Am I doing well for myself so far?
I'm a new grad (22, B.S. in Physics with Comp. Sci. & Engineering coursework, projects, & research experience) & just accepted an offer a bit ago from RMS for a L1 DevSecOps Systems Engineer role in NJ by Philadelphia. I did have a referral to the role, so that likely helped me out the most. The offer is $78.7k with $5k relocation, & I didn't negotiate because it was the only offer I had & I assumed fresh grads don't have enough leverage to negotiate salary/benefits.
I'm fortunate enough to be out of college debt-free & with a decent amount of savings I built throughout high school & college to move out/get my adult life started. I also started a mostly online Aerospace M.S. that would have been a 4 + 1, but since I got this job offer, I'll be a part time student & it'll take an extra year (I'm covering these first 1 or 2 classes, but hoping Lockheed covers the rest when I start).
I've always wanted to work in the Aerospace industry, & I'm so relieved I now have a foot in the door. I was honestly super anxious about it with everything going on for college grads lately, especially since I come from a super tiny liberal arts college with no engineering program (I had to take my engineering courses at a nearby university). I'm thinking down the line (several years, I need to learn to do my job 1st), I might transfer to Space, as that's more my passion & I heard there's pretty good mobility within Lockheed. I also have always wanted to live in/near a major city, so everything looks pretty good to me so far.
Am I doing well for myself so far? Could I have done better given my scenario?
Should I have tried to negotiate salary/benefits? Can I still do so even after accepting the offer and currently waiting for my clearence?
What should I prepare for as far as the work goes? Skills to pick back up/build on? Office politics? etc.
Am I thinking/worrying about the idea of transferring too soon? How long should I stick with RMS before asking to move to Space? I've heard they can be very similar, at least between NJ and the King of Prussia locations, so is it even worth it to transfer at all?
I've heard from many that Lockheed is great to start, but not to stay forever. I do have some start-up/mid-size companies that i'm keeping my eye on, but wouldn't want to work for just yet until they have better footing in the industry. Is Lockheed good long term? Or should I see it as just a stepping stone in my career?
Any tips on living in the NJ side of the Philly metro area would be much appreciated! I'm on the lookout for apartments, thinking of Parkview Towers in Collingswood, but let me know if you have other recommendations. I tend to be more frugal.