IT consultant
An IT consultant works in partnership with clients, advising them how to use information technology in order to meet their business objectives or overcome problems. Consultants work to improve the structure and efficiency of an organisation's IT systems. Hiring in consultants to perform specific functions over an agreed period of time is often referred to as ‘outsourcing’.
IT consultants may be used to provide strategic guidance to organisations with regard to IT technology, IT infrastructures and the enablement of major business processes through enhancements to IT. They can also be used to provide guidance during selection and procurement as well providing highly expert technical assistance, and may be responsible for user training and feedback.
IT consultants may be involved in sales and business development, as well as technical duties.
Tasks typically involve:
Salary data from IT Jobs Watch figures are intended as a guide only.
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following subjects may increase your chances:
Business, management, arts and humanities graduates should be able to demonstrate their interest in information technology, and 2:1 degrees are normally required from this group. Many companies use numerical and verbal reasoning tests as part of the selection process.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification, e.g. an MSc in IT, is not required, but shows evidence of your interest and competence, particularly if your first degree is not in a related subject.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
A 2:1 degree, previous work experience and a genuine interest in IT and consulting increases your chances. IT-related vacation work or an industrial placement/internship may lead directly to graduate employment. Work experience gained in a commercial environment helps demonstrate your commercial awareness, client management skills and ability to understand and communicate the business benefits of IT. Develop your team working skills, always valued by potential employers, by taking an active part in student societies and working on team projects.
Competition for vacancies is fierce. As a first and second year undergraduate, you may apply for internships in the industry. It is a good idea to start making applications to larger firms in the autumn term of your final year, even if the recruitment process is ongoing. Graduate places fill quickly and competition gets stronger as time passes.
IT consultancies seek to enhance diversity in their teams and all applicants are welcome.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
On-the-job training and in-house courses are usually combined to develop technical and business skills. Organisations may offer training in a variety of programming languages and the principles of systems analysis, as well as project management and specific business software. They may also provide courses to develop personal skills that enhance client interaction, such as communication, leadership, conflict resolution, and sales and presentation skills.
Formal training is more likely in larger companies than in small ones, where on-the-job training may be more typical. Many large companies run mentoring schemes and tailor training opportunities to individual members of staff and the projects they're working on. Such schemes ensure that new members of staff are exposed to a variety of working environments and systems. Professional qualifications, such as those provided by the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) , provide a framework for professional standards and a platform for the recognition of new skills. The BCS also helps by providing information and guidance to assist members to develop their expertise and recognise and plan their learning needs. You may also want to become a member of Intellect , which offers a range of courses, events and advice.
e-skills UK - The Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology
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 can develop into a number of different industries and sectors. Once you gain generalist experience you may want to work as a senior consultant or specialise in a sector or a program like SAP or Oracle.
IT consultants may take on greater responsibilities in another part of an organisation, such as 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.
IT consultants work in almost every kind of organisation. They frequently work in firms of management consultants, software and systems houses, and some large manufacturers of computing equipment or software. Consultants are usually highly experienced IT professionals, but some employing organisations recruit people as junior consultants to be trained in specific technical and business skills.
IT consultants work in a range of sectors, including manufacturing, financial services, the public sector, health, and transport, to name a few. Clients include automotive firms, global investment banks and utility companies. The growth in e-services within the public sector has created an increase in consultancy projects linked to central and local government departments.
Some IT companies specialise in one area, such as web design and internet solutions, or produce software tailored to a particular market. The consultants they employ will have specialist knowledge and experience in that area or about specific products and client sectors.
IT companies range from industry giants such as IBM to companies employing fewer than five people. There are many big graduate recruiters who take on recent graduates into consultancy roles. For example, Accenture, Logica, SAS Consulting, Hitachi Consulting, Deloitte, HP Enterprise, FDM, Gartner and BAE Systems Detica all run their own schemes.
Globalisation, outsourcing and cloud computing have been key trends in recent years. Clients demand a tailored approach to different businesses, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the business and clients' customers. Also, the rise in social computing has created new opportunities for using technology to form and extend community networks. Clients are also seeking environmental innovation in products and services. The organisation e-skills UK - The Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology - has more information on current trends in the sector.
Sources of vacancies
Recruitment agencies commonly handle vacancies. Visit the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) to search for agencies by vacancy type and location. See Management Consultancies Association (MCA) for companies who employ consultants.
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