SINGAPORE — A recent graduate was taken aback when a well-known multinational corporation (MNC) offered him only $3,000 a month for a sales role. The graduate, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his experience on the r/askSingapore subreddit on Monday, February 17. He expressed disbelief at the salary, especially considering his degree and hands-on sales experience from his internships.

“I feel so frustrated because I rejected a $4,000 offer from another SME with a lower compensation package,” he said. “I don’t expect a high base. I was thinking about $3,300 – $3,500 even after rejecting the $4,000 offer from the other company. But this company just offered a $3,000 base.”

In an attempt to gain perspective, he sought advice from fellow Redditors, asking if $3,000 was a typical starting salary for fresh graduates in sales or if he was being lowballed.

“If you don’t like it, don’t accept it.”

Singaporean Redditors quickly shared their views, with some confirming the graduate’s suspicions. One Redditor noted, “Yeah, $3K for a sales role with a degree and internship experience is on the lower side, especially from an MNC. MNCs usually have better branding and career progression, but they also tend to offer lower starting pay than SMEs, which need to attract talent with higher salaries.”

Another commented, “For MNC and for degree holders, $3,000 basic is really very low.”

On the other hand, some argued that since the graduate was in sales, he should focus less on the base salary and more on the commission, as that’s where the real earnings come from. One Redditor added, “Sales jobs usually have a commission package. You don’t have any track records with them; why would they pay a high base if they also have a comm package?”

Another urged him to take up the offer, writing, “In this current job market, take it and keep finding a new job during your new employment; smaller pay is better than no pay; jump ship once you get a better offer.”

For fresh graduates looking to start a career in Sales and Marketing in Singapore, it’s helpful to have a sense of what to expect in terms of salary. According to Glassdoor, the estimated monthly salary for a fresh graduate in this field is approximately $3,000. This figure represents the median salary, calculated using Glassdoor’s Total Pay Estimate model based on salary data shared by users.

This situation highlights a broader trend in the job market where entry-level positions, particularly in sales, often come with lower base salaries but offer significant commission opportunities. This model is not unique to Singapore; it’s a common practice in the U.S. as well, where companies like IBM and Oracle have been known to offer lower base salaries with commission structures.

Experts suggest that graduates should carefully evaluate the total compensation package, including bonuses, commissions, and other benefits, rather than focusing solely on the base salary. For example, a sales role at a U.S. tech company might offer a base salary of $40,000 but with the potential to earn $20,000 in commissions, making the total compensation $60,000. This is a significant difference from a base salary of $50,000 with no commission.

Recent developments in the job market have shown a shift towards more transparent salary discussions. Platforms like Glassdoor and Payscale have made it easier for job seekers to compare salaries across different industries and companies. This transparency can help graduates negotiate better compensation packages.

However, it’s important to note that the job market for fresh graduates can be highly competitive. In the U.S., the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that the average starting salary for a bachelor’s degree graduate in 2023 was $55,260, with significant variations depending on the industry and location. For instance, graduates in the tech industry can expect higher starting salaries compared to those in education or non-profit sectors.

In conclusion, while the graduate’s experience highlights the challenges of negotiating entry-level salaries, it also underscores the importance of understanding the total compensation package. Graduates should be proactive in researching industry standards, leveraging platforms like Glassdoor and Payscale, and considering the long-term career progression opportunities offered by different employers. As one Redditor wisely advised, “If you don’t like it, don’t accept it.”