The IT function within organizations has become far more complex in recent years. Enterprise infrastructures have expanded far beyond the traditional ones focused on company-owned and -operated data centers.
Among the recent trends impacting IT are the heavy shift into the cloud, the emergence of hybrid work, increased reliance on mobility, growing use of artificial intelligence, and ongoing efforts to build digital businesses.
This increased complexity means more companies will be relying on IT consultants to help navigate the changes and develop short-term and long-term strategies. As a result, making the shift to IT consulting can be a lucrative path to a fulfilling IT career.
What is an IT consultant?
An IT consultant is a technology professional who advises and supports business clients in designing, developing, and executing technology projects in service of business goals.
IT consultants are often hired to provide companies guidance on what technologies they should use to achieve their aims, according to career website Indeed. IT consultants can find work by joining IT consultancy firms or by operating as independent contractors, developing their own client rosters and selecting the projects they want to work on.
Because technology is continuously changing, IT consultants can provide clients with the latest information about new technologies as they become available, recommending implementation strategies based on their clients’ needs. As a result, for IT consultants, keeping the pulse of the technology market is essential.
“Being a successful IT consultant requires knowing how to walk in the shoes of your IT clients and their business leaders,” says Scott Buchholz, CTO of the government and public services sector practice at consulting firm Deloitte.
A consultant’s job is to assess the whole situation, the challenges, and the opportunities at an organization, Buchholz says. As an outsider, the consultant can see things clients can’t.
[ Related: The 7 fundamentals of IT consultant success ]
What does an IT consultant do?
IT consultants are responsible for helping organizations design and develop strategic IT projects and manage their technology use. This can involve assessing a company’s IT infrastructure, including its computer systems, cybersecurity profile, software performance, and data and analytics operations, to help determine ways a business might better benefit from the technology it uses.
“IT consultants spend a large portion of their job meeting with clients to discuss the next steps they plan to take in updating and maintaining their technology, where they can offer advice about which new technological developments might contribute to their success,” according to career website Indeed.
An IT consultant might also perform repairs on IT systems and technological devices that companies need to conduct business.
IT consultants’ work environment typically depends on the clients they serve, according to Indeed. IT consultants who are independent contractors might complete some work from home. An IT consultant might also work at a consulting firm with teams of other IT consultants.
Types of IT consultants
Given that there are many facets of IT, it’s not surprising that there are various types of IT consultants to meet enterprise needs.
These include strategy consultants, systems consultants, and security consultants, among others, says Paul Farnsworth, CTO at technology careers site Dice.
“We’re seeing the most in-demand types of consultants being those who specialize in cybersecurity and digital transformation, largely due to increased reliance on remote work and increased risk of cyberattacks,” he says.
In addition, consultants with program management skills are valuable for supporting technology projects, assessing technology strategies, and helping organizations compare and make informed decisions about their technology investments, Farnsworth says.
Indeed notes a demand for IT consultants who are familiar with AI and AI governance; how to use and incorporate prompt engineering; data analysis; and specific applications such as Jira, Salesforce, ServiceNow, etc.
IT consultant salaries
The average salary for an IT consultant is $105,500, according to Dice’s 2024 Tech Salary Report. This can vary based on geographic location and skill level, Farnsworth says.
The Dice research data shows that IT consultants at the C-suite or vice president level are likely to make closer to $163,500, Farnsworth says.
“IT consultants who specialize in large-scale IT change programs, such as mergers and acquisitions, can command even higher compensation, often in line with the pay of consulting company partners due to the complexity and impact of their expertise,” he says.
Indeed lists various salaries for IT consultants. Many IT consultants also qualify for benefits outside of their competitive salaries, such as health insurance, paid time off, and a flexible spending account, the firm notes. Here are a few national average annual salaries for IT consultants in the United States, based on Indeed data as of September 2024:
- IT analyst: $103,581
- Implementation consultant: $85,376
- Salesforce consultant: $114,433
- IT security consultant: $96,242
- Maintenance and repair consultant: $76,499
IT consultant job outlook
The job outlook for IT consultants remains strong, “as technology is continually being implemented to improve business operations, security, create new products, and drive change,” Farnsworth says. “Consultants with the experience and specialized skills are always going to be required to help drive this change.”
One important thing to remember is that even with specialized technical skills, the most successful IT consultants will need to have a balanced skill set of high emotional intelligence and soft skills as well, Farnsworth says.
[ Related: How to get a job in IT consulting ]
“Consultants are a key part of the strategy of virtually every organization due to the flexibility it gives the organization to bring in expertise quickly and to be able to staff up for a short-term but large effort,” says Tamara Larsen, director of IT infrastructure and platforms at Indeed.
“I do not see this changing, though the amount of people will flex up and down depending on the economy and the industry at any given time,” Larsen says.
How to become an IT consultant
“Successful IT consultants need to have a mix of hard and soft skills, from coding and data analysis to critical thinking and communication,” Deloitte’s Buchholz says. “All these skills are crucial for consultants. The goal is to be able to compellingly communicate the right answer with facts and analysis.”
Skills that an IT consultant needs include proficiency in technical repairs, current knowledge of technological advancements, attention to detail, problem solving, critical thinking, effective time management, and interpersonal and communication.
Students and technology professionals who want to pursue a career in IT consulting must demonstrate technical expertise across areas such as business operations, security, product development, and change management, Farnsworth says.
[ Related: How to become an independent IT consultant ]
“This can be developed through certifications like those that CompTIA or AWS [Amazon Web Services] provide,” he says. While previously many technology jobs demanded formal certifications, especially in industries such as cybersecurity and networking, today’s high demand for technology talent means many employers have become more lenient in their education requirements, he says.
“Now, those hiring for tech talent are more willing to forgo their degree and certification requirements if candidates can demonstrate they have the necessary skills and experience to do the job,” Farnsworth says. “Candidates can showcase these by highlighting their previous relevant roles and projects, freelance work, skills and/or knowledge of specific tools or programs the role requires, or testimonials from their former employers or connections.”
Larsen recommends obtaining and staying up to date on relevant certifications, such as those related to the major cloud providers. It’s a good idea to be familiar with common tools such as Git, Kubernetes, and Terraform, as well as Agile practices, she says. But ultimately, success in IT is about having the skills and the ability to perform the work, not necessarily having a particular formal education in IT, she says.
Indeed says candidates for IT consulting roles should earn a degree from an accredited college or university. Most companies require IT consultants to have at least a bachelor’s degree, and many aspiring IT consultants choose to major in computer science, IT, or software engineering so that they can gain the skills and training they need to succeed in the field, the company says.
Top certifications for IT consultants
Earning certifications that cover specific areas of IT can help consultants land engagements with clients. Not surprisingly, some of the most in-demand certifications today are related to cloud services and cybersecurity.
For example, top certifications include:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect—Professional
- Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
Indeed recommends obtaining certifications to demonstrate expertise in certain areas. Certification is often voluntary for IT consultants, but having a certification can make a consultant stand out among other candidates who are not certified, and might increase chances of being hired.
Most certifications in IT involve completing coursework and training, and many require candidates to have a certain number of years of professional experience before they apply, Indeed says.
“Successful IT consultants understand that certifications are useful to get in the door because they demonstrate that you know what you know, but once you’re in the door getting the work done and staying informed becomes more important,” Buchholz says.
“Different areas of consulting may need different certifications, and some may need none,” Buchholz says. “But ultimately, keeping up with your skills long term is most important. Whether you’re working on soft skills or hard skills, there are a myriad of free and paid resources available today.”
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Read More from This Article: What is an IT consultant? Roles, types, salaries, and how to become one
Source: News