I just graduated from a top 15 b-school in CA (part-time). My current job (as a Project Mgr for internet company) is okay and enjoy the ppl I work with, but I feel the market is very hot right now. My annual review is in 1.5 months. I have a couple of questions: Should I pre-emptively ask my boss for a significant % increase in pay because of my MBA and performance? If so, what is a reasonable % increase? Or should just look for a new job altogether and forego my increase (and also potential 15% bonus at end of year)? I have only been at the company one year and is a relatively new industry for me. Any advice would be most welcome! Thanks. Addendum: I will hit my 1 year mark in August, but won't have my review till late September. Also have over 9 years of work experience, 3-4 directly related (Internet, consulting). So not sure if I should wait to see what they offer me for my annual performance review, or ask ahead for a certain % beforehand

Usually u should wait at least a year before requesting raises. I mean, unless u have an MBA from an Ivy, wharton, or Stern, u pretty much have to go with the flow

If you are new in the industry, I would not ask for a raise. You must have work experience to be considered valuable to your boss. After 3 or 4 years, you might be eligible for a raise. You should tell your boss that you completed your MBA. Sometimes a company will give you an automatic pay increase for an advanced degree. Don't get cocky though, many companies prefer to hire people with lesser degrees because they don't have to pay them as much to do the same work. You could be what managers call "overqualified" if you have an MBA with very little work experience.

i finished mine in dec '03 and once my employer found out i was shopping offers, hit me with a 20% increase. after a year, i went to a competitor for double my salary and a 25% signing bonus (with about 5 yearas relevent exp). opportunities are out there, you just need a little savvy, and some luck. i guess it depends on what you're making too. you may already be making what your worth, in which case your mba will do little for your earninig potential (although never hurts).