Many job seekers question the value of temporary jobs. After all, they are typically short-term opportunities, so it may be hard to see how those experiences can help you during your career.
However, temporary jobs can actually be incredibly beneficial. They give you the ability to explore different roles, industries, and workplaces, all without having to worry about quitting if the position doesn’t work out.
If you aren’t sure why you should be grateful for temporary jobs, here are some points to consider.
You Learn What You Do and Don’t Like
Temporary jobs let you act like an explorer. You’ll be exposed to different environments, people, and duties, allowing you to experience them all in a real-world job setting. During the course of your assignment, you are going to learn a lot about which tasks you prefer, what workplaces and cultures resonate with you, and what aspects of the roles might not be right for you.
Ultimately, time in these jobs can help you craft a clearer idea of what you actually want from your career. You may find that a different specialty suits you better than the one you initially selected, that certain management styles allow you to thrive while others hold you back, or that an open office environment makes your skin crawl. All of this is valuable information that increases the odds you’ll make the right decision when you seek out your next opportunity.
Skill Acquisition and Development
When you work in a temporary job, you’re going to put a number of your existing skills to work. Plus, you’ll usually be exposed to new systems, process, or tasks, allowing you to gain new ones along the way.
Even if a position wasn’t your favorite, you likely acquired or developed a skill that can help you in your next job. Nearly every opportunity hones at least one transferable skill, so for every temporary position you take, your resume gets that much stronger.
Expand Your Professional Network
When you enter a new workplace, you are given a chance to expand your professional network. You won’t just meet people for a few hours at an event; you’ll work side-by-side for days, weeks, months, or longer. This gives you a chance to forge a meaningful relationship with managers and co-workers you may have otherwise not met, or at least not had the opportunity to get to know on that level.
Even if the temporary job isn’t ideal, you may make connections that can help shape your career for years to come. These new members of your network may be a perfect professional reference for your next opportunity or could know about a position somewhere else that is a great match.
Ultimately, temporary jobs can be exciting opportunities, giving you a chance to learn more about your preferences, enhance your skills, and expand your network, all without a long-term commitment. If you are interested in exploring short- or long-term positions, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to learn more about our current job openings and see how our services can make a difference in your career today.
