I was wondering what people have heard about contracting at Facebook for design roles? Are you really treated as a second class Citizen according to some internet posts? =p Got an offer through an agency and would involve me relocating from the colder north so I’m both excited and curious, haha. I also gathered that there’s an agency clause preventing FT conversion after the contract ends otherwise there’s a fine for FB. is this typical for agencies?
Friend of mine was a contractor at FB. She liked it for the most part. Culture was good, she got to use the cafes, shuttles etc. Some perks like gym, on site doctor etc were only for FTEs. Officially you aren't allowed to convert to FT role, but you can always find other similar roles internally and apply as an outsider.
Ah, thanks! Did she end up converting to FTE/how did she get around the “not allowed to convert to FTE” policy? From what I’ve gathered FB would have to pay a penalty to the agency.... which might be hefty. :/
Those penalties are almost never enforced. Think about it this way, Facebook is paying XYZ agency $10M a year. Is XYZ agency really going to fine Facebook $50K and risk the $10M contract?
Speaking from experience. Remember it really will come down to your team and manager that will have the most impact on your experience. And my experience will likely be different from yours, but here are my observations. Cons: - It’s true you do sometimes feel like a second class citizen but that’s true at some other companies (though not all). - because you’re a ‘contractor’ the team might keep its distance and/or you might find that you don’t have as much visibility into the strategy behind your design which can feel limiting at times - as a contractor you are expected to hit the ground running. There’s very little ramp up time. I got my first project on day 1. Formal contractor orientation is only a couple of hours long and only focused really on learning the time sheet tools etc. Therefore you have to be able (and willing) to teach yourself more often than not. It’s a fast culture and you’re expected to move super fast - you have no assurance IF your contract will be extended so be prepared that it won’t. Converting to FTE will be completely dependent on the team’s available headcount. Also, there aren’t any technical ‘conversions’. You’ll have to apply for any open position and go through the formal interview process (including phone screen). The only advantage you’ll have is that you have an ‘in’ to your manager who can submit your resume to the recruiter directly so you’re almost guaranteed to at least get to go through the recruiting phone screen. Pros: - Everyone is really nice! Even though you’re a contractor so people may keep their distance, they’re all still nice (Well this might depend on the team you’re on but for the most part I got the feeling this was pretty much most teams) - You’re filling a need, therefore most people are really happy you’re there - You get the perks (can ride the bus, eat the food, go to the analog lab, have a limited # of visitors) but you’re limited to only those. Gym, classes, events, swag, team offsites/dinners/etc. are all off limits. - You have access to awesome design tools.
This is amazing, thanks so much :) you pretty hit all the points I was looking for! If you don’t mind asking how long have you contracted for and did you end up converting to FTE or just hopped somewhere else?
Can you tell through which agency did you get the contract role as I am interested in it too.
Not OP but Pro Unlimited is a popular one
Yup pro unlimited is a good one. I’m going through a smaller one as I’m from above the border, haha
Just curious how much is the pay? If you've never lived out here before you might be surprised at what you need to be comfortable outside of work.
Not as much as I hoped. =p ranges on role, but 50-60 an hour so 100k at least. Sadly I’m on the lower end. :( what do you consider to be the minimum to be comfortable in SF and where would you live (SF vs MP?) I hate commuting and I hear that can be a pain.... as a contractor I think I can take the bus though(?) not sure
Dont live in SF. You won't be able to afford it. On that pay you shouldn't. Commute would be easier not in the city. Honestly I would reevaluate this move since that's not much to live on in the bay area. Rent alone will take 40% off your after tax.
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FT conversation depends on the contract between agency and fb. Very normal. Coming to second class citizen comment, that's true in most of the companies.