What is the role of an IT Consultant?

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Published on 5 October 2015, updated on 22 August 2023

What is an IT Consultant?

The role of an IT Consultant is to be a technical specialist that focuses on integrating information technology into businesses and showing clients how to use IT more efficiently to help reach objectives and targets.

This can be done by introducing new technical solutions and software platforms to current IT infrastructures with the purpose to improve processes and profitability.

IT Consultants typically work as the bridge between the technical team and staff members by getting a clear understanding of the client requirements of the business model and strategy.

There are different reasons a business may require the assistance of an IT consultant:

To seek advice and recommendations about business and IT problems
To diagnose and refine challenges & opportunities
To make recommendations to improve team effectiveness
Implement new systems to increase productivity and awareness
To temporarily help during a project where the hiring of permanent employees is not necessary
External specialist advice

What are the responsibilities of an IT Consultant?

An IT Consultant must be capable of reaching high standards and having strong analytical skills to understand potential issues and develop solutions. Time management and being able to multi-task are crucial as well as having strong communication skills to understand the needs and requirements of clients. Other duties may include:

Recognising the requirements and scope of the business from the client
Developing a plan of action including time scale and resources required
Understanding the practices and nature of business
Monitor the computer systems and networks in an organisation
Liaising with Software Engineers and

IT support

members

Analysing potential issues and presenting written or oral solutions

Communicate in writing to understand the work that needs to be done

Be willing to travel across the country or even overseas

What qualifications do you need to be an IT Consultant?

Although any IT degree can be acceptable, graduates with degrees in Software Engineering, computer science or mathematics are usually preferred though anyone with a strong knowledge of IT and computer programming can be considered.

A new IT Consultant will undertake training to improve business and technical skills such as coding, enterprise languages like SAP and programming languages like C, C++, C#, Java, Visual Basic, .NET or Python.

What are the top hard skills needed to be an IT Consultant?

Cybersecurity skills
Understanding of network protocols
Knowledge of operating systems including Windows, Linux etc.
Understanding of cloud computing, and cloud platforms including AWS, Azure or Google Cloud
Database management and understanding of data modelling
Knowledge of DevOps practices and tools
Familiarity with software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum
Knowledge of data analysis tools
Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle etc.
Machine Learning and AI, to help leverage data for predictive analysis and automation

What is the average salary of an IT Consultant?

Salaries range from £22,000 to £110,000 for IT Consultants. The average salary in 2022 is £60,000, which has risen 8% in the same period last year.

The average salary for an entry-level IT Consultant is £22,000
The average salary for a mid-level IT Consultant is £60,000
The average salary for a senior-level IT Consultant is £110,000

IT consultants working as a contractor can earn a daily rate of £500. It is not uncommon for IT consultants contracting in London to earn more.