While graduates throughout the United Kingdom are wading through the various decisions they need to make as adults, one of the most important decisions is how to proceed professionally following graduation day. Some graduates have a straight line from their university to their first job, depending on internships, fellowships, job experience, and family connections. However, many graduates are uncertain where to take their first professional step. The biggest question that they have to ask themselves is whether they want to hold out for a permanent job or get out in the workplace immediately in a contract position.



Contract employment involves working for a company on a short term basis, typically ranging from several weeks to several months at a time. While some companies hire contract workers to permanent positions based on performance, many contract positions end after their original employment period has expired. Contract work offers a number of advantages for graduates who are uncertain about their professional future. The flexibility of contract work allows graduates to jump from job to job and industry to industry. This gives them the greatest breadth of professional experience before finding their dream job. As well, the connections made at contract positions can help graduates gain valuable references and connections within an industry.

However, contract positions offer no job security and graduates never get an opportunity to settle into their position before they move onto their next job. Permanent positions obviously offer these advantages to graduates. While many graduates may want to hold out for their dream job, it is important to realize that finding a lower paying job within the professional field of interest can offer valuable experience and advancement opportunities down the road. As well, permanent employees are given higher wages and more comprehensive benefits than temporary workers. Graduates may not want to settle into a permanent position that doesn't fit their criteria for a dream job but it is typically the best financial move.

The most important factor for graduates to consider when choosing a contract or permanent position is whether it fits the goals they set for themselves after graduation. If graduates want to test the professional world without committing to permanent employment, a contract position as a data entry clerk or sales person is probably the best option. However, graduates who are interested in getting their career started in earnest should probably consider entry level positions in burgeoning fields like finance, banking, and computing.