<p>I'm a currently studying civil engineering and have about a year left of school before I get my Bachelors. Presently, I am working at a structural firm in Germany (an internship) as a part of a study abroad program. Right now I have a potential job offer in the States for when I graduate next year, but want to know how much I should look around to other companies before committing to it. </p>
<p>The company I'm looking at has good credentials in both structural and environmental (both of which I'm interested in), and I'm really not sure about the amount of money I'll be making. </p>
<p>I have all of next year to be looking at other jobs while finishing up classes, but I was mainly wondering how important it is to be picky just out of the gate. I know that engineering jobs are pretty secure, and I don't think that I'll have a hard time finding one; but in the long run, how important is it to worry about a large salary early on?</p>
<p>It can’t hurt to look around; in fact you probably should. Companies tend to give pretty similar offers as their peers, from what I’ve seen. The difference in salary will probably be more significant when you get more experience and have achieved some important goals. </p>
<p>The most important factor in picking an entry-level job is probably the company culture (since salaries will be fairly similar across the board). The problem is you probably won’t know what it’s like until you start working there, or unless you already know someone at that company. There are some companies that do great work, but are horrible to work for. There’s one particular engineering firm here in New York that’s the undisputed expert at what they do in this area of the country, but many people say it’s a bad place to work at. </p>
<p>Don’t stress out about a large salary (but don’t take a low offer either unless you know it’ll work out for you).</p>
<p>The reason I have the prospect is because of the fact that I met someone working at the company at another job of mine. He’s also friends with my parents, and they both can’t say a bad thing about him or the company. I can’t see it going badly at all, but I don’t want to sell myself short and commit because it’s the easiest way to get a job.</p>
<p>I don’t yet have the ability to tell if this is a special opportunity that will get me ahead or just something that everyone comes across. I can definitely understand the idea of getting a better paying job that ends up being a terrible time, and vice versa. I will have to do some more research on other companies too.</p>
<p>Thanks very much for the advice, and any other tips to be aware of during my job search are largely appreciated.</p>
<p>That’s worth an awful lot. I’d take working for a good person over an extra 5K any day. And if this person would mentor you, teach you the ropes and ease your way, you’d be very much better off than the average new hire. It might facilitate your advancement. It almost certainly would give you better job assignments than the no-name new grad. No, these opportunities don’t appear to all, just to a very few.</p>
<p>Write to this person about the kind of work you’d be doing, to show interest and to learn more. Find out what a new grad will make, and enter into salary negotiations with that number in mind.</p>
<p>Go ahead and shop around, you don’t want to pick the first job without looking at others. If your resume/experience is competitive, don’t worry too much either–most companies will try to recruit you. Also, I’d suggest taking the FE exam if you plan on working in the states.</p>