For years, many professionals believed that the ideal career path involved staying in one role with one company for the long haul. However, newer generations of workers— especially those entering the trades— are realizing the benefits of working in short-term contract positions.
Power engineers, in particular, are taking advantage of the opportunities that come with these roles, gaining exposure to different machines, work environments, and professional networks. As you consider joining TFM’s short-term power engineer contracting program, exploring the pros and cons of this career path is crucial. Here’s what you can expect in this type of service:
The Benefits of Working as a Short-Term Power Engineer
- Flexibility of Hours and Schedule: One key benefit of short-term contract work in power engineering is the flexibility it offers. As a temporary placement worker, you’ll have the opportunity to work on projects with varying timelines and shift demands, allowing you to control your availability and schedule easily. Whether you’re looking for a more balanced work/life schedule or the ability to take time off between projects, the flexibility of contract power engineering work can be an excellent fit for many qualified engineers.
- Networking Opportunities: Each new job placement offers the chance to meet new people and expand your professional network. Working at different facilities allows power engineering contractors to engage with various managers, colleagues, and clients, which can expand your professional horizons and open doors to future job opportunities. The more people you connect with and learn from in an industry as diverse and evolving as power engineering, the more chance you’ll have to know of upcoming projects and roles.
- Diversifying Work Experience: One of the most attractive aspects of working on a short-term power engineering project is the diversity of your experience. You’ll encounter many processes, challenges, and systems through working in different plants, sectors, and facilities. This broad exposure allows you to continually develop new skills and build a strong, diverse portfolio of work, which can be especially valuable if your aim is to move into managerial roles or specialize in certain areas, sectors, or industries.
- Education and Training Opportunities: A short-term power engineering position often provides continuous learning opportunities. When you work with different equipment and teams on a regular basis, you’ll often participate in specialized training, certifications, and on-the-job learning. This type of professional development is invaluable, helping you boost your qualifications and keep your skills up to date in an ever-evolving industry.
The Drawbacks of Working as a Short-Term Power Engineer
- Job Stability: While the flexibility of short-term contract work in power engineering can be appealing, one drawback is the lack of job stability. Unlike a permanent position, these contracts may not offer the same level of consistency or security. After one job ends, you’ll likely be looking for your next opportunity, resulting in a gap between jobs. However, working with a trusted partner like TFM helps mitigate this risk, as we have a vast network of professional contacts available to keep temporary power engineers busy.
- Benefits and Compensation: Another possible downside of contract power engineering work is that many of these roles fail to offer the same benefits package as permanent roles. While contractors often get a higher compensation rate for temporary work, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off are not included. Some contractors who rely heavily on short-term placements may have to arrange for their own benefits and investments for savings or vacations, adding personal responsibility and expense.
- Limited Long-Term Career Planning: For some power engineering professionals, the lack of long-term or consistent work can make career planning more challenging. With short-term engineering contracts, you may not have the same access to promotions or advancement opportunities as in a permanent role. While short-term power engineering work offers lots of professional experience and exposure, it can be difficult to map out a clear trajectory for career progress without seeking additional certifications on your own.
Expand Your Professional Skills Through TFM’s Short-Term Contractor Placements Program
Power engineering is a flexible, dynamic career field with many potential opportunities and avenues to explore; the diversity of facilities, teams, sectors, and systems that all require power engineering services means you can be as much of a generalist or specialist as you want to.
Short-term contract positions in power engineering offer valuable opportunities to diversify your experience, expand your network, and learn new skills. While the role does come with some challenges— such as job stability and benefits— working with a reputable partner like TFM helps mitigate many of these concerns. Whether you’re seeking variety, earning additional income, or planning to make contract work your career path, TFM ensures that your short-term power engineering contracting experience is both rewarding and beneficial. Visit our website or contact our team today to learn more about making temporary power positions work for you.