Information Technology Consultant Job Description – Salary, Education and Career Guide for becoming an Information Technology Consultant

Information technology consultants are in high demand. From the late 1970's to the 1990's, information technology careers have grown over 50 percent, with the greatest growth in technological planning. If you enjoy working with computer systems in varied environments, you may be interested in becoming an information technology consultant.

Job Description

Information technology consultants enjoy an ever-changing work environment. Since assignments are often short term, information technology consultants must quickly adapt to many different work settings and personalities. Information technology consultants should expect to travel up to four times a week, and be able to handle tight deadlines. Working well under pressure is an integral part of this job.
 
Here are the three employment situations for information technology consultants:
  • Employment with a Consulting Firm: A consulting firm job involves working with a team of consultants and performing short-term assignments. While this option does not offer much flexibility, you are guaranteed a paycheck, unlike being an independent contractor. As an employee, you receive a W2, and your taxes are deducted automatically.
 
  • Ownership of Information Technology Business: Independent contractors run their own information technology businesses. They are able to choose who they work with but must use savvy marketing tactics to gain clientele. As an independent contractor, you will have to take care of your own taxes and your clients will submit a 1099 form during tax time.
 
  • Working for a Temporary Agency: A temp agency sends you on contracted work just like a firm but not consistently. This is a great way to gain experience if you are just starting out, or to supplement your income if you are working as an independent contractor.
 

Salary Guide

An IT consultant salary ranges from $62,000 to $82,000 depending on the type of work performed. Project managers have the highest earnings, and general IT consultants working on Microsoft Windows systems earn the least amount.
 
Earnings also vary with the type of employment. Independent contractors usually earn 30 percent more than other types of information technology consultants, but not having paid leave may bridge the pay gap between the two.
 
Temporary agencies have started outsourcing much of their IT work to other countries since they can pay those workers much less than American workers. However, no matter how you choose to be an IT consultant, you will find that the salary is comfortable.

Education and Training

If you are interested in becoming an information technology consultant, you will need a degree in either:
  • computer science
  • electronics
  • management information systems
  • technology.
 
Having a degree is not always enough to make your way into this field; often you need your degree to be from a top-notch university. Top consulting firms usually choose only the most educated from well-known universities.

Prior Work Experience

A degree from an acclaimed university is just the first step into the information technology field; you will also have to show clients and firms your experience in consulting. This can be accomplished through internships, apprenticeships, or working in related fields. This experience should help you develop the communication, leadership, and presentation skills crucial for working in this field.

Career Advancement

To advance in the information technology field, you will need both experience and a good reputation with IT companies. Advancement often involves becoming a supervisor or manager, leading a team of consultants. If you are an independent consultant, you can advance your career by effective marketing to increase your clientele.

Related Associations & Groups

To gain additional information about becoming an information technology consultant, you may wish to contact the International Technology Association of America.
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