| Topic Name: |
Start a career in IT consulting? |
| Message Name: |
Specific answer |
| Date Posted: |
03/25/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
Thanks for the responses, and I will look at the suggested areas. Some specific responses to the questions exMoto1 asked-
1) What size firm: Ultimately, I would probably like a mid-sized company best: Big enough that your whole company isn't riding on 1 or 2 clients, but not completely faceless. However, I have to admit that the "resume impact" of a big 5 name is enticing...
2) What kind of work: Ideally I would like to do a combination of client relations, system analysis and design, and development and implementation on web-oriented projects (e-comm, intranets and sites, etc.) using web technologies. I am about as good at VB as I can get without really doing hardcore development work (as opposed to projects for my own benefit); I have a solid base in Java, JavaScript, and am strong at HTML. I like to get under the hood and do some coding, but I'm not a O/S coding type either... Which gets to #3...
3) Why does consulting suit me? It is challenging around all the bases. You have to be very good with people, projects, and technology. You have to grasp both the business and human implications of a problem and solve them (in a 3-6 month project duration!) You get the satisfaction of solving a problem, and then get to do something totally different. I managed a salesforce for 6 years and it was often back to square one (prep for a sale, train a new guy, etc.)
Anyway, to finish it up -- I think I'd even enjoy the travel, to a point. A couple days a week, no problem. But the strategy guys fly out Mon 7am and get home 10pm Thurs. If that's what the tech guys do also, I don't know if this is my bag...
Shapeshifter37 |
| Message: |
Shapeshifter,
In response to your answers:
1. If you want to work for a small to medium size firm, then look for that. Don't get caught up in the Big Five hype. Ultimately, it is not the name of the firm on your resume that matters, but the skills you learn there. I know plenty of very talented people at the big boys, but don't go there just for the "resume impact."
2. I am happy to see that are able to communicate what you are interested in. Being able to focus on your next career move, even if its your first career move, is crucial. You will be able to articulate this to potential employers, and have solid criteria to decide whether or not they are right for you.
3. Consulting is all of those things you say. It can also be tedious, frightening, and political. In almost every way, it is more challenging than industry. If this excites you, you are on the right track.
On travel: Are you sure that your small to medium size firm is going to make you travel that much? The Big Five will, but... well, just read the thread below.
Good luck.
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