This 22-Year-Old Grad Negotiated Every Job Offer She’s Received — Here’s Her Go-To Strategy
Hali Jama, a 22-year-old graduating business and economics student from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has negotiated every internship and job offer she’s received — and she believes anyone can do the same with the right mindset.
Though raised to be humble and not ask for too much, Jama realized that jobs are a two-way street. “I’m bringing just as much value to this company as they’re offering me in salary,” she told CNBC Make It. That shift in perspective helped her grow confident in negotiating, even early in her career.
Her top advice? Don’t stop at salary. If pay is fixed, ask for additional paid time off or relocation support. “I don’t think I’ve ever been told ‘no’ to all three,” she says. “Usually one of them hits.”
Many recent grads are in the same boat, with high salary expectations not always matching reality. According to ZipRecruiter, the class of 2025 expects to make over $100K, but actual starting salaries hover around $68K — and the gender gap starts early, with men averaging $72,700 and women $67,500.
Career expert Sam DeMase offers three mindset shifts to overcome the fear of negotiating:
- Avoid regret — ask yourself if you’ll wonder later if you could’ve gotten more.
- Raise the bar — negotiate not just for yourself, but for those who come after you.
- Know your worth — focus on jobs that align with your strengths and come prepared with proof of your impact.
When it comes to setting a salary target, Jama used market data from her job search and peer conversations to guide her approach. She encourages others to do the same and see negotiation as a form of self-advocacy.
“Most people respect it,” she says. “And honestly, what do you have to lose?”