How can you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of being an information systems consultant?

1 Flexibility and Variety

One of the main benefits of being an IS consultant is that you can enjoy flexibility and variety in your work. You can choose the projects, clients, and locations that suit your interests, skills, and goals. You can also adjust your schedule and workload according to your availability and preferences. You can work on different types of IS problems, ranging from strategic planning to technical support, and learn from diverse industries and contexts. This can help you expand your knowledge, skills, and network, and keep your work exciting and stimulating.

2 Income and Growth

Another advantage of being an IS consultant is that you can earn a competitive income and have opportunities for growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer systems analysts, which includes IS consultants, was $93,730 in 2020. This is higher than the median wage for all occupations, which was $41,950. Moreover, you can increase your income by negotiating your fees, taking on more projects, or specializing in a niche area. You can also advance your career by gaining more experience, certifications, and reputation, and by expanding your client base or moving to a senior or managerial role.

3 Challenges and Risks

However, being an IS consultant also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of. One of the main challenges is that you may face high pressure and expectations from your clients, who may have tight deadlines, complex requirements, or changing demands. You may also have to deal with competition, uncertainty, and instability in the market, especially if you work as an independent contractor. You may have to constantly look for new projects, market yourself, and manage your finances and taxes. You may also have to cope with stress, burnout, and isolation, especially if you work remotely or travel frequently.

4 Skills and Qualifications

To be a successful IS consultant, you need to have a combination of technical, business, and interpersonal skills. You need to have a solid foundation in IS concepts, tools, and methods, such as programming, databases, networks, security, and systems analysis and design. You also need to have a good understanding of the business needs, goals, and processes of your clients, and how to align IS solutions with them. You need to have strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to adapt, learn, and innovate. Additionally, you may need to have some formal qualifications, such as a degree in IS or a related field, or a certification from a recognized organization, such as the Institute of Management Consultants or the International Institute of Business Analysis.

5 Self-Assessment and Research

Before you decide to become an IS consultant, you should do some self-assessment and research to evaluate your fit and readiness for this career path. You should ask yourself questions about your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values as an IS professional, as well as your short-term and long-term career goals and aspirations. Additionally, you should consider the current and future trends, opportunities, and challenges in the IS field and the consulting industry, as well as the types, sizes, and sectors of clients that you want to work with. Furthermore, you should evaluate the skills, qualifications, and credentials that you have or need to acquire or improve. Lastly, you should consider the benefits and costs of working as an IS consultant in terms of income, lifestyle, satisfaction, and growth. To gain further insight on the market, competition, and potential clients that you want to target, it is also important to do some research. This could include online platforms such as LinkedIn or Glassdoor; professional associations like the Association for Information Systems; industry publications such as CIO Magazine; and personal contacts like mentors or colleagues who can offer advice on your career plans. By doing this self-assessment and research, you can gain a clearer understanding of what it means to be an IS consultant and whether it is a suitable option for you.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?