Contracting in the Finance Industry

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?

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!

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.

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 !!!

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

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!!

Hi,

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:

a) stay with IBM and continue to work on a finance project, working with cutting edge technology, but only specialising in AIX, or

b) leave to work for a smaller company, with greater responsiblity, gaining experience in Solaris, AIX and Linux, but on non-financial accounts?

Any comments would be greatful.... thanks