By:Heather Shea and Ashley Bustamante (co-coordinators of StartSmart at MSU)
StartSmart Salary Negotiation Workshop (a collaboration between Women*s Student Services and the Career Services Network) specifically targets the gender wage gap issue by teaching students who are about to enter the job market how to assess their value as an employee, identify the target salary and benefits for the job, and practice negotiation scenarios.
StartSmart aims to equip individuals, with a focus specifically on women and non-binary students, with the knowledge and confidence to effectively negotiate their salaries, ensuring they are compensated fairly for their skills and contributions in the workplace.
Understanding the importance of starting salary negotiation is critical for college students about to graduate. Negotiating a fair starting salary sets the tone for future earnings and impacts long-term financial stability. By learning how to effectively negotiate their first salary after graduating from MSU, students can secure a salary that aligns with their qualifications, experience, and the market value of their skills. Additionally, advocating for equitable compensation not only benefits the individual but also contributes to closing the gender pay gap, fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce for all.
The gender pay gap, at its core, reflects the pay differential between men and women. However, taking into consideration gender beyond the binary as well as intersectionality, we know that this gap is not uniform across all sectors and social identities. For instance, women of color often experience a more substantial wage gap compared with white women, reflecting the compound effects of both gender and racial discrimination.
Recognizing the significance of addressing (and ultimately eliminating) the gender pay gap is important for people of all genders so we can create more equitable, prosperous, and inclusive environments that benefit everyone. Fair and just workplace practices, including around compensation, lead to a more equitable and sustainable society. Furthermore, closing the gender pay gap can reduce poverty rates, improve living standards for families, and promote social mobility.
Interested in attending our next open session? Read on!
Join our StartSmart Salary Negotiation Workshop on November 3rd from 12-2pm in Student Services Building Room 113 (inside Career Services). Bring your lunch and be prepared to learn how to take control of your financial future. RSVP to attend here: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oub6hrAHrHR8s6
AAUW Start Smart is an in-person workshop designed for students who are about to enter the job market. It teaches students how to negotiate for their first job and create a personal budget.
In this workshop you will have the opportunity to learn about:
- the gender pay gap and how it affects you
- assessing your value as an employee
- the target salary and benefits for the job you're applying to
- proven strategies for negotiation
and we will practice, practice, practice!
Register today, space is limited! If this time does not work for you, please stay tuned for more sessions!
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