CCNP - Just Got My 1st Networking Job!!!

Author

Just Got My 1st Networking Job!!!

aslee0

2002-09-24, 5:23 pm

Yay, I got my 1st job through my Certs!

Only question is: If I feel like I'm getting underpaid, should I ask for more? especially if its only a small percentage more?

edmonds_robert

2002-09-24, 6:39 pm

That depends on a lot of things; like how long have you been in job? how much experience do you have? how's your boss? have you done a great job, or are just doing your job?
If you haven't been in the job long, I would recommend asking for a raise just yet. Wait until you've made a real and visible impact in your organization. Also, some companies pay less for less experienced professionals, even with the right certifications. Next, you have to be able to state your case. Remember, the average salary for your position may be $75,000/year, but that means some are getting paid much less (myself included), and some are getting a lot more. I don't put much weight in those average pay surveys. They don't matter when it comes to asking for compensation.
And speaking of compensation, what about the benefits package for your job? If you have a great medical/dental plan, you're doing a lot better than most people already.
Don't pay attention to what others are making. Decide what you think YOU are worth, decide how badly you want it. And, if you decide you do want it badly enough and give the company an ultimatum (more money or I walk), you better follow through with it, or the next time they'll be twice as ready to tell you no.
Legal Disclaimer: If you follow my advice and get fired, it's your fault for listening to a stranger on the Internet

necrophantasm

2002-09-24, 7:05 pm

I too got my first job due to my certs. Like you, I feel like I am being underpaid. However, even though you may be able to configure a router like a pro, you still need to prove that to your employer (who may think that you are book smart, but isn't sure if you can actually implement your knowledge in a production environment.. only experience proves that). I get paid about half of what I should for what I do at my job right now. The economy still sucks, and I am happy just to have a job. Until I get a couple of years of "corporate business environment" experience my job can pay me half of what I worth without a problem because they know I will have a hard time going somewhere else.. no matter what certifications I have or get. These are things you have to keep in mind man, and always remember that most jobs give a review every 90 days. I know that since I took my current job, I have got a raise, bonus, or both, every 3 months. At the rate I am going, I won't want to take another job in 2 years because I will be making just as much as I should be if not a bit more. I know you are impatient to make money after all of your hard work (hell aren't we all?), but while you are building up experience and making a first impression/impact on your current boss and company patience is a virtue. Prove to them what you are capable of before getting upset about what you make. That way when you go ask for a raise, you will have some definite evidence as to why you deserve one and your boss won't be able to argue it with you. My advice to you, keep studying, keep getting certs (hopefully on their dollars), build up your experience. If after a year or two you aren't making what you want, you will have enough experience and certifications to go somewhere that will pay you what you feel you are worth. I made a deal with my company when I signed on that they would pay for my certification tests (since I didn't think I would be able to afford them all with my base salary) and they are starting to regret it now. Just keep working hard and it will pay off!

aslee0

2002-09-24, 7:24 pm

Thanks for all your input and words of encouragement....

I guess I have a lot to think about. As in where I want to be and where I see myself in a year, 3 years, 10 years... etc.

I guess the best thing to do NO MATTER WHAT, is finish my Certs and keep on studying.

THANKS AGAIN!

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