How to become An IT Consultant

With every passing decade, humans grow increasingly dependent on technology to run their businesses efficiently. However, the need is not reflected in the average user’s knowledge of the technology and leads to complete chaos when there’s a technical glitch in the system.

We need competent IT consultants to resolve those issues which are beyond the common person’s capability.

• Computer Network Specialist
• Network Specialist
• Network Support Specialist
• Network Technical Analyst
• Network Technician
• Personal Computer Network Analyst
• Systems Specialist

What do IT Consultants do?

An IT Consultant would typically need to:

• Strive to improve the structure and efficiency of IT systems in a client organisation so as to meet business objectives or overcome problems
• Meet clients to discuss the terms, scope and job requirements of a project; gain clarity on the client’s system specifications, work practices, and nature of business
• Coordinate with staff at all levels of the client’s organisation to analyse the IT system & infrastructure; define the software, hardware, and network needs
• Diagnose problems, inefficiencies, and weak links within the current IT system; analyse and define potential security threats; give objective advice on technology best practices
• Map out time frames and resources needed to complete the project; develop mutually beneficial solutions; present them as oral or written reports
• Design and purchase or requisition new systems; test, install and regulate the new systems; collaborate with the client’s technical in-house team on change-management activities
• Document and present progress reports to the client; arrange obligatory training sessions for the clients and other consultants; monitor the efficacy of implemented IT solutions
• Play an active role in the employer’s sales and support departments; identify potential clients; build and maintain contacts with current and past clients

Generally, IT Consultants work in offices as members of project teams. Traveling to the client sites and mirroring the client’s work schedule are standard practices. Expect to travel extensively, either within the working day or overnight.

IT Consultants typically have regular work schedules from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, deadlines necessitate putting in extra hours frequently.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. IT Consultants can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment and part-time work are viable options.

IT Consultants are generally employed by: 

• Financial Services & Global Investment Companies
• The Health Industry
• The Manufacturing Industry
• The Public Sector
• The Transportation Industry
• Utility Companies

Professional associations and organisations such as the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) are crucial for an IT Consultant interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Frequent deadlines mandate recurrent extended work schedules
• Stress due to the hectic nature of the job and devising viable technical alternatives to satisfy the client’s expectations
• Frequent need to travel may lead to staying away from home for long periods
• The need for keeping abreast of continuously evolving technology

Work experience gained in a commercial environment could help sharpen an IT Consultant’s marketing & client management skills along with the ability to comprehend/communicate the financial advantages of IT.

Make the most of all viable opportunities to write code. Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in IT  to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

A bachelor’s degree in business studies, computer science & software engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, information systems, or mathematics would suffice for entry into the profession. 

However, aspiring IT Consultants without a bachelor’s in one of the above subjects may prove their interest and competence with a pre-entry Master of Science (MSc) in IT or an MBA in information systems. 

The IT Management of Business (ITMB) degree in partnership with major tech employers offers essential skills and networking opportunities to students who wish to enter the IT and business industry.

Certification in project management or information technology from an objective and reputed organisation may prove your competence while increasing your chances of career advancement and becoming an independent consultant. A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region.

Employees with consistently high-performance levels and the right qualifications may be eligible for promotion to more strategic roles within team leadership or begin working as senior consultants.

IT Consultants can also choose to specialize in a sector or program such as SAP or Oracle. Movement to a different department such as training & recruitment, project management, or sales will help you gain the experience necessary to move into executive roles.

Your specific technical expertise could facilitate participation in national/international technical conferences and roles that develop and implement business strategies. There are also various opportunities to work as a self-employed contractor.

Candidates with an MBA in information systems or certification in IT have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active IT Consultant build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. 

It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Large IT companies offer a combination of on-the-job training and in-house courses to sharpen the technical and business skills of newly recruited IT Consultants.

The new hires learn a wide variety of programming languages, principles of systems analysis, and how to use customised business and project management software. 

The training programs may also focus on transferable skills such as client interaction, communication, leadership, conflict resolution, and sales & presentation skills.

Some employers prefer an informal, personalised mentoring scheme that exposes new employees to diverse working environments and systems.

In the Beginning

Rapid innovation through the 1940s and 1950s made it possible for the first computer office application to appear in 1951. At the time, computers were limited to doing calculations, and software programs had to communicate with the elements of the computer set-up directly.

Radical Developments

Then came the revolutionizing concept of natural language programming involving a series of numerical codes. It was vital for programmers then to have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. After the introduction of electronic computers in the 1960s, knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering, mathematics, and statics became part of the new job requirements.

The Birth of Modern Programming Languages

The evolution of an ‘interpreter’ or ‘compiler’ led to the inception of a permanent program in the computer. It translated programs written in basic instruction sets or assembly languages into the machine instruction code. And so began the usage of more complex instructions, which spearheaded the creation of modern programming languages.

Inclusive Technology

In the late 1960s, with the introduction of programming languages such as FORTRAN and COBOL, and technology such as screens, keyboards, and text editors, IT-related careers became open to people with business backgrounds, instead of solely those with science and engineering qualifications.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs. Full-Time Employment

Freelancing IT Consultants and those who work on a contract basis have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort, and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time IT Consultant has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The internet can lay claim to over five billion mobile phone subscriptions and more than two billion users across the planet.

IT Consultants who deliver better-than-projected results while developing crucial relationships with clients are worth their weight in gold.

You must attend social events in your internship, job, or community to expand your technology network. This could go a long way in helping you gain new clients and colleagues.