Contract to Full Time

I went that route. For starters, you need to be interested in the job from the start. Bring a notebook and take notes on what you are doing . As you become proficient in one task immediately look for the next one to master. Try to ask questions only once unless it is a really important detail and you are double checking. Be confident and get comfortable with the full time employees as fast as possible. I started as the first contractor the group had hired and by the time I was brought on full time they had brought on 7 more. Of those 7 only one other made it to full time as well. 3 were cut within 2 weeks of starting. One could not master simple tasks, another other seemed disinterested and above the job (he later was shocked when he was cut). Others made it a couple months and found full time employment elsewhere or were cut for not getting down other important parts of the job. Eventually I got to a point where I was more skilled with the job than a couple full time employees. When I started getting interviews they soon had a full time spot. I eventually left for a position with more potential ~ 2 years experience. Very good way to get your foot in the door at a bank/firm, build your resume, gain experience and launch your career (assuming nothing better is immediately available).