Mix it up, be on time, go the extra mile and value
training are important for any aspiring IT contractor, says James
Fitzpatrick winner of the Recruitment and Employment
Confederation’s IT contractor of the year award.
The title, awarded by the body representing the UK recruitment
industry, recognises the UK’s top temporary workers, contractors or
interim managers as part of National Temporary Workers Week held last
month.
Fitzpatrick exclusively revealed to Computer Weekly why he
enjoys his job as well as the secrets of his success.
He put his success down to a
range of skills, experiences and best practices. These include
gaining diverse experience, being punctual, volunteering for
everything and anything and taking as much training as
possible.
Fitzpatrick said the diversity of his job as an important factor
in broadening experience. “In a single day I can help someone sort
out a problem when dialling in remotely, fix a broken server and
assist the support teams if something goes really wrong,” he
said.
Punctuality is also high on his tick list. “One of the golden
rules of IT contracting is be prompt, better still, early,” he
said.
“I like to try and get to work a few minutes early just so I can
find out what has been happening during the day. This way, if there
have been any major issues I can acquaint myself with them before
beginning the overnight shift.”
He added that leaving on time is not always the best option.
“Don’t always leave right on the bell. If there is a problem I am
managing, I‘ll always stay on until I know that the appropriate
team are comfortable dealing with it.”
Fitzpatrick said it is also important to show commitment and
confidence through volunteering for everything. “If nothing else it
shows you are keen and willing to accept the responsibility of
learning or doing something different,” he added.
But don’t stop at learning on the job. “If you’re offered
training, take it. I haven’t been in the IT industry long compared
to some of my colleagues, but the training I have received over the
years, starting with Accenture, S1(UK), ING Direct and finally here
at JPMorgan Cazenove has been invaluable to my career.”
Recruitment and Employment Confederation website
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