Information Technology Consultant

Job description

An IT consultant gives independent and objective advice to organisations on how best to use information technology to approach business challenges. A consultant's work will often be based on the need to improve efficiency and the way companies function, with IT used as a means to achieve this.

They 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 organisations. 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 organisation. 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 timescale's and the resources needed;

  • assessing learner performance and competence;

  • clarifying a client's system specifications, understanding their work practices and the nature of their business;

  • traveling to customer sites;

  • liasing with staff at all levels of a client organisation;

  • defining software, hardware and network requirements;

  • analysing problems and making recommendations;

  • developing agreed solutions and implementing the 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;

  • organising training for users and other consultants;

  • being involved in computer sales and support and, where appropriate, maintaining contact with client organisations.

The work will obviously vary according to the nature of the employing organisation and the level at which the person is employed. Consultancy projects can last from a few hours to several years, depending on the client's requirements. Consultants are usually highly experienced IT professionals, but some employing organisations recruit people as junior consultants to be trained in specific technical and business skills.

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