Customer Reviews

Contract Engineering: Start and Build a New Career

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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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.

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.