higher education through work

[jamest1988]

Morning everyone, I’m after a bit of advice really if you could be so kind. After starting at an engineering company as an apprentice 6 years ago, I have studied on a part time basis since then. I have recently finished my degree and I am looking at doing a Masters.

A couple of questions really; what’s the best way of bringing up a pay rise now I've finished my degree and what would you think was reasonable % wise. I know my degree doesn't make me instantly better at my job but I am more qualified and more aware of general engineering problems so I think it is a benefit to the company.

Second, my manager has hinted that I could do my masters provided I signed a contract tying me in for a couple of years afterwards. I know this is fairly standard practise and I don’t mind at all. I’m just concerned that it pretty much ties me in to the same salary for 4 years as well (2 year course, agreement for two years afterwards) as they know you’re not going to leave. I’m under no obligation to stay at the minute, as I haven’t signed anything previously but I like where I am and the opportunities they are giving me so looking elsewhere is a last option. What is the best course of action in this situation? I thought about negotiating milestones for salary increases but I’m not sure. Any advice would be greatly received.

James

[StevieBee]

jamest1988 said:

what’s the best way of bringing up a pay rise now I've finished my degree and what would you think was reasonable % wise

Unless there is a expressly written statement in your contract of employment, there is no obligation on the employers side of things to give you a raise so you need to think verify carefully about the monetary benefit you now bring to the company as a result of your degree as well as the more intangible aspects such as the added kudos the company has by having another 'degree' quality staff member.

Also, look at the market value of your skills else where with and without the degree to give you an idea of where you need to be pitching.

jamest1988 said:

Second, my manager has hinted that I could do my masters provided I signed a contract tying me in for a couple of years afterwards. I know this is fairly standard practise and I don’t mind at all. I’m just concerned that it pretty much ties me in to the same salary for 4 years as well (2 year course, agreement for two years afterwards) as they know you’re not going to leave. I’m under no obligation to stay at the minute, as I haven’t signed anything previously but I like where I am and the opportunities they are giving me so looking elsewhere is a last option.

A Masters is an expensive thing. Very expensive; hence the tie-in clause. Think careful and think worst case scenarios....what if you screw up after you've done your masters and get fired? Do you have to pay any of the course fee back? Same if you got a really good offer to join another company....what if the firm got taken over and you hated the new owners.... etc.

As for a rise in salary, again there is no obligation from them to do so. They could argue that you need to do the Masters in order to maintain a minimum level of competency relative to the market.

As before, you need to think about the increase monetary value you will bring to the company. Sure, you'll be better at your job but you need to quantify this to justify any serious or even modest hike in earnings.

All this said, I get the feeling from your post that you work for a decent company with decent management so the best advice is go talk to them,