Consulting and IT Training Programs

Unlike the ongoing duties of a company's IT staff to keep information systems running, those in consulting with IT training are typically engaged to design and implement technical solutions for specific information technology tasks. Because they have specific and limited objectives for each assignment, employment ends when the project is complete.

A consulting engagement can last for a few weeks, or can be part of a multi-year contract. When deadlines loom, a consultant will frequently work long hours to meet them, with weekend work often required. Since services are billed hourly, however, they are also required to manage their time very carefully. When a contract ends, a consultant receives no income until the next engagement.

Those choosing IT consulting may specialize in particular technologies, such as SQL or Oracle database software, or in serving the needs of these specific industries:

• Health care
• Financial services
• Business operations
• Electronic commerce
• Computer security
• Military or defense

More recently, companies have shown interest in consultants who have expertise in web-based projects, customer support, data mining and strategic data analysis. Once you have gained recognition for technical contributions, you may combine your consulting IT training expertise with project management skills to lead junior-level staff or consultants to complete more demanding projects.

Consulting is seldom an entry-level profession, even for those graduating from the top technology schools. An IT consultant brings the benefit of prior experience in a career in information technology to evaluate a client's needs and implement an effective solution.

However, candidates can plan toward a career in consulting with IT training programs, building the skills needed to service a chosen industry. By focusing on a specialty while still enrolled in a top IT training program, you can acquire the technical knowledge that will best serve you as a consultant. Joining professional organizations that serve your industry of interest will further strengthen your credentials.

Most IT consultants work through an agency that can place experts with needed skills within consulting teams. The agency negotiates the hourly rate and acts as the employer, paying the employer's portion of payroll taxes and providing access to benefits such as vacation pay and health insurance.

Consulting requires IT training but those who pursue a career as an independent IT consultant must run their own firm and market their services, negotiate contracts and manage cash flow. These individuals must be especially self-motivated and disciplined to maintain a steady pace of work.