How long after uni did you start contracting?

**Moscow Mule** · 8 July 2008, 12:14

I did 2.5, but I was the snizzle back then.

**TheBigYinJames** · 8 July 2008, 12:15

Originally posted by Moscow Mule View Post

I did 2.5, but I was the snizzle back then.

I couldn't get a job when I came out of my MSc course, so I went into contracting straight away.

**BrilloPad** · 8 July 2008, 12:18

Left Uni in July 1984 - MOD until DEc 1986. Banking as permie until went contract in Oct 1987. So just over 3 years. Of course it was different then - cuk was all green fields etcetc.

So I am nearly celebrating 20 years as contractor.

**StarBuck** · 8 July 2008, 12:20

3.5yrs. Had to pick up 2 junior contracts (£150pd, £200pd) at first but I found you can move up from these quickly.

If you're good that is

**Fairly New graduate** · 8 July 2008, 12:21

Pros and cons? Its something I would be thinking of after around four years of permie, as a business analyst, are these skills likely to stay in demand?

**dang65** · 8 July 2008, 12:24

Took me about 16 years. But I didn't go to university and didn't start working in computers till they invented the Web and finally made them worth learning about. I did other stuff before then.

So you should probably exclude me from this survey. And most other surveys to be honest.

**DaveB** · 8 July 2008, 12:26

Just about 20 years here. Left Uni and did loads of permie stuff in the IT world before I got fed up of permie management crap and saw the light

**Advocate** · 8 July 2008, 12:38

2 years...

**The Lone Gunman** · 8 July 2008, 12:39

Originally posted by Fairly New graduate View Post

On average how long after uni did you start contracting? I have recently graduated and I am due to start work with a large IT service company as a BA but have always wanted to work for myself and after reading posts on this forum contracting seems very attractive to me. Is around 4 years experience them move into contracting a fairly standard thing to do? What would people say the pros and cons I need to look out for are?

2 years for me, but I was a mature student with a track record pre Uni.
It will all depend on you, I do know guys who have gone contract straight from Uni.
If your skill set is in demand it will make things easier. Agents and clients can be reticent about starting a newbie. They want to know you have a track record and the ability to stick at it. Contracting is not for everyone.

How long after uni did you start contracting?