What Does an IT Consultant Do?

What does an IT consultant do?

An IT consultant is an (external) analyst who evaluates companies' IT systems to help them achieve their business objectives.

An IT consultant optimizes digital work processes and services at customers. This IT professional helps organizations with system development and integration and introduces new systems and applications. Consultancy almost always takes place on location. This can be done independently, but is usually done in a team.

What types of IT consultants are there?

Three of the most common types of IT consultants:

  • An IT business consultant focuses on complete inventories, operations and business needs.
  • An IT software consultant advises on new software.
  • An IT security consultant examines whether infrastructures and digital processes are set up in a secure manner.

What does an IT consultant do?

Tasks:

  • Analyzing corporate IT systems and infrastructures.
  • Diagnose system problems, find inefficiencies and weaknesses.
  • Project planning.
  • Gain insight into customer needs.
  • Designing and implementing technological solutions.
  • Detect and analyze security threats.
  • Provide IT advice on best practices.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure familiarity with technologies used.
  • Train staff in system and software usage.
  • Monitor the success of a (new) solution.
  • Prepare detailed reports on the effectiveness of a technology.

Skills

Both excellent communication skills and an in-depth understanding of the technologies (hardware and software) that are used are necessary to successfully perform an IT consultancy profession. A 'computer consultant' must also be aware of market developments, trends and new, advanced technologies.

Problem-solving skills, multi-tasking and the ability to meet deadlines are also required. Finally, an IT consultant must be able to enthuse, motivate and help employees to bring projects to a successful conclusion.