First off, a little background. I am 21 years old, and will be graduating with an undergraduate degree in MIS come May. I have been working at the same company (Options Trading Firm in the Chicago loop) for about 4 years now. I started off doing data entry for the financial staff, and quickly finagled my way into the tech world. To clarify, the first 2 years there were spent solely over my summer and winter breaks, as I went to school downstate. I transferred to a city school halfway through my education, and began working there part time as a desktop technician.
About a year ago, I was transferred to the networking team, as I have always had an interest in computer networks. I've been doing rather well in this position, and have a great team to work alongside who are all eager to share information and skills with me. I completed my CCNA exam about 6 months ago, and have begun my CCNP certification process as well.
Now that I am about to graduate, the transition to full-time employment has been brought up, and everyone there is eager to get me on board. We have already discussed me taking a few months off after graduation to pursue some travel plans I've been thinking about for years, and will likely not get to do once I start working full-time.
That being said, after negotiation with my boss and several higher-ups, I have been told that I am to come to them with a salary that I feel is fair. This threw me for a total loop, as I assumed they'd approach me with an offer (which, from what my boss was telling me, was way more than I would have anticipated) which I could choose to accept or not. I have begun looking around career sites for a guide as to what someone in my position would make starting off, and I'm really not sure what to settle on. A majority of the positions I've found are looking for college grads with little knowledge, and their pay is significantly lower than those seeking experienced engineers.
I guess my question to you all is how should I go about this process? Are there any good sites out there that would estimate my worth to the market? Should I just go with the original number my boss ball-parked during our original talks, or should I go a little higher, which they could simply say no to. Keep in mind my position here full-time is secured, its simply the salary that is up in the air. They are a very successful, employee-driven firm (company buys lunch for employees daily, stocked kitchen, great benefits) who have a genuine interest in me joining them full-time. I am very excited for this opportunity, I would just like to make the most of it. Any help or advice would be appreciated, I look forward to hearing from you all. Thanks!!
About a year ago, I was transferred to the networking team, as I have always had an interest in computer networks. I've been doing rather well in this position, and have a great team to work alongside who are all eager to share information and skills with me. I completed my CCNA exam about 6 months ago, and have begun my CCNP certification process as well.
Now that I am about to graduate, the transition to full-time employment has been brought up, and everyone there is eager to get me on board. We have already discussed me taking a few months off after graduation to pursue some travel plans I've been thinking about for years, and will likely not get to do once I start working full-time.
That being said, after negotiation with my boss and several higher-ups, I have been told that I am to come to them with a salary that I feel is fair. This threw me for a total loop, as I assumed they'd approach me with an offer (which, from what my boss was telling me, was way more than I would have anticipated) which I could choose to accept or not. I have begun looking around career sites for a guide as to what someone in my position would make starting off, and I'm really not sure what to settle on. A majority of the positions I've found are looking for college grads with little knowledge, and their pay is significantly lower than those seeking experienced engineers.
I guess my question to you all is how should I go about this process? Are there any good sites out there that would estimate my worth to the market? Should I just go with the original number my boss ball-parked during our original talks, or should I go a little higher, which they could simply say no to. Keep in mind my position here full-time is secured, its simply the salary that is up in the air. They are a very successful, employee-driven firm (company buys lunch for employees daily, stocked kitchen, great benefits) who have a genuine interest in me joining them full-time. I am very excited for this opportunity, I would just like to make the most of it. Any help or advice would be appreciated, I look forward to hearing from you all. Thanks!!