly it is that you are offering to an employer rather than how much you can sqaueeze from him.

 

[Panther140]

It depends on how well the employer thinks you will do the job that they are hiring you for. If you can find a job that requires all of your skills, then you will get paid very well. Your resume is impressive, but they only care about the competencies that you have which will benefit them. If your relevant competencies are more valuable to them than other candidate's, then it will influence pay. Example: I am awesome at land surveying. I got hired to work in an engines lab, so my survey skills brought almost no influence to my pay. The only way it would help me is because my current employer had to compete with other employers who also wanted me to work for them.

"Formal education is a weapon, whose effect depends on who holds it in his hands and at whom it is aimed." ~ Joseph Stalin

 

[lacajun]

If you enjoy what you're doing now for the Tier 1 supplier, why not remain with them and negotiate your salary and possibly a promotion? If you enjoy what you're doing with Tier 1 supplier and you do not want to remain with them, you can look at other manufacturing with the skills you possess. Your skills will be employed in a lot of different areas of manufacturing. You can move to water/waste water, chemicals, refining, cement, etc. Research your area to learn what is available to you, since you do not want to move. Work with your university's placement center, too. They should have a wealth of information, contacts, and job fairs for its graduates.

You have a lot going for you and have expressed a desire to learn, healthy curiosity in what is possible to you evidenced by your academic pursuits, strong work ethic, etc. Do not discount yourself, ever. Always have faith in you and your abilities and your desire to continue learning and improving yourself. Spend some time, if you have spare time, in determining what you want from life and how you want to spend your time over the course of your lifetime as well as who you want to spend it with. Read about others successes and use their experiences to help you determine what you want.

NSPE has negotiation resources for its members. Otherwise, research the internet and use your university's library.

All the best to you!

Pamela K. Quillin, P.E.
Quillin Engineering, LLC