| Topic Name: |
Start a career in IT consulting? |
| Message Name: |
Good points, but... |
| Date Posted: |
03/25/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
First I would urge you to view the message boards at realrates.com. It is frequented by consultants and contractors.
No one, bar NO ONE knows the consulting market better than contractors. We are the hired guns, and usually (though FTEs would disagree) the cream of the crop.
We started out as FTEs like the rest, learned out trade, got some balls, and went out on our own. You need balls to try it and substance to remain in it.
Currently the IT business is flooded with cheap labor via H-1B visa, the bulk from India. The people that deny this are the ones that have a stake in this issue.
Please note: I am NOT saying don't be a consultant. I am saying know what you are doing and learn what the market is all about or you will be in for a VERY rude awakening in this business. Layoffs are taking place all over the country. Check out 'fuckedcompany.com' for details.
Check out the various vault threads, try 'realrates.com', try CEweekly, try them all. Ask questions (like you did here) and keep an open mind. Beware of the Polly Anna types that tell you everything will be wonderful if you just apply yourself.
Check it out: look at the movie 'Office Space'. It's a comedy and it works because the comedy is based upon truth. It's about FTEs being trapped like rats. That's not to say that YOU will feel that way but go into this with your eyes open. Beware of salesman types who are trying to sell you something.
The only thing I'm trying to sell is reality. Now that I've done that I'm off to other matters.
Good luck: if you need more just ask specific questions. Be prepared to do your homework and check out sites suggested to you. If not, try working at McDonalds where you won't have to think. |
| Message: |
I think shapeshifter is considering being a Full-Time Employee (FTE) of a consulting firm. In that case, he or she will sit in a cube farm just as you say, only it will be a different cube farm every two to six months.
And I agree, independents usually are the cream of the crop. In the same way, high-caliber people tend to be attracted to consulting vs. entering or staying in industry. But generalizations like these can be very dangerous.
- exMoto
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