An IT consultant acts as an advisor to a client or a company and assists the same towards effectively using Information technology for business process enhancement and productivity. This professional also works towards improvement of IT systems within an organization in order to streamline the supportive process that assist in smooth business operations. The following are the basic pointers related to the job description of an IT consultant.
- Education
The first and foremost knowledge in this job role is the technical skill set. It is variable according the industry or domain requirements but usually most companies prefer a professional with bachelor degree in computer science or information technology. Some of the professionals often follow it up with a master degree in business administration with focus to IT management. The MBA courses relevant in this area are database management, global IT management, organizational behaviour and technology management in addition to innovation.
- Fields of Expertise
The specialization of an IT consultant can be any technology depending upon the area of expertise. But the basic technical skill is that of computer science. Often most consultants in this area learn on the go as this segment is very dynamic and new programming technologies and innovations evolve very frequently. Most common specializations include web analytics, cyber security, data management and maintenance, infrastructure, mobile technology, risk management, storage systems and backup technology.
- Duties
Understanding of the client company business operations and ethics is essential for an IT consultant. As a part of the process, the consultant needs to interact with the management of the client company or any designated professional in order to understand the requirements of the project and its associated services. After this a strategy should be formulated to meet the previously mentioned requirements. Then the technology infrastructure is set up by working with the company’s technology department. Developing training materials and knowledge sharing among the actual users is also part of the job for the consultant.
- Core Skills
Communication in terms of verbal and written is an essential skill set for the consultant. Usually such professionals are proficient in two to three technologies, but they need to be informed about the technology updates at regular intervals. They need to have a fair knowledge about the software development life cycle (SDLC). Along with all these time management and independent working abilities are also essential.
- Salary and Outlook
The salary of the IT consultant is dependent on years of experience, knowledge about types of technologies, number of projects handled and previous client base. There is no fixed benchmark in this case. The demand for IT consultants has been on the steady rise in recent years due to the requirement spread across every industry and business domain. With the advent of new technologies becoming very frequent, the top notch professionals having expert knowledge on the same are high on demand. Hence the compensation demand has also risen. Companies need to select a professional based on technology requirement, budget and professional expertise.
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