» 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.
We 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 organizations. 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
organization 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;
- traveling to
customer sites;
- liaising with staff
at all levels of a client organization;
- defining software,
hardware and network requirements;
- analyzing 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;
- organizing training
for users and other consultants;
- being involved in
computer sales and support and, where appropriate, maintaining contact with
client organizations.