10 Steps to Negotiate your Salary as Freshers in VLSI

Introduction:

Beginning your career in Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) in India is an exciting adventure, but the first major milestone is negotiating your salary as freshers.

The outcome of this negotiation not only sets the tone for your career but also impacts your financial future.

In this blog post, we will guide you through a 10-step method for negotiating your entry-level VLSI salary, using the real-life example of Priya, a recent electronics engineering graduate.

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Step 1: Research the Industry Standard

Priya’s journey begins with thorough research into industry standards for entry-level VLSI positions in India. She discovers that, in Bengaluru, a major hub for tech companies, the average salary for such positions typically falls between Rs. 4,50,000 and Rs. 6,00,000 per annum.

Step 2: Assess Your Skills and Experience as VLSI Freshers

A critical aspect of the negotiation process is Priya’s self-assessment. Her qualifications include:

A Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering (the minimum requirement for the job).
A six-month internship at a renowned semiconductor company in Bengaluru, where she worked on a VLSI design project and gained hands-on experience in VHDL programming.
Relevant coursework in VLSI design, digital electronics, and microelectronics, which further enhance her profile.
A certification in VHDL programming, demonstrating her commitment to skill development.

Step 3: Determine Your Minimum Acceptable Salary

To determine her minimum acceptable salary, Priya calculates her essential monthly living expenses, which total approximately Rs. 30,000. Consequently, her minimum annual acceptable salary is Rs. 3,60,000.

Step 4: Consider the Location

Understanding the cost of living variation across Indian cities, Priya accounts for the higher cost of living in Bengaluru. She adapts her salary expectations, knowing she’ll need a higher salary to maintain her standard of living in this tech hub.

Step 5: Understand the Company

Before initiating negotiations, Priya diligently researches the prospective employer. She learns that the company is a mid-sized semiconductor firm with a strong reputation in the industry.

Step 6: Account for Your Unique Value as VLSI Freshers

During negotiations, Priya leverages her unique qualifications. Her VHDL certification and hands-on experience during her internship set her apart as a valuable candidate.

Step 7: Prepare a Salary Range

Based on her extensive research and qualifications, Priya establishes a reasonable salary range of Rs. 5,00,000 to Rs. 5,50,000 per annum. This range is well-grounded in industry standards and the value she brings to the organization.

Step 8: Negotiate Your Offer

Upon receiving a job offer with an initial salary of Rs. 4,80,000, Priya expresses gratitude and requests time to consider it. She professionally negotiates: “I’m excited about this opportunity, but based on my qualifications and industry standards for entry-level VLSI engineers in Bengaluru, I was hoping for a salary in the range of Rs. 5,00,000 to Rs. 5,50,000. Is there room for adjustment within this range?”

Step 9: Consider the Benefits Package as VLSI Freshers

Priya conducts a thorough review of the offered benefits package, which includes health insurance, a performance-based bonus, and transportation allowances, in addition to the base salary. She evaluates these benefits carefully as they significantly contribute to the overall compensation.

Step 10: Seek Clarity as VLSI Freshers

To ensure an informed decision, Priya requests a detailed breakdown of the benefits. She wants to understand the terms of the bonus and the vesting schedule for stock options, which are part of her compensation package.

Conclusion:

Negotiating your entry-level VLSI salary in India is a pivotal moment in your career. By following these 10 steps and using Priya’s journey as a real-life example, you can navigate the process confidently and effectively. Successful negotiations create a win-win situation, benefiting both you and your prospective employer as you embark on your VLSI career journey in India.