Do you have creativity, business sense and communication skills? Do you have technical aptitude? A career as an information technology (IT) consultant could be for you. These experienced IT professionals work with clients like businesses to advise, plan and carry out initiatives to improve the client’s information technology systems. To become an IT consultant, you will need education and experience. It begins with a college degree.
The Perks of IT Consulting
IT consultants are among the top paying jobs for students who make the decision to major in computer science and mathematics. Experienced professionals earn a median annual salary of $94,500. There’s more to like about being an IT consultant. In fact, CNN Money listed IT consultant high on its 2012 “Best Jobs in America” list. It cited not only the high pay rate but also the potential for repeat business and thus future job stability for consultants who prove their value to clients. Many IT consultants are self-employed, so they get to enjoy benefits such as being their own boss and setting their own rates and schedules.
Getting an IT Education
Unlike many other occupations, there is no easy, linear path to becoming an IT consultant. However, the first step toward this career is also the most common. To be capable of advising potential clients, you must first know the basics of the field of information technology. That means earning a bachelor’s degree, usually in a major such as:
- computer science
- mathematics
- computer engineering
- information technology
A few of the courses you should expect to complete include:
- programming
- information security
- web development
- database fundamentals software engineering
- computer architecture
If you aspire to becoming a self-employed consultant, then you may find that these courses are also beneficial:
- business
- marketing
- communication
After graduation, you will need some experience before you become an IT consultant. Often, aspiring IT consultants begin their careers in entry-level positions such as:
- IT technician
- information technology specialist
- computer support specialist
Here they develop and prove their skills. It’s important for aspiring IT consultants to specialize, according to Computerworld. They must also make a name for themselves and know how to market their services and skills, TechRepublic reports. During their careers as IT professionals, aspiring consultants might also seek certification in a relevant specialization to prove their knowledge, skills and dedication.
Conclusion
While you won’t start out your career in information technology as an IT consultant, you can prepare for it during your college career by sharpening your business and communication skills as well as developing your computer science skills. By working hard to stand out from others in your field, you will begin to make a name for yourself.
It can take several years for IT professionals to become sufficiently skilled and well-known to establish a successful consulting career. But the benefits of this occupation are well worth the time spent preparing for it.
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