-
What Are the Benefits of Being a Consultant?
You can buy technology, but you can’t buy expertise.
The above might as well be a mantra in technology consulting. With the explosion of new enterprise technologies, internet-of-things devices, and cloud-based platforms, it can be hard for in-house technicians to keep up. Oh sure, they can handle their own systems well enough, but as we’ll discuss in a moment, there’s no substitute for the expertise that an outsourced consultant can bring to a project.
Let’s review the benefits of consulting and whether your own skills make you a perfect fit for the job.
What are tech consultants?
Unlike accounting, finance, or general management consultants, tech consultants typically get hired on a contract basis to provide input on specific technology deployments. They weigh in on top-level strategy, implementation, and potential shortcomings that will need to be addressed.
After the project has launched, these consultants move on to the next project and repeat the same process for the benefit of a new client. They’re a product of the growing “gig” economy that prioritizes short-term contracts and brief employment agreements instead of full-time work.
What are the benefits of tech consulting?
The contract-based nature of tech consulting scares some professionals away, but make no mistake—the life of a consultant can be good.
Flexible work
Consultants enjoy some of the most flexible working arrangements out there. They get to move from company to company, constantly learning new strategies and constantly expanding their skills. Aside from their set of core competencies, consultants have the opportunity to look beyond their established roles and develop their abilities in new and exciting ways.
Stay on the cutting-edge
Consultants are uniquely placed to stay up-to-date with the latest IT technologies, software, and platforms used by their clients. It’s not just research—it’s a type of continual on-the-job training that lets consultants gain hands-on experience working with different solutions.
Hireability
No, hireability is not a real word, but yes, it is a real thing. Consultants are some of the most hireable professionals on the market. They receive in-depth insights from every company they partner with and apply their continuing education to personal growth. As recruiters, we can confidently say that this flexibility is one of the most desirable qualities in potential job candidates.
Get paid
We’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that experienced tech consultants generally get paid well. Their expertise is second to none, and many companies are willing to pay a premium for the privilege.
Enjoy your work
As consultants are only brought on for certain aspects of a tech project, they get to focus their skills where they’re needed most. This usually applies to strategy, testing, and product launch. Unlike full-time employees that launch and babysit projects for months after the fact, consultants wrap up their work after their contract ends and move on to the next task.
Next-level networking
We can’t forget about networking! Consulting is the perfect way to build out your network of professional contacts. When you switch from company to company, you’re always being exposed to new professionals—most of whom will value your input on their projects. And when you’re done, you get to move on to the next company and repeat the process. It’s a networking dream.
Is consulting right for you?
Consulting can be great, but it’s not for everyone. You need experience in your industry before companies will trust you, and it requires high levels of organization, creativity, and personal agency. If you’re curious about whether your skills are right for tech consulting, contact Urgenci for some personal guidance.
Urgenci
