From fixed-term to freelance: Your guide to different types of employment contracts and what they might mean for you now and after uni

By Hannah Vuozzo , Communications Manager, assisted by AI

If you’ve browsed a jobs board, whether that’s Glasgow Careers , targetjobs , Indeed , LinkedIn Jobs or another, you’ve probably seen words like “full-time”, “part-time”, “fixed-term”, “permanent”, “casual”, “zero-hour” and/or others.

It’s not always clear what these terms mean when describing types of employment. (I sure didn't know what they meant when I was a student!)

By understanding different types of employment contracts, you’ll be better equipped to make informed career decisions for yourself, so let’s take a look at these.

Full-time contracts

These contracts typically require employees to work a set number of hours per week, usually around 35 to 40 hours from Monday to Friday. Some roles/employers allow employees to complete these hours in fewer days.

Full-time employees tend to receive benefits such as paid leave (including annual, maternity/paternity, etc), sick pay, pension schemes, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) , training and development and discounts and perks (eg gym memberships). Some employers also offer private healthcare insurance.

Part-time contracts

Part-time roles involve working fewer hours than full-time employees, often offering flexibility for students or those balancing multiple commitments.

While benefits may be prorated (ie proportioned to the hours you work), part-time employees still enjoy certain entitlements such as sick pay and paid leave.

We highly encourage students to consider part-time work while at University for a range of reasons. For full-time students, we don’t recommend working more than 20 hours per week during term time, and international students are usually restricted to this based on their visa requirements .

Fixed-term contracts

These contracts have a predetermined end date or are linked to the completion of a specific project. They offer stability for a defined period but may not provide the same level of job security as permanent roles.

Graduate schemes or trainee programmes are classic examples of fixed-term roles. These are structured, entry-level training programmes for graduates. They’re mainly offered by large organisations and can lead to permanent roles.

Maternity cover roles are also common fixed-term opportunities in which you fill a role for a certain period until the substantive post-holder returns.

Some fixed term contracts have the potential to be extended, and it may worth asking about this possibility in a job interview, depending on your circumstances.

Temporary contracts

Temporary contracts are similar to fixed-term ones but may not have a clear end date and are commonly used for roles that require immediate or short-term staffing solutions (eg seasonal work, temporary replacements for absent employees, short-term fluctuations in workload).

For example, local businesses may hire additional staff during the festive period.

This may suit you if you want to work only specific times of year (eg term time, between terms, etc).

Permanent contracts

Permanent roles offer long-term employment with no fixed end date, providing stability and often access to comprehensive benefits and career progression opportunities. They can also be full-time or part-time.

In addition, these roles may come with greater job autonomy and decision-making authority compared to temporary or fixed-term roles. Employees may have more control over their day-to-day responsibilities, project involvement and career trajectory within the organisation.

A permanent role may have a longer notice period than others.

Casual contracts

Casual employment offers flexibility with irregular hours and no guarantee of ongoing work. While it allows for freedom, it may lack stability and/or benefits.

This could be event staffing for a music festival, sporting event, etc.

Zero-hour contracts

These contracts offer no guaranteed hours of work, providing flexibility for both employees and employers. They may specify that an employee works a minimum number of hours or shifts per month. However, there’s less certainty regarding income and hours compared to other types of contracts.

A common example of a zero-hour role is babysitters, even if there’s no formal employment contract as such. Babysitters often work irregularly and/or when work is available. This could also be considered casual work.

Agency workers

These individuals are employed by a recruitment agency and hired out to work for a client organisation. They may have varying levels of flexibility, job security/stability and benefits compared to direct employees of the client organisation.

Freelancers

Freelancers are self-employed individuals who work on a project basis for various clients. They have control over their schedules and rates but are responsible for their own taxes and benefits.

This is just one of many types of self-employment .

Contractors

Contractors are hired to complete specific tasks or projects for a set period. They may work for themselves or through an intermediary (eg an umbrella company) and are responsible for their own taxes and benefits.

Final thoughts

What type of employment contract you choose to pursue depends on your individual circumstances and career goals. Each contract has its pros and cons, offering difference levels of flexibility, stability and autonomy and benefits. Reflect carefully on what may be best for you now and in the future.

Other resources

Glasgow Careers : Explore a wide range of roles, including part-time, full-time, internships, graduate schemes and more

Our Student Job Hub : Browse on-campus and local part-time jobs

Our Internship Hub : Browse on-campus and local internships that are exclusive to UofG students

Our website : Get additional guidance for your job search

“Employment Rights: A Student’s Guide” : Read the SRC’s guide to ensure you know your rights

“Self-employment” : Check out a range of resources on different types of self-employment from Prospects

“Freelancing Foundations” : Learn how to get started with freelancing through this free LinkedIn Learning course (log in with GUID )