IT Management consultant

Management consultants find solutions to improve the business process, efficiency and productivity of organisations. Their responsibilities may include:
working closely with their client's management team and staff, discussing the business structure, operational issues and requirements
interpreting the client's requirements to create a detailed business solution
collecting and analysing data
modelling and mapping business processes
presenting recommendations to senior management
agreeing on a project schedule
providing training or workshops.
Depending on the needs of the client, projects may run from one day to several years.
Management consultants work normal office hours, from Monday to Friday, but sometimes weekend and evening work are required. They usually work in an office, but may spend a great deal of time at their client's site. There may be some travel and possibly short stays away from home.
Salaries may range from £25,000 a year, to over £50,000 for very senior jobs.
A management consultant should have:
excellent interpersonal and communication skills
strong project management and IT skills
a logical and enquiring mind
physical and mental stamina
an interest in business and the economy.
There are job opportunities throughout the UK, in big multinational consultancies and smaller niche consultancies. Competition for jobs is intense.
Management consultants usually have a degree, and postgraduate qualifications may be useful. Business studies, economics, maths or IT degrees may give an advantage. They may need at least a 2:1 degree. There are no age restrictions, if adults can show they have analytical and business skills.
Following a structured induction programme, training is on the job and may include in-house training courses combined with study for external professional qualifications. Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for consultants to keep up with industry developments.
A typical promotional route would be to join a management consultancy as a graduate, analyst or junior consultant and then be promoted to consultant, senior consultant, principal consultant and finally partner. Consultants can also specialise in a hands-on role, or move into a related area, senior management or self-employment.