Tracing my Career Path as an it Contractor

Once I complete my college education, I plan to seek a career opportunity as an IT contractor. This decision stems from my observation and detailed research of the fast pace at which the IT world is creating lucrative job opportunities for contingent workers. For example, a recent report by TEKsystems indicates that 26 percent of managers in the IT sector were projected to increase the headcount of contingent professionals during the last six months of 2017 (Bednarz). As an IT contractor, I intend to contribute niche skills to various teams, secure my financial security through savings and investments, and be part of a network of professionals with valuable insights for the future.

In the words of Jason Hayman, a TEKsystems’ market research manager, “the current environment for IT workers is one of opportunity, as unemployment remains low and demand continues to rise” (Bednarz). At a time when unemployment is on the rise in many industries, Hayman’s analysis is a great motivation for me as I look forward to filling a gap in the provision of IT skills. Industry players often prefer contractors, and that's a niche I intend to fill.

In order to maximize my growth opportunities in the IT profession, I will avoid complex projects in the early stages of my career and progress gradually as I gain more experience. Even though I expect to enhance my IT skills and knowledge through rigorous training and collaboration with established professionals in the field, I will choose contract rates and projects that will allow me to grow at my own pace. Additionally, contractors enjoy great flexibility in their work choice, the companies they work for, and their compensation rates (Keeble). Therefore, I will maximize this flexibility to ensure that I deliver the highest standards of service as I become more marketable among clients.

According to Ken Rubin, an IT consultant at High Road Data in Orange County, “I like the freedom and flexibility to set my own schedule” (Bednarz). Indeed, this is one of the most attractive aspects of working as a contractor. However, job security, paid vacations, and retirement benefits are not typically included as they would be for full-time employees. In this regard, I will secure my financial stability by cultivating a culture of saving and investing my income in diverse long-term ventures such as real estate and government bonds.

As an IT contractor, I expect to earn between $60 and $80 per hour. Despite this attractive package, workflow is not guaranteed because companies engage the services of contractors based on workload, project urgency, and the need for specific expertise. Therefore, I will develop personal discipline when it comes to income management, as I will be responsible for my healthcare needs, taxes, vacations, and financial security after retirement. These responsibilities are my priority, as I strive to maximize the benefits from my profession.

Working as an IT contractor requires a strong initiative for personal and professional growth. Without an employer to organize training programs, seminars, or workshops on my behalf, I will be my own boss. Therefore, I will take advantage of the flexible working hours to market myself to potential clients and enroll in additional studies or improvement courses whenever necessary. By doing so, I will tap into current IT knowledge and opportunities. My choice for additional training will be informed by a strict analysis of the skills that I need to progress in my career. In other words, I will expand my knowledge based on the relevancy and the potential to improve service to clients.

To be fully committed to professional excellence and to maintain the momentum of continuous improvement, it is important to be part of a network of professionals with similar interests. The IT profession is dynamic, and team collaboration is crucial to overcome the challenges of the profession, especially when working as a contractor. Without being part of a professional team, career progression can be slow, as contracting relies heavily on relationships.

One of the most valuable benefits of being part of a professional network is the opportunity to market myself. As I may not have marketing skills when starting my career as an IT contractor, the business network becomes essential. Even if I eventually receive marketing training, business networks are irreplaceable as they are where professionals meet, discuss, and learn to grow through referrals. Therefore, I will prioritize my membership in the relevant IT professional group to increase my prospects for contracts. Simultaneously, I will seek to develop my own marketing skills by enrolling in IT contractor marketing training.

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