Salary negotiations are hard for even the most seasoned workers, but for college students fresh on the job market, the process can be intimidating. While talking about money can be uncomfortable, the discussion is necessary because it will determine grads’ starting income and potentially set the bar for future earnings.
According to NACE’s April 2013 salary survey, the average starting salary for the Class of 2013 stands at $44,928, rising 5.3% from the 2012 average salary of $42,666. Employers expect some level of discourse with candidates about salary and benefits during the hiring process, experts warn grads tread carefully and handle discussions with the utmost professionalism