An IT consultant is an external analyst responsible for evaluating the IT systems of a specific company to help meet its business objectives.

The key responsibilities of an IT consultant are analyzing and diagnosing the company's IT resources, understanding the business needs of the client or business and implementing technological solutions that meet those needs.

An IT consultant must have the required knowledge, skills and expertise as well as be customer-oriented.

Key Responsibilities of an IT Consultant

An IT consultant is responsible for analyzing the IT system or infrastructure of the company. They are also responsible for diagnosing problems, weaknesses and inefficiencies of the said IT system, planning and organizing a regular timeline to complete IT projects, understanding the client's needs, and ensuring technological solutions for those needs.

They're also mandated to analyze and determine possible IT security threats within the company, train the staff on IT matters and the use of technology in the workplace and monitor and oversee the successful implementation of the technological solutions.

Furthermore, the role of an IT consultant entails working together with the company's in-house technical team to ensure they are familiar with new emerging trends in the technological world and conversant with the current technology used in operations.

Lastly, it is the responsibility of the IT consultant to prepare and produce detailed reports of the efficiency and success of the technology the company uses.

IT Consultant Job Description

A typical RFI template for consultants may contain detailed requirements for the position highlighting the academic qualifications, experience, and interpersonal skills required for the ideal candidate.

For example, a company seeking to recruit a new IT specialist may include the template that the ideal candidate must possess creative problem-solving skills, must be knowledgeable, customer-oriented, a team player and able to collaborate with in-house technical team to ensure efficient and consistent use of the company's IT system.

IT Consultant Requirements

An ideal IT specialist must have at least a Degree in Computer Science, IT systems or related field or an MBA, which may be an added advantage.

They should be proficient with database languages, have good interpersonal skills, excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and have an analytical mindset.

They should also possess creative problem-solving skills, have excellent time management and organizational skills and the ability to build a partnership with other industry players affiliated with the company.

IT Consultant Salary

The average salary per year for most IT specialists in the United States is roughly $73 942. This translated into $33.55 per hour. IT professionals who are at the lowest end of the spectrum earn around $56,000 per year, while those at the highest executive echelon make more than $96 000 per year.

In the UK, fresh IT graduates with little experience are paid between £20,000 to £30 000. Those in the middle of the spectrum earn an average of £32,000 to £40,000 while this at the senior level makes from £60,000 to £80 000 per year.

However, salary may depend on location, the size of the company, area of expertise and the terms of the contract.