People - IT occupations
Computer consultant

Usually a self employed "expert" on computers and information technology.

Key Tasks

Evaluate clients existing and potential information technology needs and recommend solutions.

Personal Qualities

Excellent communication skills, outgoing personality, able to relate to a variety of people, enthusiastic, self motivated, persistent and confident. Need to be able to show initiative, persistence and have good working habits. Able to explain technical matters in a simple and understandable way.

Entry Requirements

Most clients would expect a good tertiary qualification in business computing or computer science as well as practical experience in the computing industry.

Training

Tertiary qualifications gained at Polytechnic or University in computer science, business computing or some related field the academic qualifications required. Experience within the computing industry over a wide range of tasks provides the required practical experience.

Prospects

Wide open!

Terms

Outsourcer	an outside company that takes over ownership or control of a customers computer system or network
Systems Integrator	a firm that designs or optimises the system or network, allowing the customer to retain control of the system and the responsibility for its day-to-day maintenance
Consultant	a specialist or firm whose advice precedes that of outsourcer or systems integrator. The consultant may provide a needs analysis, a strategic plan and even a design. But the consultant does not necessarily install the network or write the software.
	Jackson, R. (1996, Oct/Nov)

At the pearly gates..

A consultant dies and arrives at the pearly gates. To his dismay, there are thousands ahead of him in line to see St. Peter. To his surprise, St. Peter leaves his desk at the Gate and comes down the line to the consultant, greets him warmly and guides him to the front.

The consultant says "I don't mind all this attention, but what makes me so special?"

St Peter replies, "Well, I've added up all the hours you billed your clients, and by my calculations you must be about 193 years old!"

[Ref 56: NZ PC World]

People - IT occupations Computer consultant