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IT consultants are professionals with expertise in a specific area of IT. There are two types: functional and technical. Functional consultants act as a bridge between business needs and technology solutions, while technical consultants have experience in hardware, programming, and configuration. Consultants must constantly update their skills, manage contacts, and travel frequently. They can work for themselves or an agency, each with pros and cons.
Information technology consultants are information technology professionals with proven experience in a specific area of information technology. There are two main types of IT consultants; functional and technical.
A functional consultant has experience in actually using and supporting a technology solution. They are experts in the actual functions or tasks performed by the solution. They are hired to act as a bridge between business needs and the ability of technology to meet those needs.
Functional IT consultants tend to have a business degree, along with an average work experience of five to eight years. Skill sets required include excellent communication skills, analytical thinking, complex problem solving and interpersonal skills. These types of consultants are hired by consulting firms to provide long-term support and advice.
A technical consultant has experience in hardware, programming, and technology solution configuration. They are usually hired for system implementation, upgrades, modifications and re-engineering projects. The Technical Consultant may be hired to provide a greater depth of knowledge than existing technical staff or to fill a niche need.
Computer Technical Consultants have university degrees in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or related disciplines. They are hired by consulting firms, hardware and software manufacturers to act as a resource during implementation projects and sales presentations.
Within the two groups of consultants, there are subgroups, with areas of specialization. A functional consultant has usually taken a variety of product-specific courses to gain an expert level of knowledge in a particular product or solution. A Technical Consultant must stay current on the latest product offerings, industry linkages, and be aware of trends and future direction of their market niche.
Job descriptions for IT consultants typically involve 80% to 90% travel, an above-average salary, and long hours. There are also periods of downtime, and IT consultants bear the risk of lost revenue during a slow period. Consultants must constantly update their skills, manage a network of industry contacts, both as a consultant and to increase their exposure to potential clients.
Computer consultants can start their own business or work for an agency. There are pros and cons to both options. Working for yourself can be great, with greater financial rewards and freedom. However, running the actual business involves job hunting, vacancies, administration, and paperwork. On average, 30% – 50% of an IT consultant’s working hours are spent running the business itself, with only 50-70% of the time available for billed work.
Working for an agency increases the time you have to actually work and keep your skills up to date, but there is a cost that must be paid to the agency for locating and managing project assignments. Some agencies offer health benefits and training allowances. These options can be worth the net income difference in the long run.
