What to do next?

[rd409]

Given I've got only 2 years experience (J2SE 6, ECLIPSE, SQL, XML, LINUX, HUDSON, AGILE and usual stuff you expect on projects), could I get a contract - or would potential clients not even consider me because I'm so young/inexperienced?

One thing that you can look at apart from reduced rate is working from any location. Most companies outside the big towns struggle to hire good developers. You might want to look at this market to build up your portfolio. There are companies within M25 but not directly linked to the public transport, who still struggle to attract good resources. So I assume, this is even worse when you go further away from other towns and cities.

[rashm2k]

One thing that you can look at apart from reduced rate is working from any location. Most companies outside the big towns struggle to hire good developers. You might want to look at this market to build up your portfolio. There are companies within M25 but not directly linked to the public transport, who still struggle to attract good resources. So I assume, this is even worse when you go further away from other towns and cities.

I guess the real question is which is quickest and most effective way to becoming a contractor, I don't want to contract for the sake of it. I don't have the skills/experience to become a contractor now, I need experience in J2EE, Spring and Hibernate, before i can effectively do that. (Manchester/Leeds area contract rates are around £300 which is fine but all ask for J2EE/Spring/Hibernate experience).

If I join an IB and then leave after a year to do contracting will it look bad on my CV?

[rd409]

I guess the real question is which is quickest and most effective way to becoming a contractor, I don't want to contract for the sake of it. I don't have the skills/experience to become a contractor now, I need experience in J2EE, Spring and Hibernate, before i can effectively do that. (Manchester/Leeds area contract rates are around £300 which is fine but all ask for J2EE/Spring/Hibernate experience).

There is no way you can acquire new skills within a contract. Most often if not always, you keep an eye on other stuff at client site, and try to get some hands on it. I was doing mainly .Net when a permie, but got introduced to some php, and Seibel in another part of the company. I managed to be-friend people working in those technology, and get some training or help with how things work. I then add those skills on my CV at novice or self taught level, and offer myself at a considerable low rates to get some real life experience in those technologies.
Because of those reductions, the client is well aware of your intentions. So if you can do a task @ £200 a day in 5 days, that an experienced contractor does in 3 days @500 a day, the client is still saving some money.
But again, I would only recommend this for technologies or skill set that has sever shortage of professionals. Or you might be stuck at a lower rate for quite a long period.

If I join an IB and then leave after a year to do contracting will it look bad on my CV?[/QUOTE]

Not that I am suggesting, but you can definitely say it was a contract role for x month, instead of you were a permie.

[Basil Fawlty]

Not that I am suggesting, but you can definitely say it was a contract role for x month, instead of you were a permie.

Sorry to hijack the thread...but what's the general consensus on doing the above ?

I'm in the process of exiting from a short stint as a permie (huge mistake ). It's been about 18 months, so it's probably long enough to not raise too many eyebrows, and it's better to be honest. However, if it were a contract my CV would be a heck of a lot neater !

[nomadd]

There is no way you can acquire new skills within a contract.

Hmm... Just about to start my 23rd year as a contractor (unbroken run; no permie in that.) I re-skill all the time on my clients sites. No idea how you'd survive as a contractor otherwise.

[LittlestHobbo]

Hmm... Just about to start my 23rd year as a contractor (unbroken run; no permie in that.) I re-skill all the time on my clients sites. No idea how you'd survive as a contractor otherwise.

yep likewise, generally i get myself into a position where im trusted, identify a new technology im interested in (pays well) and has use to them and bobs uncle. Your told to run with it. as a tractor you become adept at learning quickly. Experience helps alot with this. 10 years in, new technologies, languages and patterns take a fraction of the time to pickup than when i was only a short time in. if i was looking for a decent code monkey id hire a contractor with a couple of years experience as it would be cheap. id expext most contractors to have at least 5 years production experience. you cant beat that experience of learning the lessons when its all gone t*ts up...

[rashm2k]

Well I'm looking to pursue two positions one is at a Hedge fund (DPFM Glousecter Rwsearch) and the other is at a Investment bank (barcap), both are working with high frequency/quant analysis positions.

Which may/is the better one to go for? Key considerations for me are job security, learning opportunities, pay and route to becoming a contractor quicker.

[nomadd]

Key considerations for me are job security, learning opportunities, pay and route to becoming a contractor quicker.

In which case, the BarCap role, IMHO.

EDIT: Mind you, I have turned them down. Twice.

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

Given I've got only 2 years experience (J2SE 6, ECLIPSE, SQL, XML, LINUX, HUDSON, AGILE and usual stuff you expect on projects), could I get a contract - or would potential clients not even consider me because I'm so young/inexperienced?

My advice is to specialise in one area and have another area for backup. For example I am specialised in SQL/BI (that's all the Microsoft SQL and BI toolset). I also have 2 years .NET experience should I need to go down that route (it has also proved useful in getting roles as well).

The more niche your area is the more money it pays generally. If you specialise in certain Oracle or IBM products for example you will be much better off than somebody like me.

[stek]

Well I'm looking to pursue two positions one is at a Hedge fund (DPFM Glousecter Rwsearch) and the other is at a Investment bank (barcap), both are working with high frequency/quant analysis positions.

Which may/is the better one to go for? Key considerations for me are job security, learning opportunities, pay and route to becoming a contractor quicker.

Job security?