Tips on breaking into IT Consulting
Discussion
Hi All,
I currently work for an IT Consultancy, and the way my career is going, this will continue.
I've been on client sites (but only to do basic, repetitive tasks, and actually did one proper "infrastructure engagement" with a more senior colleague).
However, I will probably have to do more of this in the future, but as you can imagine, it is daunting at first to present to clients when you yourself do not know everything etc.
For the IT Consultants here - for someone fairly young in their career, are there any tips to break into consulting and adapt to client engagements?
Thanks!
I currently work for an IT Consultancy, and the way my career is going, this will continue.
I've been on client sites (but only to do basic, repetitive tasks, and actually did one proper "infrastructure engagement" with a more senior colleague).
However, I will probably have to do more of this in the future, but as you can imagine, it is daunting at first to present to clients when you yourself do not know everything etc.
For the IT Consultants here - for someone fairly young in their career, are there any tips to break into consulting and adapt to client engagements?
Thanks!
Nothing really prepares you for the first few weeks consulting for a company when you are expected to hit the gound at a full on sprint.
Its simply a case of spending as much time in the first few weeks reading up on the tech, the requirements and the existing systems they have.
Hard work but it pays off when you dont look like a tool who goes in expecting it all to be handed to you on a plate and do the bare minimum.
Always assume there is no documentation and prepare for worst case scenario and you will be fine.
Its simply a case of spending as much time in the first few weeks reading up on the tech, the requirements and the existing systems they have.
Hard work but it pays off when you dont look like a tool who goes in expecting it all to be handed to you on a plate and do the bare minimum.
Always assume there is no documentation and prepare for worst case scenario and you will be fine.
No offence - but this is the worst thing about 'consultancy'. The whole point is the client is buying in expertise that they don't have. For the consultancy to employ individuals without the requisite skills and experience is completely unprofessional, and unfair on both the client and the consultant.
hornetrider said:
No offence - but this is the worst thing about 'consultancy'. The whole point is the client is buying in expertise that they don't have. For the consultancy to employ individuals without the requisite skills and experience is completely unprofessional, and unfair on both the client and the consultant.
You have to start somewhere though. How can you be expected to be an expert as soon as you start?To the OP, you're at least liable to know more than the average client you're facing. IMO It's a steep learning curve but provided you don't bulls
t to cover any areas you're not sure of you'll be okay. If you do have to take questions away to answer them, make sure you follow through!
Ok so I should explain my situation a little more:
I've worked with the techs I've worked with for several years, so got some good knowledge and experience. Although the job isn't always providing me with the experience I need, regardless, I've worked hard in my own time to fill all my gaps.
I would know more than the client, but as you know, you can be asked some obscure questions and if you can't answer it, you can look bad.
My career strategy is to work in a large company and work religiously on said techs and develop my knowledge even further and that'd equip me well for consulting...
I've worked with the techs I've worked with for several years, so got some good knowledge and experience. Although the job isn't always providing me with the experience I need, regardless, I've worked hard in my own time to fill all my gaps.
I would know more than the client, but as you know, you can be asked some obscure questions and if you can't answer it, you can look bad.
My career strategy is to work in a large company and work religiously on said techs and develop my knowledge even further and that'd equip me well for consulting...
Might just be me, but I have moved faster and further up the slippery ladder since banning myself from touching keyboards 
Get involved with the business side of things, and your job is significantly more difficult to outsource. Do not confuse this with being a business analyst. You need to understand what drives the business, not how the process works.
Learn to be a PM, preferably by shadowing a proper programme manager. You need to be able to juggle ten people doing things for you at the same time, because they are the ones who will deliver your vision, not you.
Learn leadership - you can't do it all yourself, and need to persuade people that pulling all-nighters, just because you made a bollix of the planning is a reasonable thing to do.
Work on bids - it's awful, soul destroying work, but it gives you a great insight into how your business works, and the jaw dropping idiocy that drives a lot of it.
Get involved with the business side of things, and your job is significantly more difficult to outsource. Do not confuse this with being a business analyst. You need to understand what drives the business, not how the process works.
Learn to be a PM, preferably by shadowing a proper programme manager. You need to be able to juggle ten people doing things for you at the same time, because they are the ones who will deliver your vision, not you.
Learn leadership - you can't do it all yourself, and need to persuade people that pulling all-nighters, just because you made a bollix of the planning is a reasonable thing to do.
Work on bids - it's awful, soul destroying work, but it gives you a great insight into how your business works, and the jaw dropping idiocy that drives a lot of it.
Frik said:
I didn't read the OP as saying he had no experience at all.
I got the impression that OP was saying he had some experience but not sufficient experience to be a "proper" IT Consultant (in other words, one that can justify billing £500 - £2k per day).OP - you could do what a lot of IT Consultants do and pretend you know what you are doing whilst "learning on the job". By the time you get round to your 5th or 6th project you will in all probability know enough about your area of expertise to justify Consultants rates and not make the same mistakes again. Obvioulsy this isn't great for the first 4 or 5 projects that you do........
You'll only look bad if you try and bulls&@t. When you don't know explain that you need to take that point away and come back to them, make sure you always do.
In client meetings listen to the requirements and explain reasons for your suggestions.
The rule to live by is if you say you'll do something make sure you do, or at least explain what the delay or reason not to is
In client meetings listen to the requirements and explain reasons for your suggestions.
The rule to live by is if you say you'll do something make sure you do, or at least explain what the delay or reason not to is
I'm 20yrs as an Analyst Programmer for a large manufacturer. In my time I've worked with several outside consultancies, soome good, some bad. If my client company hires yours, you are likely to sit with me at some point and go over the technical side of a project.
I don't expect you to know everything, but most importantly I don't expect you to bullst me, especially when it comes to technical knowledge. It really isn't a pissing competition, but if I put a question to you and you don't know I will respect you and work well with you if you say "I don't know, but I can find out".
Other than that, be personable. Amongst myriad technical skills and geekery, the best consultants I have worked with are those you would want to go down the pub with.
I don't expect you to know everything, but most importantly I don't expect you to bulls
t me, especially when it comes to technical knowledge. It really isn't a pissing competition, but if I put a question to you and you don't know I will respect you and work well with you if you say "I don't know, but I can find out". Other than that, be personable. Amongst myriad technical skills and geekery, the best consultants I have worked with are those you would want to go down the pub with.
I've been consulting (if such a thing is possible) for many years now. Find yourself and area of interest that your company delivers in - and learn. Read, test yourself, do exams - build a lab - whatever it takes. If you have an interest, you'll retain the knowledge.
However, one thing I will say; being technically proficient is one thing, but being a consultant is quite another. Teaching someone a technology is something I think is relatively easy. Teaching someone to be a consultant? Not so much.
I'm not the best technical person in the world - but I'm good with customers. I might not have all the answers, but I know the who and how, to find out
However, one thing I will say; being technically proficient is one thing, but being a consultant is quite another. Teaching someone a technology is something I think is relatively easy. Teaching someone to be a consultant? Not so much.
I'm not the best technical person in the world - but I'm good with customers. I might not have all the answers, but I know the who and how, to find out
willisit said:
I'm not the best technical person in the world - but I'm good with customers. I might not have all the answers, but I know the who and how, to find out
Same here, I'm not an expert in anything to be honest but am knowledgeable about most things in the industry and know how to talk to customers, I also know how to quickly find things out. Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff