Getting That FIRST CONTRACT

[iib900316a]

Hello, this is my first post.

I am currently a student in my final year.

I will graduate in June of 2006.

I would like to do some contract work as a Crystal Reports Writer after I graduate, however I only have 1 years experience as a software developer (which involved a great deal of crystal reports development).

I have never contracted before and would just like to know how difficult it is to get contracts(in paticular crystal reports writing contracts). I am willing accept any rate of pay since it would be my first contract. Also, i'm looking to sign up with Prosperity4u(umbrella company) is this a good idea?

Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Imran.

[PerlOfWisdom]

If you're willing to work for peanuts, get a permie position on a graduate scheme and get loads of free training and experience. After a few years, you'll be able to contract on a decent rate.

[Xenophon]

That's good advice from Perl.

If you are desperate to try contracting before a permanent position then sites such as jobserve will help.

[ratewhore]

and don't forget - never post an email address on a bulletin board...

[iib900316a]

Thanks

Thanks for the response folks, so basically what your telling me is that its not a good idea to start contracting straight after my degree.

My problem is that: If I get onto a graduate scheme I will be doing something that is generally related to IT, and since I want to specialise in a paticular area I won't enjoy it at all.

I was under the impression that if I get a few contracts that pay crappy rates, i'm sure that eventually after a year or two i'd be able to demand slightly more pay, bearing in mind i'd be able to specialise in an area in which I enjoy working. But I was unsure as to how easy it is to get a contract as a Crystal Reports Writer.

thanks again,

Imran.

[iib900316a]

and don't forget - never post an email address on a bulletin board...

thanks for the advice, won't happen again'

[Xenophon]

Edit your original post and take it out mate. You get all sorts in here...

[malvolio]

Crystal Report writing is not IT. Sorry, but you;re better off getting a permie role to learn something than immediately tying yourself into something that hasn't got a future. So that is the way to go.

But if you are hell bent on contracting then do it, chase any and every job on Jobserve until you get one and good luck - but whatever you decide, don't go with P4, there are many better options...

[boredsenseless]

I would say that the main reason people contract contractors is to inject a level of skill, experience and been-there-done-that-realism into an otherwise junior project team.

The best possible advice has already been given. Get a graduate placement, and work it as hard as you can so that you get onto Projects with cutting edge skills and lots of training, then leave with a hugely marketable CV and get a contract

[iib900316a]

Crystal Report writing is not IT. ....

Oh dear, seems like i've got the whole thing wrong? I thought Crystal Report Writing would lead to Crystal Reports Development.......is this not IT?....

...Eventually.....maybe one day it will lead to becoming a Business Objects Consultant.

Thanks,

Imran.