I believe passion is one important factor. With that, you can overcome difficulties more easily and able to pick up skills faster. It also enables one to continue on that path and gain more working relevant experience to achieve management role.

I graduated from local University with a 4 years engineering pass degree and my first job (related to my current job) is a mere $2,300/month basic salary (average 1.5 month bonus) in late 2009. On average, I get around 24% increment (based on annual remuneration package) over the past 7 years. Therefore, it is important to enter a job that you are passionate early so you can build your knowledge and experience faster.