How to Become a Technology Consultant

Technology consultants advise businesses and organizations on how to use technology and digital tools to aid their business by improving performance and increasing revenue. In a world where technology is constantly developing, businesses often need the expertise of a consultant to foster a better understanding. 

Discover more about the job of a technology consultant, including duties and responsibilities, where to find employment, and what you can expect to earn, and learn steps to make a start in this career. 

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Understanding the role of a technology consultant

As a technology consultant, you’ll support businesses and organizations with specific problems that require your creative thinking and technical expertise. You’ll work closely with management and executives and may advise on strategy and finances for software and technology development. You’ll work with a business or organization on the issue it hires you to help with and then move on to a different company. 

You may find a range of titles for technology consultants, including:

• IT consultant

• Cybersecurity consultant

• Software consultant

• Business technology advisor

• Digital consultant

Technology consultant duties and responsibilities

Your duties as a tech consultant will vary depending on your area of expertise, who you are working for, and the specific problem you are employed to solve. Therefore, you can expect to have some or all of the following responsibilities:

• Developing custom software 

• Analyzing and assessing business infrastructure 

• Completing risk assessments for new technology or changes in infrastructure 

• Advising on new tools and teaching staff how to use them

• Researching competitor’s tools and platforms

• Identifying problems with technical performance 

• Managing the process of implementing new technology

• Completing technical maintenance and training help desk employees

• Supporting companies to implement and update cybersecurity processes

Technology consultant specializations 

The scope of a technology consultant is wide-reaching, given the breadth of technology. While many develop skills in a variety of fields, some technology consultants specialize and offer services in their specific skill sets. Areas you might focus on include:

• Strategy

• Visualization

• Cybersecurity

• Mechanics

Technology consultant skills

The skills you’ll use as a technology consultant will depend on your chosen area of expertise, but, as a general rule, consider developing a range of technical abilities essential to the variety of problems you’ll work on. Additionally, you’ll likely benefit from strong workplace skills and business acumen to communicate and collaborate with the businesses you work with.

Technical expertise

Because the scope of a consultant’s work is often wide, a strong set of diverse technical skills will likely be necessary in this role. You’ll likely need knowledge and experience in a range of technical skills, platforms, systems, software, and tools to meet each client's needs. A good understanding of technical concepts and various methodologies can provide you with the knowledge often necessary in advising clients. Essential technical skills to master include:

• Cloud computing

• Database management

• Hardware installation

• Cybersecurity

• Programming

• Data science and analysis

• Software development

• Web design

• Network configuration

Business acumen

As a technology consultant, you work with businesses, so it is important to have a good understanding of how a business operates and familiarity with the systems and software that businesses use in order to offer useful advice and solutions.

Problem-solving skills

Troubleshooting and problem-solving are also aspects of a technology consultant’s job. The ability to analyze complex technical and business problems and develop solutions and recommendations will likely help you in this role. 

Communication and interpersonal skills

Technology consultants work with company executives, employees, and stakeholders to understand their needs, implement changes, and train employees on new technical software and systems. At times you may need to explain complex technical information to people who may not be technically minded. To do this, excellent communication skills will be helpful. 

Project management skills

Consulting is a leadership position involving the management of projects, teams, timelines, and resources. Excellent planning and organization skills ensure projects run on time and to budget. Learning project management methodologies like Agile and Scrum may also be beneficial. 

Steps to becoming a technology consultant

To become a technology consultant consider taking steps to make sure you have the essential education, experience, and skills to begin. Technology consultants are experts in their field with an impressive portfolio of qualifications and experience. 

1. Obtain relevant education

Employers look for consultants who are qualified in their field so it’s important that you have a good grounding in education with at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant major such as computer science, IT programming, network architecture, or similar. You may also consider choosing a business minor such as marketing, communication, or business management.

2. Gain practical experience

Industry experience is highly important in this field. It can help to provide you with a solid understanding of both the technology and how businesses use it. Start by looking for entry-level roles to build your experience in technology and build on this by gaining more specialized experience. You can do this by working in different jobs or asking for new and different tasks at your current job. 

If you study for a degree, choose one that allows you to take an internship as a way to gain industry experience. Your internship can be in any technical field that interests you, or you may even find a position shadowing a consultant.

3. Develop a specialization

Once you have your degree and some professional experience, you’ll likely have a better idea of the areas of technology you enjoy and excel in. By building on these, they can become your specialization. Having an area you specialize in makes you more niche as a consultant when marketing your services to clients. Once you have an area of focus, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and continue to learn and build your skills.

4. Pursue certifications

One way of ensuring you are an expert in your field as a technology consultant is to pursue certifications. You’ll find a wealth of technology certifications relating to software, security, networking, IT support, and many more. Choose certifications that are relevant to the areas you want to specialize in, or, if you are unsure of a specialization, seek out certifications that are more broad. Examples of certifications to consider include:

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) 

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Six Sigma Green Belt

• IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL)

• Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

• CompTIA A+

• CompTIA Security+

• CompTIA Network+

5. Build a professional network

Technology consultants work for businesses and organizations, so networking is important for finding and attracting clients. Join networking groups locally and online, such as LinkedIn, and attend events relevant to your industry or an industry you specialize in. 

Where does a technology consultant work?

As a technology consultant, you’ll typically find clients in all industries. Any organization or company that is looking to introduce new technology, update infrastructure, or solve a specific technical problem might hire you as a technical consultant. Specific industries include technology, finance, and manufacturing. In this role, it’s possible to work independently on a freelance basis or as your own company. Alternatively, you might seek work with a consulting firm. 

Technical consultant salary and job outlook

Tech consultants typically earn high salaries. The average annual base salary for a technology consultant is $103,237. With additional pay for bonuses and profit sharing, this can rise to $127,788 [1]. Your salary may also depend on whether you work independently or for a consulting firm. Freelance technical consultants earn slightly less, at an annual average of $92,726 [2]. The specializations you choose to focus on, your level of experience, and where you live may also have an impact on the salary you earn. While the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report on the job outlook of technical consultants specifically, management analysts can expect an above-average job growth rate of 11 percent between 2023 and 2033 [3]. 

Learn more about technology consulting with Coursera

Technology consulting is an exciting career option if you are an expert in your technical field, work well with people, and have the skills to solve business problems using technology. To make a start in this field, consider gaining relevant experience and education with a Professional Certificate on Coursera. Take a look at the IT Project Manager Professional Certificate from IBM, which can help you build your skills in project management within a technical environment. Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate may also help you gain the skills required to move your career forward.

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