Whether you’re graduating soon and gearing up to enter the workforce or simply plotting out your career pathway, you’ll probably agree that one of the most exciting prospects of stepping into the workforce is earning your very first paycheque.

But before you let your mind wander off about your ideal future salary, it’s worth remembering that negotiating your pay is tricky business. In fact, the rising epidemic of fresh graduates expecting exorbitant starting salaries have cost many fresh graduates a job, as employers cite unreasonable salary requests as the top reason they don’t get hired.

So what's a realistic starting salary? Typically, as a fresh graduate, you can expect a starting salary of between RM1,900 and RM2,900.

In this infographic, we’ve mapped out the typical salaries for entry level to senior manager staff in their respective fields based on JobStreet’s 2018 Salary Report, so you’ll have a reasonable expectation of what your first paycheque might look like! 

(Illustration by Yazmyn Khairuddin)

But hold your horses! There are plenty of other factors you should take into account before deciding on your career. Consider your areas of interest, the type of work environment you’re suited for and where your strengths lie. Money might make the world go round, but it pays in more important ways if you genuinely love what you do.

It’s never too early to start gearing up to enter the workforce. Here are 5 ways to boost your employability while you’re still in university.

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Kamini Senthilathiban

Self-proclaimed pun-meister 6000. Kant stop, won't stop.