Become an Information Technology Consultant

If you want to work in computer science and enjoy a flexible, independent job environment, become an IT consultant. All you need is a degree in Information Technology to qualify for most jobs, though taking a few business classes wouldn't hurt your chances of success. Depending on your preference, you can work in a consulting agency or build your own business.

Steps

Gaining Experience

  1. Earn a degree in Information Technology. Most employers in the IT field prefer to hire college graduates; otherwise, they risk hiring a consultant unaware of current trends. This degree can give you experience working with software, web design, networking, and communications. If your university does not offer an IT degree, a computer science degree can offer similar skills.[1]
    • If you have not earned your high school diploma, study and pass the GED test to begin your education.
  2. Choose a business minor. IT consulting requires just as much business know-how as it does tech skills. Take plenty of marketing, business management, and customer communication courses. Ask your professors about your weaknesses so you can strengthen them as a consultant.[2]
  3. Complete an internship while you're in college. Interning with an IT consultant can give you relevant field experience, but any internship in IT will boost your resume. Not only will internships help you apply your course skills, but you'll also learn how to interact with clients. The networking and communication skills you'll learn are as vital as your computer-related intern duties.[3]
    • Internships can also help you determine whether consulting is the right career path for you before you commit yourself professionally.
  4. Apply for entry jobs in IT. Many consulting agencies prefer applicants with work experience and, even if you're starting your own practice, you'll need time to build a steady list of clients. While working, think about what parts of the job you enjoy so you can brainstorm consultant specializations.
    • You might, for example, work as a software application developer, computer systems analyst, data manager, IT manager, web developer, or computer support specialist.[4]
  5. Network with others working in IT. Getting to know others in your field will help you establish support and connections as you become a consultant. Let them know about your specializations so they can clue you in about job opportunities or direct potential clients to you.[5]
    • Gratitude is important! Return the favor to your contacts and pass relevant opportunities their way.
  6. Gain familiarity with a particular niche in IT. Usually, businesses hire consultants to solve a specific problem. A specialty is part of defining your services so these companies can find you. Once you've decided what you most enjoy about IT, seek out work that helps you refine this specialty.[6]
    • Keep up-to-date with which specialties are currently in-demand. Ask your IT connections, especially consultants you know.
    • Possible specializations include: web development, network administration, software or data analysis, or hardware systems.
  7. Join or start a consulting practice. If you enjoy the structure and job security that companies provide, apply for jobs at consulting agencies. As a hired consultant, your agency can feed clients to you based on your specialties. You may also build your own practice if you prefer more job freedom.[7]
    • You might work for several years at a consulting agency while you're starting your own practice.

Starting a Consulting Practice

  1. Choose self-employment if you want to manage your own hours. Working at an agency might not be for you if the main attraction of consulting is the flexibility. Because your practice might take several years before it becomes a viable source of income, start contacting clients and building up your business while you're employed elsewhere.[8]
  2. Register your business legally. This process may vary depending on your country. Often, you will need to make a business plan and contact a business attorney to guide you through registration. Choose an attorney who seems to understand your consulting agency and is motivated to help you succeed.
  3. Create a website for your business. Having all your business information in one place will give employers a good idea of your skill set. Include your IT experience, contact information, and portfolio on your site. Include a link to your website on your resume/CV and attach it to emails you send potential clients.
  4. Ask your peers for referrals. Make a list of IT professionals you've kept in contact with and let them know about your budding consulting agency. Ask them if they know of any clients in your field. If someone looking for your specialty comes your way, they may direct those people to you if their business can't help them.
  5. Cold call possible clients. Clients might not come to you at first, especially during your first few months. Make a list of potential clients: these can be companies you've worked for before, companies that a work connection directed you towards, or companies that expressed need in your specialty. Email or call these businesses to let them know about your experience and availability.
    • Research each company before you contact them. You'll want to appear familiar with the company's needs and invested in their goals.
    • Direct your call or email towards a specific person (rather than a company) to build familiarity.
  6. Hire a tax adviser to help you with financials. Managing business taxes can get tricky, especially when you're self-employed. Talk to a tax adviser so you know which documents to file and how. As your business grows, you may also Hire an Accountant who can handle and maintain your practice's taxes.

Running a Strong Practice

  1. Budget your finances. Working alone means that if you don't manage your salary, nobody else will. Make a list of all your monthly fees (which might include site domain hosting, office rent, and living expenses), and compare this list to your monthly income. Set spending goals for yourself so you never purchase more you can afford.[9]
    • Consulting practices grow over time, which makes budgeting especially important during the first few years.
    • Make sure to budget for taxes and insurance so you don't accidentally add it to your income. Working for yourself means that your bosses or supervisors no longer take these out of your paycheck.[10]
  2. Stay in touch with former clients. Send an email to previous clients after several months of no contact. Ask them whether they have current needs for your service and let them know of your availability. Even if they currently have no need, they may direct others to your services.[11]
  3. Keep tabs on upcoming tech trends. Computer science is one of the fastest-changing fields around. Read technical articles, blogs, and websites to make sure your information is still correct. Talk to your connections about current or future trends so you're constantly learning about and spreading new ideas.[12]
  4. Return to school for a master's degree. A post-graduate degree can qualify you for advanced consulting jobs and give your expertise even more credibility. Many IT consultants pursue either a MSc in their chosen specialization or an MBA. Depending on your personal career goals, either choice can boost your practice.
    • You might choose an MBA if you notice a significant weakness in your business strategies.
    • Although beneficial, master's degrees are not essential for IT consultants. Only pursue post-grad degrees if you have sincere interest in the degree.[13]

Tips

  • Because consulting jobs don't have set hours, make sure to leave work at work. Set aside time each day to stay away from your phone and email. Without breaks, the stress can consume you.[14]
  • Require an up-front deposit from your clients to ensure payment, especially if you're running your own consulting practice.[15]

Warnings

  • Success as an IT consultant depends on excellent business skills just as much as IT proficiency. Not all IT employees make good consultants, and that's okay.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.chegg.com/career-center/explore/information-technology-consultant
  2. ↑ http://blog.aftercollege.com/whats-consultant-can-become-one/
  3. ↑ http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/worklife/04/14/cb.why.internships.important/index.html
  4. ↑ http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/top-fields-to-find-entry-level-it-jobs/
  5. ↑ https://www.thoughtworks.com/insights/blog/so-you-want-be-it-consultant
  6. ↑ https://www.computerworld.com/article/2531133/it-careers/becoming-an-it-consultant--do-s--don-ts-and-disasters-to-avoid.html
  7. ↑ http://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/computer-science-careers/how-to-become-an-information-systems-consultant
  8. ↑ https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/it-consultant
  9. ↑ https://www.computerworld.com/article/2531133/it-careers/becoming-an-it-consultant--do-s--don-ts-and-disasters-to-avoid.html?page=3
  10. ↑ https://www.cio.com/article/2996282/careers-staffing/how-to-become-an-independent-it-consultant.html
  11. ↑ https://www.computerworld.com/article/2531133/it-careers/becoming-an-it-consultant--do-s--don-ts-and-disasters-to-avoid.html?page=2
  12. ↑ http://www.base36.com/2013/03/5-steps-to-becoming-a-competitive-tech-consultant/
  13. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/01/business/a-matter-of-degree-not-for-consultants.html
  14. ↑ http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/five-apps/five-survival-tips-for-new-it-consultants/
  15. ↑ http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10-things/10-things-i-wish-id-known-before-becoming-an-it-consultant/

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