IT consultant : Career development

As an IT consultant, your immediate prospects depend on the size and type of the organisation you work for. Movement between employers is common. Most larger consultancies have an established career structure for their staff, with frequent appraisals and an emphasis on individuals managing their own career. A typical consultant moves from the daily responsibility of a project to a more strategic role with team leadership and responsibility.

The IT industry is so diverse and IT consultants perform such a variety of tasks that your career may develop into a number of different industries and sectors. Once you gain generalist experience you may want to specialise in a sector or a program, e.g. SAP, Oracle, or work as a senior consultant.

IT consultants may take on greater responsibilities in another part of an organisation (e.g. training and recruitment, project management, sales and account management roles). Other possible progression includes the development of specific technical expertise, possibly leading to contributing at national and international technical conferences. Some consultants go on to become IT specialists at partner level or IT architects.

You may move in a more strategic business direction, either within the company or with a management consultancy firm. Once you have a significant amount of experience you may choose to work as a self-contractor. The BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT)  provides up-to-date information on career moves and areas of development.