Contract Engineering: Start and Build a New Career [Hardcover]

Amanda G. Watlington (Author), Roger L. Radeloff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1997 | ISBN-10: 007068474X | ISBN-13: 978-0070684744

If you're an engineering or manager, you've noticed the change: contract engineering is growing apace while staff employment shrinks. This unique resource tells you how to make this paradigm shift work for you, whether you're hiring or looking for an engineering job (or expect to have to). The only practical guide to focus on the concerns and needs of engineers and managers, Contract Engineering shows both sides how to use this new paradigm to achieve win-win results. With instructive case histories, personalizable worksheets, and contact information on contact employment firms nationwide, Contract Engineering gives you the motivation, strategies, and resources that enable you to prosper - professionally and personally - in this dynamic and flexible new industrial environment.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Make today's new employment paradigm work for you. If you're an engineer or manager, you've noticed the change: contract engineering is growing apace while staff employment shrinks. This unique resource tells you how to make this paradigm shift work for you, whether you're hiring or looking for an engineering job (or expect to have to). The only practical guide to focus on the concerns and needs of engineers and managers. Contract Engineering shows both sides how to use this new paradigm to achieve win-win results. This indispensable, comprehensive guide: shows engineers how to: connect with contract staffing firms--with guidance on writing resumes and interviewing; evaluate contracting prospects and choose the right jobs; and take a proactive career approach that uses contract employment to maximum advantage. Gives managers the tools to: determine how and when to use contract and contingent staff; ensure optimal productivity from those workers; select a solid staffing provider--and make it a strategic alliance; and accurately assess contract worker performance--for the benefit of the company, the staffing firm, and employees. With instructive case histories, personalizable worksheets, and contact information on contract employment firms nationwide, Contract Engineering gives you the motivation, strategies, and resources that enable you to prosper--professionally and personally--in this dynamic and flexible new industrial environment.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 244 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing (June 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007068474X
• ISBN-13: 978-0070684744
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,773,814 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good enough, but should have delved deeper., August 17, 2002

By 

OAKSHAMAN "oakshaman" (Algoma, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Contract Engineering: Start and Build a New Career (Paperback)

First of all, you can tell that this book was written by an engineer for it is well organised and useful- and perhaps a little too long-winded. Still, it gives useful hints on dealing with contract houses and interviewers, resumes, and addresses of major contract engineering firms. You get your money's worth.

An especially good indicator that the author has actually been there is the way it is emphasised that you should NEVER call a contract engineer a "temp."

My only criticm is the fact that the basic injustice and inefficiency of contract engineering is not questioned. I've done this for nearly 20 years and I don't recommend contracting to any one. Yet, more and more, it is the only way to actually find a job. It turns a skilled specialist into an itinerant technical tramp- always hustling to sell himself- and always wondering where the next assignment is coming from. Moreover, it is a meat-grinder for the youngster in engineering. There is no gradual teaching and mentoring, no recognition of a "learning curve." There is never any training for the contractor. You either instantly fit-in or you are thrown out.

Oh yes, one other thing. If you have too many contract assignments and projects on your resume, many employers will hold it against you. You can end up as a "permanent" temp....

One other thing that should have been brought out in this book, but was not even hinted at, namely, shared data bases and "black-listing" among contract houses.

5.0 out of 5 stars SHOW ME THE MONEY !!, July 11, 2005

By 

Charles T. Butler "koosharee" (Arlington, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Contract Engineering: Start and Build a New Career (Paperback)

A Must have book for all young engineers. One thing not mentioned was the Shopper Hall of Fame which some contractors are inducted to after many years of service and extraordinary feats which can not be mentioned here. Always work the rate in your favor and good luck.