Temporary Work & Working With Staffing Agencies.

The Career & Practicum Office will get asked about working with staffing agencies or doing “temp” work with firms following graduation, see below for more information.

What is Temporary Work?

Temporary work involves individuals being hired by a company or agency for a short period, generally for one to six months, often to fulfill specific projects or cover varying workloads. Temporary employees are brought in to address short-term needs and can be found in diverse industries like administration, healthcare, and technology. Although these positions can be great experience and exposure to a field of work, the positions often lack the benefits and job security of full-time roles.

Although this is an option for getting hired at a desired company, this is not the Career & Practicum Office’s first suggestion on how to get your foot in the door as they do not regularly lead to full-time opportunities. While it’s not our first recommendation, it is one way.

Pros & Cons of Temporary Work

Pros:

  • Flexibility: Temporary work offers flexibility in terms of working hours and locations. It can be a good fit for those who desire a work schedule that suits their lifestyle or other commitments.
  • Diverse Experience: Temporary workers often have the opportunity to work in various industries and roles, which can help them build a diverse skill set and gain exposure to different work environments.
  • Networking: Temporary work can provide opportunities to network with professionals across different fields, potentially leading to future job opportunities.
  • Resume Building: Temporary work can enhance a resume by demonstrating adaptability, versatility, and the ability to handle different job responsibilities.

Cons:

  • Lack of Job Security: Temporary workers often lack job security and may not have the same level of stability as permanent employees. Their employment can end abruptly when the project is completed or the need diminishes.
  • Benefits and Compensation: Temporary workers may not receive the same benefits as permanent employees, such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off. Compensation may also be lower compared to permanent roles.
  • Limited Advancement: Temporary workers may have limited opportunities for career advancement within the organization, as they are often brought in for specific tasks rather than long-term growth.
  • Uncertain Income: The income of temporary workers can be inconsistent, as they may experience gaps between assignments or projects.
  • Limited Company Loyalty: Since temporary workers are not typically part of the core workforce, they may feel less connected to the company culture and have fewer opportunities to develop strong relationships with colleagues.

Temporary Agencies & Staffing Firms

There are many temporary and permanent staffing firms that specialize in administrative, clinical research/affairs, and healthcare management types of positions. See a few listed below: