» Job description
An IT consultant works in partnership with clients to overcome their business challenges through
the application of technology. A consultant's work will often be based on the need to improve
efficiency and the way a company functions, with IT used as a means to achieve this.
They can also be responsible for user training and for feedback. In many companies, these roles
will be carried out by different members of a project team.
The term IT consultant can itself be confusing, and people with this job title perform different
roles in different organisations. Increasingly, the role might also have a sales component.
» Typical work activities
The daily routine of an IT consultant is usually very varied and will depend on the size and
nature of the organisation and the level at which the consultant is employed. Consultancy
projects can last from a few hours to several years, depending on the client's requirements.
Some or all of the following activities may be undertaken:
meeting with clients to determine requirements;
working with clients to define the scope of a project;
planning timescales and the resources needed;
clarifying a client's system specifications, understanding their work practices and the
nature of their business;
travelling to customer sites;
liaising with staff at all levels of a client organisation;
defining software, hardware and network requirements;
analysing problems and making recommendations;
developing agreed solutions and implementing new systems;
presenting solutions in written or oral reports;
helping clients with change-management activities;
project managing the design and implementation of preferred solutions;
purchasing systems, where appropriate;
designing, testing, installing and monitoring new systems;
preparing documentation and presenting progress reports to customers;
organising training for users and other consultants;
being involved in computer sales and support and, where appropriate, maintaining
contact with client organisations.
Requirements
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following subjects may increase your
chances:
computer science/software engineering;
electrical/electronic engineering;
mathematics;
other science/engineering disciplines.
Smaller employers may express a preference for IT-related degree holders.
Business, management, arts and humanities graduates should be able to demonstrate their interest
in computers (2.1 degrees are normally required from this group). Many companies will use
aptitude testing as part of the selection process.
Entry is possible with an HND, especially if you have experience, but a lower starting salary is
likely. Employment prospects may be better with a smaller company.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification, eg an IT conversion course, is not required, but can show
evidence of your interest and competence if your first degree is not relevant.
Pre-entry experience is an advantage but not essential, although IT-related vacation work or an
industrial placement can lead directly to graduate employment. Increasingly, in addition to a
strong interest in IT, business and commercial awareness is sought for consultancy roles.
Therefore, work experience gained in a commercial environment is likely to be an advantage, as
is the ability to understand and communicate the business benefits of IT.
Potential candidates will also need to show evidence of the following:
leadership ability;
communication and interpersonal skills - you are likely to spend a great deal of time
talking, explaining and extracting information;
the ability to learn quickly and be flexible;
a logical approach to problem solving;
teamworking ability;
confidence when making decisions;
presentation skills;
good organisational abilities;
time management skills.
Client-facing skills are paramount, including the ability to communicate technical information to
non-IT people. Employers will look for candidates who have inquisitive and analytical minds
and an ability to think 'outside the box'. Skills in report writing and analysis are also essential,
but highly developed technical skills are not needed as the technical skills needed for this role are
normally provided via in-house training. Language skills can be useful if you intend to spend
some time abroad.
Competition for vacancies is fierce. It is a good idea to start making applications to larger firms
in the autumn term of your final year.
» Typical employers
IT consultants work in almost every kind of organisation within the industry. They are most
commonly found in firms of management consultants, software and systems houses, and some
large manufacturers of computing equipment offering consultancy services. 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
The clients for whom consultants work are incredibly diverse. IT companies are employed by
manufacturers, the financial services sector, and the public sector, amongst others. Clients
include automotive firms, global investment banks and utility companies. The growth in e-
government has meant an increase in consultancy projects linked to central and local government
departments, with IT schemes at the heart of many policies such as ID cards.
Some IT companies specialise in one area, such as web design and internet solutions, or produce
software tailored to a particular market. The consultants that they employ will have, or develop,
specialist knowledge and experience in that area or about those products and client sectors.
IT companies range from industry giants such as IBM, to micro companies employing fewer
than five people. There are many big graduate recruiters who take on recent graduates into
consultancy roles, for example, Accenture, LogicaCMG, SAS Consulting and Detica all run their
own schemes.
REF:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_types_of_jobs/Types_of_Job/p
!eipaL?state=showocc&idno=424&pageno=1
