<prompt> Human: After receiving an undergrad in history, I immediately went on to get an M.A. in history. Two months into the M.A. I realized I didnt want to teach like I originally thought. However, I was on a full scholarship so I stuck with it while making a plan B.During my time in the M.A., I buffered my resume with some side jobs and internshipsfellowships outside of the humanities in hopes of making a career field change. After graduating, I applied to jobs in business, consulting, and politics.One of the first offers I received was from a start-up marketing company in Denver as a key account manager. They originally offer me a 30k salary. I know I have a degree often considered useless, but I expected a higher offer. Thankfully, because I read a lot of PF posts I came prepared to negotiate. The fact is most college graduates dont negotiate their first salary even though the employer is expecting it. After I received the offer over the phone I thanked them and told them I was expecting 40k. They responded saying they might be able to bump it up a thousand but no where close to what I expected and theyd get back to me the next day. That night I sent them an email with salary stats for related job positions from both Payscale and Glassdoor. They said that because the email made solid points theyd offer 37,500 with healthdental insurance HSA and company stock. After talking with loved ones I took the job and let my other prospects know.I know 37,500 is low for someone in their mid 20s with an MA. It might take some flare away from the 25 increase brag. But its an awesome stepping stone at a really fast growing company. Im 2 months in now and Im really enjoying it. 37,500 is barely enough for my current life style but hopefully it will increase fast at a fast growing company.---TL;DR Offered 30k and negotiated up to 37.5k based off rpersonalfinance advice. Not a huge salary for mid 20s but Im still proud and its an awesome stepping stone for where I want to be!Sorry if anyone feels they read this a couple months ago. I posted it when I first got hired but when it started getting traction I took it down out of paranoia.  <response>: Congrats! Thats a decent size increase. 