IT Consultant

What You Do

As a computer consultant you have developed, over years of experience, an expertise in a particular informatics field. Your client hires you to provide them with strategic advice and a level of assistance which they do not have inside the organization. You are hired usually on a project basis and in a particular field of your expertise.

Your areas of expertise could be any of the following:

• strategic IT planning,
• policy making,
• architecture design,
• technology,
• networking and communications,
• testing and quality assurance,
• procurement,
• management,
• training and documentation,
• development methods,
• system definition and design,
• construction,
• installation, and
• use and service delivery activities.

Job stream: Informatics Consultancy

Sample Titles:

• Computer Consultant
• Informatics Consultant
• Consultant
• Account Manager
• Consulting Analyst
• IT Consultant

Who You Do It For

Working either through a consulting company or as an independent consultant, you will assist a wide variety of clients. Both public and private sector organizations and companies use consultants on a project basis when they do not have the resources to handle a project.

At times consultants can also be hired to supplement the client organization’s own staff – to fill a vacancy on a project team or a permanent group on a temporary basis.

How You Do It

The work of computer consultants varies from employer to employer and project to project. Some projects will require you to work with several other consultants, each specializing in one area. At other times you will work independently. Generally speaking, as a computer consultant, you are usually hired on a contract basis to assist an organization with a particular project.

Depending upon your expertise, you could be:

• developing business and strategic plans,
• selecting the appropriate architecture, services and technology,
• producing a Request for Proposals,
• making recommendations for hardware and software purchases,
• training staff,
• assisting in the installation of informatics services,
• defining the nature and extent of the project,
• developing solutions to technology-related problems,
• developing policies and procedures,
• making recommendations to senior management, and
• assisting in the implementation of recommendations.

No matter what the assignment, your job as a computer consultant is to provide your expertise and advice on how to make the project successful.

Challenges

The constant pressure of deadlines and client expectations can be extremely stressful for computer consultants. Since computer consultants are from outside of the organization, they may also be faced with hostility from employees within the organization as they try to implement changes. As a result, computer consultants must be able to work with people diplomatically.

The work of a consultant is always temporary. Each assignment eventually ends. You may become frustrated by being unable to remain involved in implementing a system for the long term. The objective of a successful engagement is to leave the client organization’s personnel able to carry on without your assistance.

Skills

• gather and interpret relevant data and information,
• interact with computer technology to solve a variety of complex problems,
• interview and relate to people,
• work on multiple projects and stay focused,
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing,
• communicate clear and consistent information,
• think analytically and problem solve,
• make effective decisions under pressure,
• explain complex information simply and accurately, and
• pay attention to detail and work effectively under pressure.

Working Conditions

Typically, computer consultants work at least 40 hours per work. Overtime is very common in this profession, especially when deadlines must be met. In addition, since computer consultants spend a significant portion of their time with their clients, they usually will divide their time between their offices and their client’s location. Frequent travel may be necessary.

Like other workers who spend their time in front of a computer terminal, computer consultants are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort and hand and wrist problems.

What the Future Holds

With the demand for skilled IT professionals increasing around the world, and the increase in the number and type of consulting companies, the employment options available for computer consultants are increasing. However, to be successful in this profession you must possess the right skills. Opportunities also exist for self-employment.

Skill Levels

Full Working Computer Consultant

You will be performing the job as computer consultant without supervision and you may be responsible for the supervision of other staff on a project. In addition you may be responsible for small projects or portions of medium-large projects, and you may also be required to:

• define requirements and conduct analysis with the customer,
• select appropriate architecture, services, technology based on needs,
• develop business plans,
• prepare and administer Requests for Proposals (RFP),
• develop a strategic IT plan to map to the organization’s business plan,
• manage the physical implementation of new solutions,
• prepare and present proposals to clients
• evaluate proposals with respect to functional and technical requirements,
• formally train clients, consulting staff and end users,
• manage and react to change within the project scope,
• help users to manage the impact of change on organizational culture,
• construct base project plan,
• conduct project management,
• steer projects - adjudicate deviations,
• manage relationships with third parties,
• review and recommend revision of business policies and procedures,
• review and recommend systems development policies and procedures,
• identify and support business process re-engineering requirements within a project, and
• develop technical policies and procedures.

Intermediate Computer Consultant

As the intermediate computer consultant, you will be expected to supervise staff. You may also be required to:

• define requirements, conduct analysis with customer,
• select appropriate architecture, services, technology based on needs,
• develop business plans,
• prepare and administer Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
• develop a strategic IT plan to map to the organization’s business plan,
• manage the physical implementation of new solutions,
• prepare and present proposals to clients,
• evaluate proposals with respect to functional and technical requirements,
• formally train clients, consulting staff and end users,
• manage and react to change within the project scope,
• help users to manage the impact of change on organization culture,
• construct base project plan,
• conduct project management,
• steer projects - adjudicate deviations,
• manage relationships with third parties,
• review and recommend revision of business policies and procedures,
• review and recommend systems development policies and procedures,
• identify and support business process re-engineering requirements within a project, and
• develop technical policies and procedures.

Senior Computer Consultant

As the senior computer consultant you will most likely be involved in planning, conducting and supervising complex informatics assignments. You will also be involved in designing and applying new methods and procedures and supervising staff. You could also be required to:

• demonstrate business results to customer expectation,
• recognize business opportunities for consulting firm,
• provide a future vision for the client based on strategic and tactical plan, and
• exercise ultimate responsibility for the projects.

Salary Range

$66,425 - $94,500

Education and Training

Full Working Computer Consultant

This level requires 3-5 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in addition to a university degree or college diploma.

Intermediate Computer Consultant

This level requires 3-5 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in addition to a university degree or college diploma.

Senior Computer Consultant

This level requires 6-8 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience as well as a university degree or college diploma.