How to Become an Information Technology Consultant

Key takeaways

You can become an information technology consultant by earning a degree in a subject like cybersecurity, computer science, or business. 

• Over the next decade, computer and information system managers, a category IT consultants fall under, have a projected growth rate of 15 percent [1].

• IT consultants plan projects, troubleshoot issues, understand client needs, and train staff on new processes and tech strategies.

• You can pursue an entry-level IT role, such as a support specialist or computer technician, to build the experience needed to qualify for the information technology consultant role.

Discover more about the role of an information technology consultant and the steps you can take to start your career in this exciting industry. Afterward, consider enrolling in the IBM IT Project Manager Professional Certificate. You’ll have the opportunity to track and manage projects, including addressing difficult client situations and how activities shift throughout the project management lifecycle. Upon completion, in as little as four months, add this shareable credential to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

What is an information technology consultant?

An information technology (IT) consultant is an IT professional who advises businesses and organizations that need help with their IT needs and technology projects. In a world where IT is central to business, there is a growing need for information technology consultants to provide services aligning technology with existing business strategies. 

Information technology consultants work in a range of industries, supporting any business that needs help aligning its technology and IT provisions with its business strategy. As experts in their field, IT consultants can advise clients on changes in technology and provide recommendations for upgrades and digital transformation.

As an information technology consultant, you might work independently or for an IT consultancy company. Generally, you’ll charge an hourly fee for your services and work with businesses for a short term, maybe acting as a chief information officer (CIO) or project manager, until you resolve problems or implement new technology strategies.

IT consultant vs. in-house tech staff

Information technology consultants differ from in-house technical staff, as they work for a short period to attend to a specific need, and an in-house team is permanent. As an IT consultant, you are an expert in your field and can advise on the latest technology and developments to take a business forward. Following this, an in-house tech team allows a business to have ongoing technical support, fixing issues as they arise. Information technology consultants often train IT teams on the systems they implement. 

What does an information technology consultant do?

Information technology consultants cover a range of specialties, from security to managed services to cloud computing. The area you focus on as an IT consultant will have an impact on your job description, but generally, you can expect to be responsible for the following:

• Understanding the client’s needs and aligning them with relevant technology

• Assessing current technology and suggesting improvements 

• Identifying processes and systems you can improve with the use of technology

• Planning projects, implementing technology transformation, and monitoring outcomes

• Troubleshooting technology issues and making improvements

• Training staff on newly implemented technology

• Monitoring the technology you implement to ensure it meets requirements

• Ensuring you implement security measures for the technology that you introduce

• Liaise with business leaders, IT departments, and technology providers

Salary and job outlook: Are IT consultants well paid? 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth for computer and information systems managers is much faster than average, with a projected 15 percent growth rate from 2024 to 2034 [1]. According to Glassdoor, an information technology consultant's average annual base salary is $92,000 [2]. The salary you receive depends on a number of factors, including your industry specialization, education, experience, and whether you work independently or for a consultancy company. 

Read more: What Is a Good Salary? 

Is IT consultant a good career?

Embarking on a career as an IT consultant may benefit you if you want to enhance your IT skills beyond just using software, understanding how it works, and advocating for it. As an IT consultant, your daily duties and responsibilities may change based on who you’re consulting for, which could be a great career experience if you enjoy a faster pace and working with different individuals and businesses.

Steps to becoming an information technology consultant

As an information technology consultant, you are an experienced professional with qualifications, certifications, and expertise related to the services you offer. To get started in this career, you’ll need to take several essential steps.

Step 1: Obtain relevant education.

To work as an information technology consultant, you need to have a solid understanding of technology. A bachelor’s degree is common in this field, focusing on majors such as computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, computer engineering, business, or similar. According to Zippia, 64 percent of IT consultants have a bachelor’s degree, with another 13 percent advancing to study for a master’s degree [3].

Building knowledge in that area is essential if you choose to specialize in a particular area of IT consultancy. You may choose to do this through certifications in addition to your degree.

Step 2: Gain practical experience.

Experience is highly important when working as an information technology consultant. Clients hire you because of your expertise, so you need to build this up before applying for the role or setting yourself up as an independent consultant. Consider working in entry-level IT roles to build your experience, such as a support specialist, IT assistant, computer technician, or entry-level software engineer. Internships are another excellent way to build experience.

Step 3: Build a specialization.

Developing a specialization or a niche to focus on allows you to hone in on an area, making you more marketable than a generalist. Think about the areas that interest you and direct your studies and experience toward these.

Examples of IT consultant specializations to consider include:

• Security

• Health care IT

• Gaming

• Customer support

• Cloud computing

• IT security 

• Information governance

Step 4: Pursue certifications.

Certifications are a great way to build credibility in your specialist field and in IT in general. Some consultant jobs require certifications, but even if a job doesn’t, they are still a good way of making you stand out. Examples of certifications to consider include:

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) 

• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) 

• CompTIA Network+ 

• CompTIA Project+

Step 5: Develop a professional network.

Often, working in an IT consultancy means finding clients yourself. Networking is an essential part of this. Connect with people you know in your industry, network through social media, and attend events and industry conferences. Networking may also help you meet a mentor who can help you navigate your early career.

Required skills for a successful IT consultant

As an information technology consultant, you need a blend of technical and workplace skills to work with clients, solve problems, and train staff. It’s also important to develop skills that specifically relate to your specialty. Examples of skills to work on include:

Technical skills

• Designing IT systems

• Troubleshooting

• Customer service

• Operating systems

• Databases

• Software applications

• Programming

• Data analytics

Workplace skills

• Technical proficiency 

• Communication

• Problem-solving

• Critical thinking

• Collaboration

Who uses IT consulting services?

IT consulting covers a range of industries, and you’ll find opportunities in businesses and organizations of all sizes. Businesses use IT consultants to implement strategy and access specialist skills or to save money by not hiring an in-house team. The types of clients that typically seek IT consultants include:

• Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)

• Large corporations

• Government agencies

• Non-profit organizations

• Startups

• Expanding operations

No-fluff help for when you’re stuck

Get insights into in-demand skills and career trends by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat! Then, explore free, digital resources to optimize your IT career growth:

• Watch on YouTube: Frontier Technology: The Future Is Now—Are You Ready?

• Find a course: Which IT Course Should You Take? Find Out in 1 Minute

• Hear from an insider: Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career

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