12 answers
Manuel
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
1804 views
Are you able to get a job above entry level wage? if so how? If not why?
ive always known you cant start at the top when first getting a job. But ive always wondered is there a way to get a head start? would i need any programs or experiences? Would a high level university be enough?
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12 answers
Fahad Elahi Khan
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate
51
Answers
Chittagong, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Fahad Elahi’s Answer
Yes, you can sometimes land a job above entry-level pay, but it takes preparation. The key is building experience before graduating, like through internships, co-ops, or part-time roles in your field. Certifications or specialized training can also help bump you up. A degree from a top university might give you an edge with better networking and recruiter attention, but it's not enough on its own employers want proof you can apply what you've learned. Start by volunteering for projects or joining clubs related to your career to show initiative.
Jonah Perry
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Jonah’s Answer
Hi Manuel,
As others have mentioned, internships will help you advance in your early career a lot, particularly if you're looking a specialization sooner. If you're interested in looking at startups, you might be able to find a position wherein you can wear many hats. A high-level university can help. People will likely notice your ambition and eagerness to understand more!
As others have mentioned, internships will help you advance in your early career a lot, particularly if you're looking a specialization sooner. If you're interested in looking at startups, you might be able to find a position wherein you can wear many hats. A high-level university can help. People will likely notice your ambition and eagerness to understand more!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Manuel. Most people start at entry level because employers want to see that you can handle responsibilities and understand how the workplace operates. However, there are ways to get a head start and increase your chances of earning more from the beginning.
One of the most effective ways is to gain experience before you apply for a full-time job. This could be through internships, volunteering, or part-time work related to your field. These experiences show employers that you already know how to work in a professional setting.
You can also take part in job training programs or certificate courses that teach skills employers are looking for, such as computer programs, communication, or management. These qualifications can help you stand out and negotiate for a higher wage.
Education can also play a big role. A degree from a well-known university can open doors, but it does not always guarantee a higher starting salary. Employers look for what you can do, not just where you studied. For example, if you have strong technical or leadership skills, you might qualify for positions that pay more than entry level.
If you do not yet have experience or specialized skills, it may be difficult to start above entry level. But that doesn't mean you will stay there forever. Every job, even at the beginning, gives you a chance to learn, grow, and prove yourself. With time, training, and effort, you can move up and earn higher wages.
One of the most effective ways is to gain experience before you apply for a full-time job. This could be through internships, volunteering, or part-time work related to your field. These experiences show employers that you already know how to work in a professional setting.
You can also take part in job training programs or certificate courses that teach skills employers are looking for, such as computer programs, communication, or management. These qualifications can help you stand out and negotiate for a higher wage.
Education can also play a big role. A degree from a well-known university can open doors, but it does not always guarantee a higher starting salary. Employers look for what you can do, not just where you studied. For example, if you have strong technical or leadership skills, you might qualify for positions that pay more than entry level.
If you do not yet have experience or specialized skills, it may be difficult to start above entry level. But that doesn't mean you will stay there forever. Every job, even at the beginning, gives you a chance to learn, grow, and prove yourself. With time, training, and effort, you can move up and earn higher wages.
Brian Swain
Mechanical Engineer
63
Answers
Modesto, California
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Manuel,
Honestly when you're just starting out in the workplace, you're at the mercy of whomever the hiring manager is. This means you may have very little room to negotiate salary.
Honestly when you're just starting out in the workplace, you're at the mercy of whomever the hiring manager is. This means you may have very little room to negotiate salary.
Daniel Godoy
Marketing
4
Answers
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
At the start of my career, I went straight for a master’s degree in the area I wanted to improve. That degree laid the foundation for who I am today.
It wasn’t easy—I worked hard to stay at the top of the class, and that effort helped me land an internship at a major company. It was only six months, but I knew I had to make it count: learn fast, deliver results, and earn my place. And it worked.
Short story: A master’s degree helps, but what truly makes the difference is your energy, ambition, and persistence. That’s what will make you stand out and secure your dream job.
And always dream BIG!
It wasn’t easy—I worked hard to stay at the top of the class, and that effort helped me land an internship at a major company. It was only six months, but I knew I had to make it count: learn fast, deliver results, and earn my place. And it worked.
Short story: A master’s degree helps, but what truly makes the difference is your energy, ambition, and persistence. That’s what will make you stand out and secure your dream job.
And always dream BIG!
Jeff McMahon
Content Management
5
Answers
Denton, Texas
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Manuel,
When I was in my senior year at university I found an internship. It wasn't in my direct field but it was related. The internship gave me enough to make most of my expenses and gave me experience in an area that I didn't know was out there. Looking back, it made a huge difference in my career path. It will still be several years before I could think of negotiating (accepting an offer) but the internship did help get me started on that path. Work experience is always difficult when your young and job searching so look for connections, like internships, wherever you can and taking advantage is something I'd strongly recommend.
Hope this helps,
Jeff
When I was in my senior year at university I found an internship. It wasn't in my direct field but it was related. The internship gave me enough to make most of my expenses and gave me experience in an area that I didn't know was out there. Looking back, it made a huge difference in my career path. It will still be several years before I could think of negotiating (accepting an offer) but the internship did help get me started on that path. Work experience is always difficult when your young and job searching so look for connections, like internships, wherever you can and taking advantage is something I'd strongly recommend.
Hope this helps,
Jeff
Valeria Fernanda Miguel
Ingeniera civil
9
Answers
Pedro Luro, Buenos Aires Province
Updated
Valeria Fernanda’s Answer
Manuel, I think one way to get a head start on a job is to do free or paid internships, as many as your time allows; I mean, without neglecting your studies. These internships should be specialized; I think this would allow you to get a job with more advantages than others.
Jen R
Program Manager
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jen’s Answer
Hi Manuel,
Getting an internship while I was still in school dramatically accelerated my career once I graduated. It allowed me to test-drive the role without a long-term commitment, confirming that my initial focus was wrong. Based on my experiences during my internship, I was able to pivot my studies to a different area that I ended up enjoying more.
Getting an internship while I was still in school dramatically accelerated my career once I graduated. It allowed me to test-drive the role without a long-term commitment, confirming that my initial focus was wrong. Based on my experiences during my internship, I was able to pivot my studies to a different area that I ended up enjoying more.
Kavya Keelara
1
Answer
Menlo Park, California
Updated
Kavya’s Answer
In addition to internships I have found that an advanced degree specializing in particularly narrow yet sought after paths may help you enter at a different place. For example someone who has a standard Bachelors Degree in Computer Science will enter at a different place than someone who has a Master's Degree in Information Technology or someone with a PHD in Applied Sciences
Taylen Luu
Equipment Engineer
3
Answers
Hillsboro, Oregon
Updated
Taylen’s Answer
Hi Manuel, you can skip the entry level and start at a position that matches your skills and experience. It depends on the job and if the hiring managers are open to it. Once you get in, it's important to keep learning and improving by attending training or getting more education. This will help you stay competitive and succeed in your role.
Marty Meyer
General Manager
62
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marty’s Answer
Many successful people started at the bottom and worked their way up; I'm an example of that. Especially now, getting a job at any salary is a win.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
154
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Manuel,
Jobs (roles) are generally graded. The process is called job evaluation. Based on the job content, decision making powers, impact of decisions made by the role occupant, a grade is assigned to the job. The grade into which the job falls determines the income you derive from it. Grades come in bands and the bands form the wage curve. A given salary band has a minimum and maximum pay. The bands usually overlap: somebody at the top range of a given grade earns more money than somebody at the bottom of the next higher grade. Pay within a given band is influenced by what the individual brings into the job: level of competence. Knowledge provides the foundation for competence. Skill is our ability to effectively and efficiently utilize knowledge and other resources at our disposal in order to attain desired results and success. Our willingnesss to use both knowledge and skills to achieve our goals is the third aspect of what makes us competent - often referred to as emotional intelligence (EQ).
Depending on your level of competence, your starting salary can fall anywhere within the band for your job grade. Starting at entry level within a given band shouldn't be a major problem, though. In practice, given the right level of productivity, your salary can rise quite rapidly within a given band. The higher your job grade, the more your variable pay (over and above your basic pay): bonuses, allowances, fringe benefits etc.
Jobs (roles) are generally graded. The process is called job evaluation. Based on the job content, decision making powers, impact of decisions made by the role occupant, a grade is assigned to the job. The grade into which the job falls determines the income you derive from it. Grades come in bands and the bands form the wage curve. A given salary band has a minimum and maximum pay. The bands usually overlap: somebody at the top range of a given grade earns more money than somebody at the bottom of the next higher grade. Pay within a given band is influenced by what the individual brings into the job: level of competence. Knowledge provides the foundation for competence. Skill is our ability to effectively and efficiently utilize knowledge and other resources at our disposal in order to attain desired results and success. Our willingnesss to use both knowledge and skills to achieve our goals is the third aspect of what makes us competent - often referred to as emotional intelligence (EQ).
Depending on your level of competence, your starting salary can fall anywhere within the band for your job grade. Starting at entry level within a given band shouldn't be a major problem, though. In practice, given the right level of productivity, your salary can rise quite rapidly within a given band. The higher your job grade, the more your variable pay (over and above your basic pay): bonuses, allowances, fringe benefits etc.