TECHNOLOGY CAREERS

The Benefits of a Consulting Career

If you’re ready to make a change in your career, now may be the time to take action. As the economy improves and businesses begin investing in technology once again, job opportunities for information technology (IT) professionals are increasing.

One popular option is consulting, which can be pursued either by running your own business or being represented by a staffing firm. Following are some of the benefits of this career path:

You continually refine your skills

One of the biggest draws to consulting is the ability to work with a variety of technologies. You may gain exposure to hardware and software that you wouldn’t if you worked for a single employer. As a consultant, one client may tap your Windows expertise while another requires your UNIX knowledge, thereby enhancing your experience with both platforms. Because of the diversity of projects you tackle, you can broaden your skill set and increase your marketability.

You work with a variety of companies

Consulting also can be a great way to learn about different types of businesses and industries. You might help a small financial services firm with a systems installation, and then work with a large construction company on network security issues. Such varied experience can help you identify areas of interest and potential career paths. Often, consulting can be an effective avenue for getting a foot in the door with prospective employers if your ultimate goal is a full-time position. In a survey commissioned by Robert Half Technology, 63 percent of chief information officers said it’s beneficial for potential hires to work on a project or contract basis before being extended a full-time offer.

Because you will likely have a wide range of clients, to be successful as a consultant, you must be able to adapt well to new environments and different corporate cultures. Consulting is a relationship-driven business, so you need to be sensitive to the unique requirements of each organization and adjust your work style accordingly.

You gain more control over your schedule

Many IT professionals pursue consulting because they seek greater work/life balance. Whether you're working independently or with a staffing firm, being a consultant allows you a high degree of flexibility because you decide which assignments to accept and how demanding your schedule is. You may, for example, decide to take on more work during certain times of year and less during other periods. However, you must be disciplined with your time and be able to reprioritize when project demands expand beyond what was initially planned.

Consulting can be an attractive career option for any IT professional. You can build new skills, gain experience in different work environments and industries, and have a more flexible schedule. Evaluate your interests, strengths and goals, and solicit input from trusted advisors. You may find consulting is the right path for you.

Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. The company has more than 100 locations worldwide. Search for jobs now or learn more at www.rht.com.