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Six Figure: I Went From ₦35,000 As An Intern To ₦700,000 Monthly

Six Figure is a biweekly PiggyVest series that focuses on how real Nigerians achieved dramatic income growth, making them millionaires.

For this week’s episode of Six Figure, we spoke to a product manager who earns ₦700k a month. She talks about how she transitioned into tech, and shares some advice for those looking to earn more.

What was your first job?

I started out as a marketing intern at a lifestyle concierge company that helps people make bookings. Like buying tickets, ordering food and stuff like that.

How long ago was this?

I started working with them in November 2016, so give or take six years.

What was your job description as a marketing intern?

My job included putting together our newsletter content and sending them out. I also helped the marketing manager at the time to come up with strategies and ideas on how to move the brand forward.

What was the salary for this role like?

As an intern, my starting salary was ₦35,000. But as I moved on to higher roles, so did my salary. From ₦35,000 to ₦55,000. Then to ₦75,000. After some time it was doubled, and I started earning ₦150,000. I was the marketing manager before I left the company, and at this point I was earning ₦250,000.

That’s proper career growth. How long did this take?

It took five years. I left in 2022.

What’s your current job?

I’m a Senior Product Manager.

What does this entail?

A product manager is in charge of the life cycle of a product. We ensure product innovation, and that products are good and ready for users. We make sure that all stakeholders are satisfied and that the engineering team builds the right product.

How much do you earn currently?

About ₦700k.

What skills did you have to hone to get to where you are now?

I had to go to product school. Then I have some leadership courses and certifications that are too many to list. But my transition from marketing to product management started while I was still at my previous company. This way I could adjust my CV to reflect my new skills and career path to help with my job search.

Smart move. Do you have a career inspiration?

Can’t say that I do. I really love working with teams to create and put things together. So I can’t really speak to one person; different people inspire me daily.

Would you say you’re good with your money?

Somewhat. All my bills are paid, I have savings and I can take trips. So yeah, pretty good. If you can’t cut down your expenses and manage your bills when you’re earning as little as ₦35,000, it won’t magically happen when you start earning more.

What would your advice be for others who want to earn six figures?

Skill up. Don’t stop learning. If you really want to earn more then you have to do the backbreaking work. Also, have a career plan. Don’t just do random things. You’ll grow faster when you have an area of specialisation.

Key Takeaways:

Be fine with starting small: Realistically, many people start their careers with smaller roles or salaries and experience gradual but steady growth. Be patient but smart; you’ll go far.
Exercise financial discipline: If you can’t be trusted with little, the odds are you can’t be trusted with plenty. Sure, times are tough, but financial discipline and wisdom can help you through it.
Don’t be quick to jump ship: Before you leave your current job, have a plan. This plan might or might not be a new job, but a lifeline, any solid lifeline, is important so that you’re not worse off than when you started.
Keep learning: Sometimes the difference between a salary and a higher salary is a more lucrative skill or an expansion of an older skill set.