First salaries after leaving the university stick in people’s memories. That’s because life after university doesn’t follow a defined script.
For some, the transition into the workplace is straightforward, while for others, it takes detours through jobs they never imagined. First paychecks often tell different stories and are sometimes the start of something bigger.
They tell us what the labour market looked like at the time, how much employers valued fresh graduates, and how expectations lined up against reality. For some, that first paycheck was enough to get by. For others, it barely covered transport.
We spoke to eight people from different backgrounds. They shared their first jobs after university, what they earned, and where they are now.
Wunmi*, 27 – Digital Marketer
Graduated in 2020
My first job after university was as a social media manager for a small fashion brand in Lagos. I was earning ₦70,000 monthly. Now I work with a multinational as a digital marketing specialist and I earn ₦350,000.
Preye*, 30 – Banker
Graduated in 2021
I joined a commercial bank immediately after NYSC. My salary was ₦120,000 per month. Today, I work in a fintech company and I’m earning about ₦650,000.
Segun*, 25 – Teacher
Graduated in 2019
I started teaching in a private secondary school in Ibadan, earning ₦35,000 monthly. Now I work as a designer and earn ₦400,000.
Read Also: Is Choosing Abstinence the New Rebellion in a Sex-Obsessed World?
Charles*, 35 – Business Owner (Catering Services)
Graduated in 2013
My first job after university was as a kitchen assistant in a hotel in Port Harcourt. The pay was ₦50,000 monthly. Today I run my own catering business, and in a good month I make over ₦300,000.
Ibrahim*, 26 – Civil Engineer
Graduated in 2018
My first role was with a construction company in Abuja. I earned ₦90,000. Today, I work as a project engineer earning ₦400,000.
Blessing*, 24 – Customer Care Representative
Graduated in 2019
My first job was in a call centre for a telecoms company. I was paid ₦50,000. Now, I’m a customer experience lead in a fintech company and I earn ₦250,000. The call centre days taught me patience.
Chuka*, 28 – Software Developer
Graduated in 2019
My first job was as a junior developer for a tech start-up in Ibadan, earning ₦150,000. I now work remotely for a foreign company and make about ₦1.2 million monthly.
Temidire*, – Freelance Product Manager
Graduated in 2024
My first job was as a primary school teacher in a primary school. I was paid ₦12,000 per month. Now I’m a freelance product manager, and I’m earning roughly between the range of ₦150,000 – ₦500,000 monthly.
What stands out is that first jobs rarely define the future. They offer exposure, confidence, and lessons that shape long-term paths. Some walked away from early roles into better ones, while others stayed because the work itself mattered more than the pay.
ICYMI: Hustle to Breakthrough: How to Harness the Struggle For the Shine
*Pseudonym.
