Contracting in the Finance Industry

**SandyDown** · 12 April 2005, 19:01

your choice

Are you happy with your job at IBM, if so I would suggest to let your manager know that you would like to cross train in various technologies. When I was at Accentart that was encouraged and we had a lot of training so I think IBM would offer a similar package??

If you are not happy with IBM, or want more money/responsibilities then go for another job permie to learn or go contracting and teach yourself the required skills.. most contractors are self trained on technologies!!

**claypole** · 13 April 2005, 09:31

Re: your choice

Hi SandyDown,

Thanks for the advice... have spoken to my manager and not much training / learning on offer at the mo or near future, so think I'll go for the smaller co, get the skills and responsibility and look to go contracting asap.
Cheers again

**BlasterBates** · 13 April 2005, 13:54

skills

most contractors are self trained on technologies!!

Now now, ...people might get a wrong impression.

Actually Claypole, most contractors are fully and professionally trained on the skills that they "blagg", no whoops I mean list on their profiles. Backed up of course with many years of experience.

AIX !!!

**NoziParker** · 14 April 2005, 00:07

Re: your choice

What did you think of Accenture? I did a contract there a few years back and thought it was great at the time.

I take it that you didn't like them. If not why?

Just curious.

**achilles** · 14 April 2005, 11:53

Re: Go for it

>>I currently work for IBM on a large banking project, but have been offered a job with a smaller out-sourcing company. If my end goal is to go contacting for an investment bank in a couple of years time, what are my best options:

I am ex-IBM too, and chose to leave them to work for a small consultancy. Thet problem with IBM is that you get stuck to a project for years and the company does not give a sh*t if you like it or not. So I did all the training I could (there was plenty available at the time) and then left. I later became a contractor. My advice to you is go for it!

**claypole** · 14 April 2005, 14:01

Re: Go for it

Hi Achilles,

Thanks for the advice... def. rings bells regarding getting off a project in IBM, esp if it's high profile. A lot of people have moved out of the company recently for the same reasons.

The smaller company seems to be the way forward, but one thing I am worried about is moving away from the financial project I'm involved in at the moment, to a consultancy that mainly deals with retail companies. If my goal is to contract in banking / investment banking, due you think this will hinder me? If I spend 1-2 years gaining Linux and Solaris skills in a retail environment and I've already got 3 years in finance -do you think it'll be tricky getting back into finance, or will the mix and added responsibility in the small company outweigh the risk?

Contracting in the Finance Industry