What Should Salary Expectation Be After Degrees?

Louis writes:

I am 31 years old and have just completed an associate’s degree in computer networking and then went on to complete a B.S. degree in computer science. I am now studying for a B.S. in business administration. Then I will be continuing on for my MBA. I am currently working as a computer analyst making only $30,000 a year. What types of salaries should I expect after completing all four of these degrees? I intend on being a project manager. Am I wasting my time and money on education? Or will I be able to command salaries of over $60K to $70K because of the education that I intend to complete. What is a good career progression? And how should I go about progressing to that upper salaried positions.

The Career Doctor responds:

I think far too many job-seekers put too much emphasis on salary when researching careers or conducting career planning. Yes, what we earn is important to our feelings of self-worth and self-esteem, but let’s not overlook the importance of the intrinsic value of enjoying what you do. So, if project management really excites you — and you can make a good living doing it — then that’s a good match for you. Please do be careful of picking careers or jobs simply based on how much you’ll be able to make. And in this job market, many job-seekers would love a job where they are making only $30,000 a year.

I do want to congratulate you on the ability to balance working and attending classes at the same time, because not everyone can do that, and while it will take you longer to reach your educational and career goals, you’ll be a more experienced and well-rounded job-seeker.

How can you best determine if project management is a good match for you — both in terms of your interests, skills, and education — as well as your salary requirements? Hit the online job boards and examine as many project management positions as you can find. Not only will this research help with your career goals, but you’ll be able to compile a list of keywords and phrases that employers use when seeking project managers. Once you have those keywords, you should be sure that you use them in your resumes and cover letters.

You should also consider conducting a few informational interviews with people who are currently involved in project management. Not only will these interviews help build your network, you’ll also learn a great deal about the skills, experience, and education valued in that profession.

Go to this section of Quintessential Careers to find job sites where you can conduct research: Best Job Sites for Job-Seekers.

Learn more about informational interviewing by using the Informational Interviewing Tutorial found at Quintessential Careers.