Full Time Position 2

[tomd3583]

I recently graduated from college in May and could not find a job right out of college due to my lack of experience. I finally found a good place that said they didn't have any openings for a full time engineer, but they could put me on as a co-op. The first day I started one of the engineers put in his two weeks notice and they gave me his job along with the co-op stuff (bill of material changes, etc.), but I am still classified as a co-op with no health insurance or job security. Everyone here thinks I should be put on full time, but I don't know how long I should wait before I ask. I've only been here for three months. I don't really care about the pay, I just need insurance and job security.

 

[HVACctrl]

I think its wrong for them to take advantage like that. If they like you, gave you the engineer's responsibility, you graduated in engineering and they aren't even looking for other engineers to fill the other guy's position, why shouldn't they show some class and step up to the plate.

I guess you have to ask. If I were the manager, I might have been a little more proactive and talked to you about it.

As for the insurance and money thing: yeah, you might need insurance and think its more important than money. However, with a $5000 raise, you could probably pay for an individual policy outside of the one the company provides. What I'm saying is that money is important. Don't sell yourself short. If someone were to pay me $100K for instance, I wouldn't care if they offered insurance or not. I'd get my own insurance.

Don't let that fear (of not having insurance) lead you into being beat down on salary.

Worst case, keep sending out resumes. If you can't get what you want at this job, at least now you have experience, albeit short.

Ed

http://www.engineerboards.com

 

[tickle]

I'm another one agreeing with COE. Do not appear to be a radical. You do only have 3 months of experience and there are probably other graduates more than willing to take your place. I do not think you should pressure your boss to make a decision, sometimes engineers just do not work like that.

Not sure what you mean by Co-op, but I am assuming that you are hourly paid, therefore you should be getting a higher rate than if you were salaried (I deliberately avoid the use of permanent). This inflated rate will include for public holidays, sick leave, annual leave (look at

http://www.apesma.asn.au/

surveys->engineers->summary report for a breakdown of the costs). I am currently hourly paid and last year it worked very well for me (+25% on take home pay) being on site (10-12hr days) for 4 months, was not sick and took very little holidays.

I was once on a 1 year contract and asked for, but did not receive, an extension. This worked out great when I did get another job offer 3 days before my 1 yr was over. I said I was gonig to walk in 3 days. He ended up throwing money at me to stay but the die was cast and off I went.

So in summary - look at the advantages you have - a job and you are gaining experience rapidly, you can send out your resume as you like. A hourly paid or contract position is not necessarily a bad thing (you get more money in your hand)

 

[Ashereng]

tickel,

Co-op is akin to "intern" or "summer student" - sort of.

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[rbulsara]

Why make it so complicated?

Just simply ask your boss, "hey what do you think as to how am I doing? Are you happy with my performance? and by the way is there any possibility of me being a regular full time employee here?"

See what he/she says. While you do not want to burn bridges, trust me, this will not be your only job/employer. Time is on your side. Worst thing that can happen is that you will get an unfavorabe response, in which case it will become the best thing that happened to you as you would know where they stand and you will use your time and energy to get more rewarding engagement elsewhere.

Oh, by the way forget the words like job security and insurance. It's not up to others to provide you with security for your life and/or income. Its you who makes sure that you are secured, by aquiring necessary skills and knowlege to survive in this world. As long as you have something to offer, there will be takers. Make your own destiny.

 

[tomd3583]

Good News!

Last week my boss and my human resources manager called me into the office and gave me an offer for a full time engineering position. I guess my work was going noticed. Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[rbulsara]

Congratualtions!!

 

[Ashereng]

Congrats!

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?