Considering C# Contracting

**Sockpuppet** · 21 January 2007, 23:57

Ok, I am not an IT guy but isnt C# not the same as .net?

You'll probably find the same as me (24) that age is a big factor that people really do make judgements on.

I was the same as you and got lucky. Now with a couple of spanking refs on the CV that is less of an issue.

I would say though that you are pushing it a bit being 19.

4 years would have made you 15? When you started working. Not sure how you can claim that you have 4 years experience, unless you started to work before you left school. I dont think agents are going to be impressed by "saturday jobs" which although your code may be great they are blinkered.

It really depends what you current experiance is, not the time you have spend there.

For example I have 7 years experience in my chose field which includes everything I did before going to Uni. However the last 3 years which is all post Uni is nothing but large, cv worthy projects. New national warehouses, international projects, large clients etc etc. Which gives me more "experience" than someone with 15 years in the same place doing the same job.

You'd have to be more specific about your skills etc and what exactly that you do.

You might also need to lower your rate to sub £200 levels for the first contract in order to get the agents biting then increase.

Looking at the list, I'd say you'd be very lucky to lead the project as a interim. You are really looking at needing some PM experiance already and ITIL or PRINCE2. You have to think who you are going against. A lot of c# blokes out there who are older, have more experience, pm quals and are currently contracting.

I'd stay permie at the moment and leech them for all the training that you can get look at contracting when you have a long list of decent experience and quals.

**Ardesco** · 22 January 2007, 08:48

I'm not saying you don't have the experiance, but I don't think anybody is goin to belive that you have 4 years experiance at 19. Most will expect a maximum of a year (under 18 doesn't count most of the time).

Also by focussing on ASP.NET the majority of people will think some kid who makes web ages at home. You could probably get work but expect to be screwed over on rate for the first couple of years until you have built up a nice list of companies on your company resume.

**Weltchy** · 22 January 2007, 09:29

Originally posted by Sockpuppet

Ok, I am not an IT guy but isnt C# not the same as .net?

No. C# is the language, .NET is the framework under the language. What version of .NET is another question. 1.1 or 2.0? Likewise for SQL Server.

Also, dotNetContractor, saying you have 4 years experience when your 19 implies that your experience is not fully commercial, as you would have had to have started when you were 15. Most employers would raise an eyebrow at this.

Personally, I don't think 4 years is enough experience for a contractor anyway, but other people will have different opinions.

However, if you find a contract, good luck to you, but expect to be questioned all the way and have your age act against you.

**Buffoon** · 22 January 2007, 10:29

Your youth and inexperience may count against you in a rational world, but sadly we have left all that behind. These days, being less than 30 years of age is a major point. You clearly have the right buzz words on your CV. Lack of experience is an advantage as it empowers the client to offer lower pay.

The biggest drawback that I can see is the lack of a degree and/or certification. These can easily be bought though, no study will be required. Without a degree most HR departments will automatically bin your CV without looking at what you are capable. They can get all the ‘graduates’ they want for minimum wage, or less, overseas.

If you were my son (or daughter) I would encourage you to look to another career with better longer term prospects. My ex is a hairdresser, she has the best job security of anyone I know.

**Not So Wise** · 22 January 2007, 13:54

Honestly, would wait till about 22 before trying to contract. Most would view you as too young and thus lacking commercial experience (anything before 18 would just be ignored for contracting)

Though also agree with Buffoon, would not recommend IT for anyone these days unless you want to use it as a launch pad into general/project management.

**Ruprect** · 22 January 2007, 14:07

I think you'll find it tough. I have to say if I was the person hiring and saw the CV of a 19 year old with no degree i would (1) bin it, and (2) sack the agency.

**Cowboy Bob** · 22 January 2007, 14:28

Originally posted by Ruprect

I think you'll find it tough. I have to say if I was the person hiring and saw the CV of a 19 year old with no degree i would (1) bin it, and (2) sack the agency.

The degree wouldn't be important to me, neither would any other paper qualifications. However, if I had an agent trying to pass me a 19 year old who claims 4 years commercial experience, I'd laugh first, then sack him/her.

To the OP, I don't care what you say, you don't have 4 years commercial experience. You're a junior developer at best, and there's no way I'd hire you. No offense. Stick at it a couple more years, get some more experience under your belt, then think about moving into contracting.

**Ardesco** · 22 January 2007, 14:48

Bear in mind with new age discromination laws the DOB doesn't have to be on the CV and refusing to employ because he is 19 could get you into all sorts of tulip.....

**Cowboy Bob** · 22 January 2007, 14:53

Originally posted by Ardesco

Bear in mind with new age discromination laws the DOB doesn't have to be on the CV and refusing to employ because he is 19 could get you into all sorts of tulip.....

I'd be refusing to employ based on the fact that the 4 years of commercial experience is a fabrication. OK, I may not find that out until the interview stage, but I'd find out before needing to make an offer.

Considering C# Contracting