3 answers
Zaliah
Student
Joliet, Illinois
3
Questions
Asked
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How much do you make yearly?
How much do you make yearly? What certifications got you there? #receptionist #business
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3 answers
Kimie K
Project Management
1
Answer
Updated
Kimie’s Answer
I make a good amount annually, but it is personal information I do not wish to share.
However, I can share with you what enabled me to make the amount I do.
4-year degree: I was not brave enough to join the miliatry after high school, nor was I "handy" enough to go into a trade, so I went to college after high school.
Certifications: While in college, if I found something that perked my interest I took it a step further. For example, a company I was fond of while growing up had a presence at the college career fairs. I applied (many times) in hopes for an internship and my persistence paid off. I got an internship with them my freshman year, which on my resume set me a part from most other peers after graduation!
Then while in the workforce, I did the same. I liked continuous impriovement, so I got a Lean Certification. I like Project Management, so I achieved my PMP certification, and so on.. Still today I look for ways to extend my interests into certifications or memberships.
Shadowing: Shadowing people in the workforce is important to help you not only figure out what you want to do, but also what you DONT want to do. I thought I wanted to be an engineer, until I shadowed one! I got to ask so many questions, get honest answers and see what a "day in the life" really would look like. Most places are more than happy to welcome someone to shadow an employee of theirs. You just have to ask!
Interviewing: I have only interviewed for roles that truly interested me at companies I could see myself working at. People can sense your motivation and truly appreciate transparency. Stay true to yourself, it is important for you to be a good fit for the company, but even more important they are a good fit for you!
However, I can share with you what enabled me to make the amount I do.
4-year degree: I was not brave enough to join the miliatry after high school, nor was I "handy" enough to go into a trade, so I went to college after high school.
Certifications: While in college, if I found something that perked my interest I took it a step further. For example, a company I was fond of while growing up had a presence at the college career fairs. I applied (many times) in hopes for an internship and my persistence paid off. I got an internship with them my freshman year, which on my resume set me a part from most other peers after graduation!
Then while in the workforce, I did the same. I liked continuous impriovement, so I got a Lean Certification. I like Project Management, so I achieved my PMP certification, and so on.. Still today I look for ways to extend my interests into certifications or memberships.
Shadowing: Shadowing people in the workforce is important to help you not only figure out what you want to do, but also what you DONT want to do. I thought I wanted to be an engineer, until I shadowed one! I got to ask so many questions, get honest answers and see what a "day in the life" really would look like. Most places are more than happy to welcome someone to shadow an employee of theirs. You just have to ask!
Interviewing: I have only interviewed for roles that truly interested me at companies I could see myself working at. People can sense your motivation and truly appreciate transparency. Stay true to yourself, it is important for you to be a good fit for the company, but even more important they are a good fit for you!
Amy M
3
Answers
Highland Park, Illinois
Updated
Amy’s Answer
It looks like you are looking for a job as a receptionist based on your hashtag? Being in the chicagoland area, I have seen these jobs pay anywhere from $40K-75K depending on skills and experience. Receptionist jobs are generally available on glassdoor or linkedin or other professional websites and are generally fairly prolific. The one thing i will say is that while a college degree generally isn't necessary, it does help to get in the door and to get a job. It also allows you to have some additional flexibility if you find a company you are receptionist at but then want to switch to take a job within the business. It offers a great way to grow at a company you know and like.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Mike Utaegbulam
Marketing Strategist | Business Owner
1
Answer
Washington, Washington
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hi Zaliah - I think that this is an important question and I wish I would have asked this earlier in my career. The salary will vary based on job title ane location. Here are a few soft numbers of what I've made over the years
2012 - $30k/yr - Creative Services Coordinator
This was my first full-time job out of college. I worked for a local business Chamber
2014 - $34k/yr - Graphic Designer
I worked for a University. This was easily the busiest job I've ever worked (sole designer for 20+ departments)
2015 - $55k/yr - Director of Marketing
I worked for Realtor association. Not nearly as busy as the university job, but more responsibility (managerial, reporting to the Board and CEO, rebranding, travel, etc). I left this job to move to DC, but this was by far my favorite position.
2017 - $75k/yr - Digital Marketing Manager
This was for a non-profit membership association. This was a new role and many didn't see value in my role until I showed them what was possible. I left due to no true plan for growth
2020 - $100k/yr - Self Employed
Using the skills that I gained and the relationships that I built, I was able to go full time into my business and pay myself a six-figure salary.
Relationships and networking are so important when it comes to salary. A lot of times, the salary range posted with a job may not be the only money a company has available. There are also a ton of benefits that a job can offer that aren't necessarily monetary in nature (tuition assistance, unlimited PTO, professional development, etc.) Best of luck!
2012 - $30k/yr - Creative Services Coordinator
This was my first full-time job out of college. I worked for a local business Chamber
2014 - $34k/yr - Graphic Designer
I worked for a University. This was easily the busiest job I've ever worked (sole designer for 20+ departments)
2015 - $55k/yr - Director of Marketing
I worked for Realtor association. Not nearly as busy as the university job, but more responsibility (managerial, reporting to the Board and CEO, rebranding, travel, etc). I left this job to move to DC, but this was by far my favorite position.
2017 - $75k/yr - Digital Marketing Manager
This was for a non-profit membership association. This was a new role and many didn't see value in my role until I showed them what was possible. I left due to no true plan for growth
2020 - $100k/yr - Self Employed
Using the skills that I gained and the relationships that I built, I was able to go full time into my business and pay myself a six-figure salary.
Relationships and networking are so important when it comes to salary. A lot of times, the salary range posted with a job may not be the only money a company has available. There are also a ton of benefits that a job can offer that aren't necessarily monetary in nature (tuition assistance, unlimited PTO, professional development, etc.) Best of luck!