Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

Recognizing that you need money to live, if you want a job that will let you learn and grow in your selected area of marketing, then don't let a few dollars an hour deter you at this stage.

When you say, "I at least need a raise in order to justify the longer commute ..." the suggestion is that the job opportunity is not worth the extra time and expense of the commute. If that's the case, then stay where you are or get any McJob that pays what you think you need.

If, on the other hand, you are clearly focused on the long-term value of your knowledge and training, then do whatever it takes to get the job you really want. And if that means eating a lot of mac-and-cheese dinners for a while, then learn to love mac-and-cheese.

BTW, most companies recognize and reward outstanding performance among new/junior employees. If you take a job that doesn't pay what you think you're worth, prove your value early/quickly, and you might just be surprised at how soon you can get a review and a salary adjustment.

(I have one client who watches entry-level people very closely and tries to identify the stars within 10-12 weeks, then puts them on an accelerated track with raises, bonuses and promotions very quickly.)

If you really want to work at the company long-term, do a bunch of informational interviews there with the goal of finding someone on the inside to mentor you. That'll be worth more to you long-term than short-term salary. Also, be sure to explore what your longer-term options are starting with tech support and heading toward your "dream" job with them.

HI Erika,

Before I give my .02 I am curious on why you would limit the scope of your future job search to email marketing? Think of your MBA as a key performance indicator and not as a goal. If you ask me your goal is to find a job that you like that pays you commensurate to your education/skill. The insight provided by our colleagues is sound and I just wanted to add my take on this . It is valid that most companies promote from within their organization first before looking for someone outside. SO wherever you do decide to start at to stand out from the masses you have to do your ordinary duties extraordinarily well. As for a job in marketing that pays 40-60k / month an agency manager Salaries vary according to the size and location of the agency. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that advertising managers earned a median annual salary of $63,610. Those in the high-tech industry made much more. For example, the median salary for advertising managers at computer systems design companies was $107,030 per year. Managers generally receive benefits such as paid holidays and vacations, health and life insurance, and retirement plans. Many managers also receive bonuses and stock in the company and participate in profit-sharing plans.

Hope you finish your MBA and find a great job that you like.