In pursuing a position as a Crystal

[Crystalfire]

In pursuing a position as a Crystal Report Writer, I am finding only contract jobs ( per needed reports basis )in my area (NE). Currently I work in a IT Dept with other duties such as docmentation control. Just wondering what other reports writers are finding and if you have any suggestions if finding such a position.( Full Time ) Thanks for any suggestions and ideas !!

 

[Crystalguru]

Crystal report jobs (full-time) are hard to come by. Companies usually have a need for a couple reports to be written so they hire contract report writers(2-3months). They don't feel they can keep a report writer busy, just exclusively writing reports. I have been contracting for over 3 years and enjoy it. I have met many people and worked in many industries which has made me more experienced in what I do. I guess I wouldn't quit what your doing to become a report writer, especially in this market. But maybe, add it as an additional skill set.

later
[flowerfac]

 

[Reebo99]

There are alot of full time jobs which involve Crystal Reports, if you also have a programming language.

CR is still seen primarily as an add-on to other development tools, but with the introduction of Crystal Enterprise, things are starting to change. I've been contracting for a while and, as Crystalguru said, companies only need a few reports to be written. Crystal Enterprise can be a full-time job on it's own. Reebo
Scotland (Going mad in the mist!)

 

[Crystalfire]

Crystalguru, you say you do contract work, but how steady is that kind of work. Are you by a major city. I've heard of companies that contract out report writers. Would this be a more secure means of doing what I like best.

 

[Crystalguru]

The work isn't all that steady right now (but what is). I landed a contract job last Nov(2002) and am hanging on to it! Yes, being near a large city helps A LOT, Atlanta is full of opportunities. Check out monster, dice or even matrixresources.com and look at Atlanta.

Right now, stay where you are. It is not secure to go floating around doing contract work. I was laid off in 2001 and didn't get this till Nov 2002. Secure, nope.

If you have the opportunity to do crystal at your current job, continue to do so until this economy picks up. That way you have "real" life experience with it and don't start at the bottom when you do start contracting.

As far as contracting goes, I like it. Of course, it's not for everyone. But I like the challenge of new databases and business requirements. Also, new people that I may not have to work with for very long! (My situation now!). But I can put up with that b/c the contract will end! See the light at the end of the tunnel....

take care

 

[jpittawa]

Crystal report writing has come a long way from the days of a flat file only input. Many programmers scoff at it as "tool driving." I know did until Crystal 8.0. In fact I just got my first perm position after 11 years of contract programming as a Crystal report writing contract.

I would suggest a few things. First, buddy up to the CFO or COO. They have real clout and can really epreciate a good report writer. If you can get their data to them within two or days of a given request, and are pliant when they say, "That's great, but now can you make it..?", they will want to keep the good times coming.

Also, look for Contract-to-hire gigs. I used Dice. In SoCal that worked for years. But this a really tight market and it will remain that way for a couple of more years, IMO. Good luck.

 

[Crystalfire]

Thanks for all the input! I know what your saying (jpittawa ) about once they recieve a good report they want more... Contracting for me might be a little hard because I need to keep my full time job, but for what I am finding for contract pay is quite unbelievable. My full time job dosen't even come close. Don't think they realize what a good report writer can make out there. I'll just keep my eyes open and hope I get some more input from everyone out there. Thanks again.

 

[shadyness]

I have only worked on a few reports utilizing Crystal Reports, but what I have seen; it is never safe to seclude yourself in one area for long. Make sure that on a professional level you are still working in as many languages and platforms that you can. Also Cyrstalfire, you need to remember one thing about Contract Work . . .the wages are usually higher so that you can afford your own insurance coverage. And this year, obviously things like medical, dental, and vision are the highest they have ever been. I landed a full-time position for a little less than the usual contract wage for development and I am not about to leave the stability for a few extra dollars. Good Luck though!! <== Some people say they are afraid of heights. With me its table widths. ==>

 

[abrons]

Broaden your skill set with VB and SQL and you will have a lot more opportunities.