Technology is growing and evolving at a rapid pace today. For many businesses and shareholders, it can become difficult to keep up with this frantic speed, often causing them to miss out on growth opportunities. This is where tech consultants come in. These professionals offer strategic guidance to businesses and organizations for adopting new technologies that will help them increase revenue, improve efficiency, explore new markets, and deliver customer satisfaction.
Tech consulting: An introduction
Technology consultants collaborate with clients to understand their technical needs and come up with solutions that will help them achieve their business needs and goals. They may also be involved in the design, development, and management of new technologies in the company.
Every company has a different title for tech consultants. Some common ones include IT consultants, computer consultants, software consultants, business and technology advisors, and digital consultants, among others. Their tasks could involve custom software development, infrastructure planning, security analysis, risk assessment, competitive analysis, and even implementation and training for the team.
Starting a career as a technology consultant
Becoming a technology consultant requires a certain level of planning and commitment.
Get the right education and training
A relevant degree is one of the first things employers and clients look for. Examples of such degrees include a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in information technology, computer science, computer technology, or business.
That being said, it is possible to carve a career in tech consulting even if one does not have a degree in one of these fields. This can be done by setting one’s foundation with the help of the right training modules and courses. To develop the skills required for a tech consultant, one can focus on learning new programming languages, database management, cloud computing, etc., using online MOOCs (massive open online courses) and other educational platforms. Not only will these courses help beginners learn the necessary ropes of the trade, but they will also be instrumental in certifying one’s prowess in the tech consulting career path.
It is also important to note that education is not a one-time thing when it comes to tech consulting. Professionals will have to stay up-to-date with their training and certifications to showcase that they are acquainted with the latest trends and upgrades in the industry.
Build work experience
Next, one needs to focus on gaining practical experience. This can be done by taking part in competitions, looking for freelance projects, and taking up internship and entry-level job opportunities as they come by. Over time, this will help one build a portfolio that showcases their knowledge and expertise in the area, becoming a good launch pad for their career as a tech consultant.
Create a tech consulting portfolio
One must also take some time to build a strong portfolio of their most impressive work. To do so, start by identifying the niche one operates in–such as a specific industry, service, or technology. Then, collect and organize all the work samples into a neat folder. These may include code snippets, screenshots, videos, diagrams, reports, testimonials, case studies, among others. This is also a good time to add in any special achievements one may have had in the field.
Additionally, add a summary that includes one’s niche, skills, experience, and unique value proposition. This makes it easier for potential employers and clients to understand one’s skills and determine suitability for the project at hand.
Lastly, it is important to remember that a portfolio is not a static document. It must be updated from time to time to showcase one’s most recent work and accomplishments and highlight the evolution of one’s career. To further polish their portfolio, one may also consider seeking feedback from clients, peers, and mentors.
Leverage the power of networking and communication
The power of networking cannot be underestimated when it comes to building a career in consulting. Jobs and internships offer the best opportunity to connect with other professionals and bond over similar experiences.
Apart from that, experts also recommend participating in tech conferences and workshops to connect with others in the industry. Similarly, using a professional networking platform, such as LinkedIn, can also help individuals develop thought leadership and connect with key decision-makers in top companies.
Focus on soft skills
Soft skills, such as communication, active listening, understanding the tasks, teamwork, empathy, and patience, are an essential part of any consulting role. While having a formidable tech background is important, one must also have the soft skills to break down and explain complex concepts and tools to new (and often inexperienced) users. One way of improving these skills is by putting oneself through hypothetical consulting scenarios and case studies to break down any possible confusion that may arise.
Bonus tip- When explaining a new concept or tool to someone, approach it like it’s being explained to a five-year-old. This rule, also known as ELI5, makes individuals think critically to break down complicated concepts into basic language and bite-sized information, making it easily understandable to everyone involved.
Keep up with industry trends
With new developments and updates coming up constantly in the technology industry, it is essential that consultants keep up with industry trends. This can be done by reading new research reports, subscribing to technology newsletters, joining industry forums, attending workshops and seminars, and even watching videos uploaded by tech giants.