need help, looking to start consulting full time after grad; maybe??

Posted:
in General Discussion edited January 2014
Ok, I'm 23 yrs old, a soon to be graduate from Drexel University in Philly where I majored in Interactive Digital Media. Throughout my time at Drexel I've been working as a freelance consultant although mostly with only 1 or 2 clients at a time. The content I do is mainly web development with a slash of video editing / print layout on occasion. Most recently I've started doing training of some apps like Dreamweaver and Flash.



With graduation on the horizon I'm trying to decide if I should do consulting full time after college or find a full time employer. I'm wondering if anyone here can offer some sage like advice, references, recommended books on the subject. Some of my biggest concerns include heath benefits, legal issues, office space, etc.



Thanks to all in advance.



~ Mike

--

<a href="http://www.mikezornek.com"; target="_blank">http://www.mikezornek.com</a>;



[ 11-05-2002: Message edited by: groverat ]</p>

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 5
    defiantdefiant Posts: 4,876member
    it looks like threads from FC aren't liked to be seen in AO ...
  • Reply 2 of 5
    telomartelomar Posts: 1,804member
    Generally early in your career I would always advise people to try and be employed by a large firm. It looks better on the resumé and it provides a better safety net early.



    If consulting is what you want just try a consulting company. After about 10 years industry experience you can then split off and work solo consulting if you want but certainly early I'd say you would be better off aiming for the largest most respected firm you can find.
  • Reply 3 of 5
    [quote]Originally posted by CyberZorn:

    <strong>... recommended books on the subject. </strong><hr></blockquote>



    <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0932633013/qid=1036448014/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/104-0023260-5412759"; target="_blank">Gerald Weinberg: The Secrets of Consulting</a>
  • Reply 4 of 5
    stunnedstunned Posts: 1,096member
    Its best to earn some relevant industry knowlege before u go into consulting. If not, u may find it hard to get clients or provide high quality service.



    Also, working for some years may enable u to earn enough capital to be your own boss. (I am assuming your dad is as poor as mine)



    Work hard.
  • Reply 5 of 5
    [quote]Originally posted by stunned:

    <strong>(I am assuming your dad is as poor as mine) </strong><hr></blockquote>Actually my Dad left when I was in about 5th grade. Haven't seen much of him since. <img src="graemlins/oyvey.gif" border="0" alt="[No]" />



    Thanks to all for the comments. Most people seem to suggest I go and get a real job, and i kinda agree. My problem is I don't want to seetle for a job, I want to really enjoy myself -- and I do so with my work right now.



    Then comes the issue of health benifits, dental, etc... such a mess.



    well for now I'm conracted out till mid jan and I grad in Dec so I'll prob be shooting to land a job round Feb.



    Thanks. :cool:



    [ 11-05-2002: Message edited by: CyberZorn ]</p>
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