From Internship Stipend to Full-Time Salary: A Journey Through Different Careers

The Evolving Career Path: From Intern to Full-Time Staff

Introduction to Early Career Stages

My journey into the professional world began rather modestly with an internship stipend in 2017, amounting to INR 15,000 per month. Back then, the nature of the work was primarily an internship, which was different from a regular salary. The experience, however, was invaluable and set the foundation for what was to come.

First Full-Time Job Post-Masters

Graduating from my Master’s degree in design from NIFT in 2018 opened the door to a much more meaningful career. A full-time job in Pune soon followed, with a monthly salary of around 56,000 INR. Reflecting on this period, I remember the starting package being roughly 8.5 lacs annually. It was fascinating to see how designers were highly sought after and well-compensated, with companies willing to offer generous compensation packages. However, the landscape has changed significantly since then, and the average starting salary for designers now often rivals that of engineers.

Engineering to Academia and Beyond

Before entering the design field, I pursued a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. My first job was a substation engineer in a contract position, where I worked for two months, one month of training and one month on the job. The salary for this contract position was around 15,000 INR in the first month, dependent on the number of shifts. After this position, I moved to an engineering college as an assistant professor, a role that offered a different kind of compensation and responsibilities.

Understanding Salary Structures in the United States

The concept of salary in the United States differs from hourly or overtime pay. Salaries are typically based on a minimum of 40 hours per week, with often more hours required for effective job performance. Yearly salaries provide a consistent payment, regardless of the number of hours worked.

First Salary Job in the Aquatic Industry

My next notable transition was into the aquatic industry, where I began working at 25. In this role, I specialized in aquatic husbandry and chemistry, providing expert advice on water conditions for fish and invertebrates. The job involved handling advanced customer questions, training staff, and working with quality assurance and product development departments. For these skills and responsibilities, I received a salary of 36,000 USD annually, along with a title of Senior Consumer Relations Specialist. Despite the ‘meager’ pay, the job was incredibly fulfilling.

Conclusion

Through these various roles and transitions, it's clear that the path to professional success involves a blend of different experiences, skills, and challenges. Whether it's the modest beginnings of an internship stipend or the rewarding responsibilities of a senior position, each stage contributes significantly to personal and professional growth.

Keywords: salary, internship, full-time job, starting salary, career progression