Implementation Consulting as a Career
Description of the Job
Implementation Consultants travel and meet with various clients in order to help them fulfill software requirements. They must be able to develop different learning applications to aid the clients, such as presentations, training handbooks, and models. It is crucial for implementation consultants to be well-versed in the software they are installing, as well as having the communication skills to explain it to their clients.
Fast Facts
- Number of hours per weekGenerally 50-60, but can get to 70-80 during peaks
- Average starting pay$77k Nationally, $84k in the Bay Area
- Amount of travel requiredDepends on client, between 0 travel and 80% travel
Roles & Responsibilities
- Plan and manage implementation projects
- Maintaining close relationships with management, as well as stakeholders, and relaying details regarding projects and deadlines
- Identify and correct any major issues within a project
- Develop various training programs that educate the clients
- Direct team members as needed in order to successfully complete and implement a project
Skills Needed
- Strong Communication Skills: Most of the job will require communicating with clients, and explaining how to utilize software.
- Critical Thinking Skills: Implementation Consultants should be able to accurately assess a client’s issues, and consider various ways to fix them. They should also be able to think of areas of improvement without direct instructions from the client.
- Programming Knowledge: Implementation Consultants should be aware of many different programming languages, but should have strong knowledge of one or two specific languages of their choosing. Many companies may prefer a knowledge of SQL.
- Time-Management Skills: Consultants must understand that the client's time is very valuable. Being able to keep meetings as brief as possible, and being well prepared well in advance are valuable skills.
- Understanding of Business Markets: Implementation Consultants will have to work in many different markets. Having a strong knowledge of the client’s industry is crucial.
Steps to Enter The Field
- A Bachelor’s Degree is recommended to become an Implementation Consultant. Common majors for this field include computer science, economics, IT, and MIS.
- A Master’s degree in one of the above fields can also be extremely beneficial for prospective Implementation Consultants.
- Some universities may have consulting clubs. Joining a consulting club is a valuable way to network, as well as gain knowledge on consulting.
- Interviews will likely be broken into three parts: basic interview questions, personal interview questions, and case interview questions. The basic and personal interview questions will likely be similar to interview questions from any other field. The case interview questions will have the interviewee and the work to solve a proposed business problem. Case prep can help one prepare for these interview questions.
- Getting certified could help to enter or advance in the field. Here is a list of the most common certifications for implementation consulting
- Projects that showcase one’s programming skills, as well as communication and teamwork skills can be useful for prospective implementation consultants. Creating a website or digital portfolio of these projects can drastically increase the chances of landing a job.
Landscape of the Field & Companies in the Field
- Top players in the industry include consulting firms, such as Deloitte, KPMG, McKinsey, and Accenture
- Other major players in the industry include Cognizant, SAP Services, and TATA Consultancy Services.
- Implementation Consultants are also sought after by companies who do not specialize in implementation consulting. One example would be software development companies.
External Resources to Learn More & Develop Skills
- Tech Consulting Community: A community for aspiring technology consultants, which include over 2,000 members from 70+ countries. It includes career / interview prep resources, pro bono consulting programs, and networking events
- ScienceSoft: A company that provides technology consulting services. They host a blog that covers various topics, from IT consulting to software development, along with guides and resources.
- Zippia: A website that provides in-depth information about implementation consulting, as well as resume guides, potential jobs, and general information.
Related Careers
- Data Analyst, Project Manager, Technology Consultant, Software Engineer, Database Administrator.
Informational Interviews
Daniel McMinn
Company Name: Fast Enterprises
Title: Implementation Consultant
Years of Experience: 5
Biography
Daniel McMinn is an Implementation Consultant at Fast Enterprises and has been there for 5 years. He graduated from Santa Clara University in 2016 with degrees in Finance and Management Information Systems, with a minor in Political Science.