How to Start a Career in IT Consulting: Skills, Steps & Success Tips

The world of information technology has never been this fluid, and for many people in the UK today, IT consulting is becoming one of the most rewarding professions. The career path to IT consulting may seem unclear. Whether you have just finished university, are looking to change careers, or are already in the technology industry and looking for a next step, you might be wondering: how to get into IT consulting?

This guide will first introduce you to what IT consulting entails, the skills required, the logical steps to become an IT consultant, and discuss some corporate career tips that will serve you well in the long run.

What Is IT Consulting?

Before embarking on an IT consulting career path, it is essential to understand what an IT consultant does. 

IT consulting is advising organisations on achieving their business goals. IT consultants assess an organisation's current systems, identify inefficiencies, and recommend a solution tailored to its business goals.

For instance, in the UK, many companies turn to IT consultants to assist with cloud migration, cybersecurity strategies, or digital transformation projects. The consultant is expected not only to provide technical expertise but also to ensure that the solution aligns with the company’s budget, industry requirements, and long-term growth plans.

So, when asking “what is IT consulting?”, the answer goes beyond just “fixing computers.” It’s a mix of technical expertise, business strategy, and communication skills.

Essential Skills for IT Consultants

Like any profession, excelling in IT consulting requires a set of both technical and soft skills. Employers and clients in the UK market particularly value professionals who can effectively blend knowledge with practical problem-solving skills.

Technical Proficiency

At the foundation of any career in IT consulting is a strong base of IT consultant technical skills. These include knowledge of:

• Networking and infrastructure

• Cybersecurity principles

• Cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud

• Database management

• Enterprise software and ERP systems
  

Technical skills are the toolkit you’ll rely on when recommending solutions, troubleshooting problems, or implementing new systems. Without them, it’s nearly impossible to build credibility with clients.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities

Beyond the technical side, IT consultants must also demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Every project brings unique challenges, from diagnosing system failures to optimising digital workflows.

For example, if a client’s e-commerce platform is struggling with downtime, an IT consultant must not only identify the root cause but also weigh the pros and cons of different solutions, factoring in cost, scalability, and long-term benefits.

Project Management

Another key skill set is project management. Many IT consulting roles require leading teams, managing timelines, and ensuring projects stay within budget. Being able to use tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, or Trello, along with proven methodologies such as Agile or PRINCE2 (which is particularly popular in the UK), can give you a decisive advantage.

Steps to Launch Your IT Consulting Career

Now that you know the skills, let’s explore the steps that show you how to become an IT consultant.

Educational Foundation

The first step to building a career in IT consulting is your educational foundation. Many consultants in the UK start with a bachelor’s degree in fields such as:

• Computer Science

• Information Technology

• Business Information Systems

• Engineering
  

While not strictly mandatory, degrees provide the grounding employers look for. Additionally, professional certifications such as CompTIA, Cisco (CCNA/CCNP), Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert, or AWS certifications can help showcase your expertise. These are often quicker to complete than degrees and are highly valued in the industry.

Gain Practical Experience

Theory alone won’t take you far—you need hands-on experience. Look for entry-level customer care jobs or IT support roles that expose you to real-world systems. This not only sharpens your technical skills but also helps you understand how businesses operate.

Internships, part-time work, or even volunteering in IT support positions can all help you build credibility. Over time, you can progress into roles such as systems analyst, business analyst, or junior consultant, which serve as stepping stones toward becoming a full-fledged IT consultant.

Build a Professional Network

Networking is essential in consulting. Many opportunities arise through referrals or professional connections. Attend UK-based tech meetups, webinars, or industry conferences such as TechUK events or London Tech Week.

Platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools to grow your presence in the consulting space. Share insights, engage with industry leaders, and showcase your projects to demonstrate thought leadership. Building these relationships can open doors to both employment and freelance consulting opportunities.

Develop a Personal Brand

Today’s consultants aren’t just hired for their skills, they’re chosen because they’re visible, credible, and trusted. Developing a personal brand involves:

• Maintaining an active professional LinkedIn profile

• Creating a portfolio website to highlight projects

• Publishing articles or blogs about IT consulting trends

• Speaking at events or contributing to industry discussions
  

When employers and clients see you as an authority, you stand out from the competition. This step is particularly powerful for those considering freelance consulting in the UK.

Success Tips for Aspiring IT Consultants

Once you’ve launched your journey, some specific behaviours and mindsets will help you not only survive but also thrive in your IT consulting career.

Stay Curious

Technology evolves rapidly. What you learned five years ago may already be outdated. Staying curious—through continuous learning and professional development, is a must. Consider subscriptions to platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or Pluralsight to stay ahead of the curve.

In the UK, employers often look favourably on professionals who demonstrate ongoing commitment to training, whether that’s through certifications or advanced degrees like an MBA with a focus on IT management.

Seek Feedback

Feedback is one of the fastest ways to grow. Whether it’s from your manager, client, or peers, constructive criticism can highlight blind spots and help refine your approach.

For example, after delivering a project, you might ask clients not just whether they were satisfied, but how the process could have been smoother. This kind of feedback loop will help you mature as a consultant and foster long-term client relationships.

Maintain Integrity

Consultants are trusted advisors. If clients believe you’re prioritising profit over their interests, that trust evaporates quickly. Maintaining integrity means being transparent about what solutions can achieve, acknowledging limitations, and setting realistic expectations.

For instance, if a small UK business asks whether they can replicate enterprise-grade cloud security on a limited budget, an honest consultant will explain what’s feasible and suggest a phased approach. Integrity builds loyalty, and loyalty translates into repeat business.

Conclusion

Breaking into IT consulting can feel overwhelming at first, but by following the right steps, building the right skills, and adopting the right mindset, you can carve out a fulfilling career in this fast-growing field.

To recap: start with a strong educational foundation, gain hands-on experience, build your professional network, and create a personal brand that highlights your expertise.

Along the way, focus on developing IT consultant skills like technical proficiency, problem-solving, and project management. Finally, apply success habits such as curiosity, feedback-seeking, and integrity to stand out in the UK’s competitive market.

For those starting out, IT consulting offers both challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re exploring an IT career for beginners, looking for IT consulting career tips, or simply curious about how to be an IT consultant, this field promises diverse experiences and strong career progression.

With persistence, continuous learning, and the right support system, you can build a thriving career in IT consulting—one that positions you as a valuable advisor in today’s digital-first world.