NTU Computer Science Starting pay?
 

Hi, I am going to be graduating from NTU Computer Science in a few months.

I would like to know how much I should be asking for as a fresh graduate with 0 zero experience. I don't think it adds much value, but I am also a Sun Certified Java Programmer (very easy to get outdated cert...).

Basically abit about me, I am Singaporean, and I don't think I will be getting any honours, just a pass degree. I am looking to be a Software Engineer. I am not the kind of guy that can remember everything or even anything... I have learned during the course of study, so I am kind of a google all the way person (I assume most people are... right?). I basically know Java, J2EE, C#, VB.NET, ASP.NET, HTML, JavaScript, SQL, little bit of PHP. I have never set up a server, did real networking or maintain any big databases before (they don't teach these stuff in school, and I have no experience, how would I know?).

So yeah, I am kinda like a fresh sheet of paper. I am hoping to ask for at least 2.8k to 3k. All of my peers are asking 3k++ Many outsiders tell me that I should be asking for only 2.5k and 2.6k max because of many competing foreign talents holding masters and only ask for 2k... :rolleyes:

But I really don't want to undervalue myself and I tend to do that a lot, so what range should be I looking at?

Since you are so upfront that you don't know many skills, then you must be willing to take in less pay than your peers. However, continue to learn on the job and you will see your pay increase over time as you add more and more skills to your repertoire.

What is your strength?

Are you even interested to work as a software engineer?

Because if you are, you should really upgrade your programming skills.
You need to be more confident in your programming skills.

If you not interested in programming, why don't you try to look for something else that will use your strength?

RE:graduation
 

hey,bro,my situation is also like yours you know.
I am a ntu computer science student going to be final year next year already.
I got a merit diploma with scjp as well.One route I can suggest is you take up SCWCD as well since it is a natural progression.But when i go to ntu my grade is only 2.xx pointer only,I don't know why is it like that.
I suggest one path is you can learn asp.net those dot net technologies and mssql by yourself.I also tend to undervalue myself,I just want to get a slack job 8-5 do coding can already.I also never set up server before,I hate going to client site to do the things.Maybe you can just aim for J2EE jsp job enough already.Php alot of people can spoil market.
I am thinking about learning HTML5 and excel vba now.
Those UOL from SIM really spoil market

I thought Comp Sci graduate from can command amongst the highest among NTU graduate?

Instead of saying I am intersted to work as a software engineer, I will say it's because I can only be a software engineer. As a student we are mainly only taught programming in poly. and uni. The rest of the stuff like networking, databases, .etc. They only teach us theories, never expose us to the softwares used in the market. I believe all schools are like that anyway.

I am moderately comfortable with programming though; it's kinda satisfying in a way... Language wise, I kind of believe you can never reach any company's expectations because everyone uses different stuff anyway. I strongly believe I can program and make anything, you just have to give me a few days to grasp the concept and language.

My problem is I don't know what starting salary range to ask for. I don't want to under or over-value myself.

for networking and database,their certificate has ccna and oracle certified associate isn't it.

I think you are right about the school not teaching us what are the tools to use.I have one advise is to ask you employer what are the tools that you required you to properly configure it in your laptop.

The problem about employer nowadays is they demand such skills even before your have them.Can't they be learnt On the fly?

There a various short courses around,
are they actually useful to help to secure employment?