New guy trying to get work experience 2

[dalen]

I will graduate from ITT Tech in Computers and Electronics Engineering Technology in five months, but I have no work related experience. The jobs that are offered to someone without experience are really not the best, but I need experence if I am to get a better job after I graduate. Is it worth loosing my health benefits and a paycut to get experience or should I wait and see what jobs are open for a graduate without experience? I am considering taking a temporary contract position for three months just to up my skills.

 

[PSE]

Entry level positions are an opportunity for you to begin to use your training and your employer to evaluate your capabilities and potential as such, I hope you don't expect employers to be throwing money and benefits at you . I doubt a three month contract job will weigh in much if at all as practical experience for job hunting. It generally takes someone about that length of time just to become oriented to a job and a resume' showing someone in a position for only three months might actually raise a red flag. If you do consider the contract, make sure you document on your resume (if you get the job) that the contract duration was set for three months. Learn more about the contract up front to see if there is a possibility of it being converted to a permanent position. If the employer likes your work, you might get hired in directly.

Good luck

 

[TheTick]

As far as benefits go, talk to an insurance agent about personal coverage. Major medical coverage actually isn't too expensive, and it will save you from fonancial devasatation if something big happens.

I may make you feel, but I can't make you think.

 

[leanne]

If you are a non-smoker & really only need insurance for catastrophic types of illnesses (you don't get sick often & are not planning to become a parent any time in the near future), you can get very reasonable health insurance rates via Unicare. I used them when I was working contract because the rates were MUCH (exponentially) better for the type of coverage I needed - I actually considered keeping them after I went back to work non-contract. Talk to a local independent insurance agent or check out the unicare.com website.

 

[rhodie]

"Hope for the best, but plan for the worst."

 

[electricpete]

IEEE has a great group health insurance plan.

If it is a choice of sitting out of work or going on a 3 month contract, I would take the contract.