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Job outlook for information systems consultants in the United States
Information systems consultant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected information systems consultant job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 56,000 new jobs for information systems consultants are projected over the next decade.
Information systems consultant salaries have increased 8% for information systems consultants in the last 5 years.
There are over 107,408 information systems consultants currently employed in the United States.
There are 167,313 active information systems consultant job openings in the US.
The average information systems consultant salary is $97,215.
Are information systems consultant jobs in demand?
Information systems consultant job and salary trends over time
Information systems consultant jobs over time
Information systems consultant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 107,408 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 135,367 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 81,540 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 108,964 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 107,850 | 0.03% |
Average information systems consultant salary over time
Information systems consultant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $97,215 | $46.74 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $94,011 | $45.20 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $91,883 | $44.17 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $91,396 | $43.94 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | $90,309 | $43.42 | +1.7% |
Information systems consultant jobs by state
Most common states for information systems consultants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 556 | 80% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 385 | 44% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 425 | 40% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 243 | 39% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 463 | 34% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 259 | 34% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 185 | 32% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 229 | 31% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,031 | 30% |
| 10 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,446 | 30% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 292 | 30% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,640 | 29% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,210 | 29% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 560 | 29% |
| 15 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,884 | 28% |
| 16 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 297 | 28% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,965 | 27% |
| 18 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,138 | 25% |
| 19 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 784 | 25% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 871 | 24% |
Most common cities for information systems consultants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 1 | 4% | $74,841 |
| 2 | Lansing | 1 | 1% | $88,479 |
| 3 | Springfield | 1 | 1% | $87,950 |
| 4 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $106,372 |
Information Systems Consultant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of information systems consultant experts
Belmont University
Mount St Mary's University
Davidson College
Harding University
Northwood University
Tuskegee University
University of South Florida
Quinnipiac University
Duke University
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Albertus Magnus College
Pace University
SUNY Potsdam
Drake University
University of Washington
Bakersfield College
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Consultant?
Dr. Tisha Brown-Gaines: Over the next five years, the expanding landscape of Big Data facilitated via Information Systems will continue to play a major role in the structure of how Smart Systems are created and maintained. As a result, having skills that will allow for effectively accessing, modifying, analyzing, storing and securing data is key. The integration of these skills are strengths that will support fields under the umbrella of computer science and data science that expand into machine learning, natural language processing and the Internet of Things (IoT) concepts.
What Information Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Tisha Brown-Gaines: Colleges and universities try very hard to prepare students for life after graduation. Most students have the required skill sets for their field of study. However, the journey after attaining a degree still can be tricky. Selecting the right field for you is paramount. Information Systems (IS) is a great major. The interdisciplinary aspect of Information Systems (IS) allows graduates to select from numerous opportunities in the field. However, this can be quite overwhelming when students have options to apply to countless jobs. My advice would be to reflect on several assignments, projects or internship experiences during your undergraduate career that captured your interest, made you smile while completing the assignment or even one which began as a random goal and became personal. Start by identifying tasks that made you inquire more about a topic outside of the minimum requirements or a task that was challenging but helped to improve a skill set. Reflecting on these experiences will allow you to effectively navigate what areas to consider and what jobs to apply to in a sea of endless opportunities. Additionally, having the ability to reflect on past accomplishments can motivate and challenge graduates to achieve additional goals as they continue building their careers.
What will help Information Systems Consultants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Tisha Brown-Gaines: Employers will seek candidates that have knowledge on topics such as database systems, networking, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Leveraging the skills acquired from your degree and extending those by acquiring external certifications in these fields will help distinguish you from other candidates. There are many online programs which offer certifications in AWS, Network+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and SAP that are innovative and provide real-world case studies to prepare students to have successful careers.
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Consultant?
Sagar Raina D.Sc.: The transition from the academic world to the industry is a significant milestone and may be overwhelming for the beginners. The first and foremost advice I would give is to be “patient”, be “positive” and be “open to learning”. The field of Information Systems consists of the three important components – people, processes, and technology. The graduates beginning their careers should be able to understand and learn about the “people” working in the organization, the “processes” of the organization and the “technology” used by the organization. To accomplish this, work hard, be open to ask questions to the senior colleagues and keep yourself informed about the new trends in Information Systems sector.
What Information Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sagar Raina D.Sc.: One of the recommendations would be to get an entry-level industry certification within the Information Systems field. For example, if you are interested in networking, you can go for CompTIA Network+, similarly, if you are interested in cybersecurity, you can go for CompTIA Security+. In addition to your college degree, industry certifications are well recognized by the organizations which can maximize your salary potential when starting a career in Information Systems.
What will help Information Systems Consultants increase their earning potential?
Sagar Raina D.Sc.: Apart from the traditional knowledge expected in the field such coding, computer networking, database design and development, systems analyses, web technologies and development, data analytics; the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the knowledge about cybersecurity will be considered as the important and prevalent skills sought among the new graduates in the field.
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Consultant?
Kevin Jetton: Now referred to simply as Information Systems or Enterprise Systems, they are the mission-critical applications that run the enterprise and used to provide information, processes, data and outcomes to all parties such as internal employees, customers and partners/suppliers. Example such systems are all the Financial Applications (Accounts Payable/Receivable, General Ledger, Payroll, Human Resources, Fixed Assets, Budgeting and more), Supply Chain Management, Customer Relationship Management, Manufacturing, Enterprise Resource Management, Order/Service Fulfillment and more. What do individuals do on a daily basis? Depends on the individual's role in the overall process: Unit Managers/Users: Part of a project team to analyze/design/test/train/implement new or modified systems for their unit. IT Professionals: Project Management, Systems Analysts, Enterprise Architects to design solutions, Database and Security experts, Application Developers/Programmers, Testing and Training Teams, Data conversion specialists, Scheduling and Implementation teams.
What Information Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kevin Jetton: The need for IT skilled employees has never faded despite the right-sizing of many organizations IT staffing components post-pandemic when there was a hiring surge to enhance systems and processes to accommodate more online-only services and offerings. The key is to have a diverse skill-set or base so as to see the bigger picture and able to not only communicate to business users and executives, but to solve problems for the enterprise and deliver them.
What will help Information Systems Consultants increase their earning potential?
Kevin Jetton: The phrase itself has been retired basically and broadened to include ALL information systems - focusing on the mission-critical applications and processes to deliver results to all the parties both inside and outside the organization. Originally, Management Information Systems (MIS) focused ONLY on the Financial/Accounting/Payroll/Manufacturing aspects and was the label for them and the department of IT staffers 1970's-1990's eras. By the year 1995-2000 with the looming Y2K issue, the mission-critical nature of these applications enterprise-wide rose to the forefront of everyone's mind when the realization that the systems may not function properly 1/1/2000 and beyond basically introduced the phrase Enterprise Systems to the world that serve the enterprise internally and externally. Like: The excitement of being involved in such key applications/systems serving the entire organization. Working side-by-side by all units/levels of fellow staff members and partner organizations to identify and solve pain-points within the organization and more that could be solved/automated/enhanced through technology. Helping deliver applications and tools that serve your organization's customers, fellow-employees and partners. Dislike: Long projects that could span months-to-years. Underestimated project schedules that rush through the phases but deliver short-changed results. Pressure to meet deadlines and expectations. Constantly changing/evolving technology and services. Outsourcing to non-employees outside the organization perhaps globally. Being on-call 24x7 to handle and resolve system outages and downtime/failures.
Katie Horowitz
Associate Professor of Gender & Sexuality StudiesDavidson College
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Consultant?
Katie Horowitz: With the rise of artificial intelligence, soft skills like interpersonal communication, conflict management, and critical thinking will become more important than ever before. These are assets that can’t be outsourced to AI, and they are fundamental to the work that Gender & Sexuality Studies majors do in college.
What Information Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Katie Horowitz: Some research shows that women and members of marginalized racial groups are less likely to negotiate their salaries than their white male counterparts. When you get a job offer, don’t forgo the opportunity to advocate for a higher salary.
What will help Information Systems Consultants increase their earning potential?
Katie Horowitz: Don’t limit yourself. I’ve seen Gender & Sexuality Studies students land jobs in business consulting, nonprofit, medicine, law, and more. The beauty of this interdisciplinary field is that it intersects with virtually every sphere of human existence. You can bring your GSS skills to bear on any line of work that interests you.
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Consultant?
Dr. Joe Faith: Skills involving how to properly use AI and AI-enabled tools will be big. We've already seen huge changes since November of 2022. I only think the life cycle for these products will continue to get shorter. It's not AI that you need to worry about displacing you from your job. It's a smart human that knows how to use AI. I think that, for IS professionals specifically, you need to focus not only on hard skills, but soft skills as well. Many individuals can either communicate well or program well but not many can do both. There is a niche there that needs to be filled.
What Information Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Joe Faith: One of the major things is either having more education or certifications to help with inflating your initial salary. Besides that, I would say that the industry and location you move to will have a large hand to play in terms of the salary you get. You always need to balance the cost of living though, if you're focusing more on location as your proxy. The types of jobs you can get in IS are so varied that it can make a huge difference in terms of earning potential right off the bat. For example, if you were to go into software development, data analytics, project management, or cybersecurity after getting your IS degree (which we've had many students do), then you would definitely be earning more than if you took an entry level support technician role (think help desk) for a company. I always try to talk with my advisees about this subject, so that they can decide what path is best for them. Sometimes, students aim lower than they necessarily have to, and that can hurt their initial salary.
What will help Information Systems Consultants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Joe Faith: I think the best general advice would be to not be scared to take a risk on yourself. There are a lot of jobs out there that people are oftentimes afraid to apply for. This can be for several factors but one of the main ones I hear is that they don't feel like they are qualified enough. I can't tell you how many times I've had students that got a job they were slightly underqualified for because they were smart, had drive, and were a great culture fit for the firm in question. Along with that, I would say that certifications can help land your first gig. After a while, in many cases, experience will be more important. But, a cert can be just the thing to get you 'over the top' and land that first job after college.
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Consultant?
Jasser Jasser: Creativity is paramount, whether you're part of an established company, a nonprofit, or kickstarting your venture. Challenge conventional thinking and utilize cutting-edge AI tools to stay ahead. Genuine creativity stems from a deep understanding of the latest trends and technologies. Remain vigilant for new breakthroughs, immerse yourself in tech-centric literature, and constantly ponder how these advancements can elevate your career and amplify your creative output. Additionally, cultivate a robust professional network and seek mentorship. Industry connections can offer priceless advice, open pathways to career opportunities, and provide insights that facilitate career growth and salary enhancement.
What Information Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jasser Jasser: As AI becomes increasingly central to Information Systems, mastering the integration of effective, ethical, explainable, and secure AI into your work is indispensable. Alongside these technical skills, prioritize the development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. In the technical realm of Information Systems, the ability to collaborate effectively and articulate complex ideas clearly is what often separates the most accomplished professionals.
What will help Information Systems Consultants increase their earning potential?
Jasser Jasser: In an era where intelligent chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini can perform a myriad of tasks, it's essential to infuse authenticity into your work. Whether crafting a new user experience or devising strategies against cyber threats, ensure your ideas are genuinely yours. Yet, this doesn't mean you should overlook the capabilities of these AI tools. Leverage them to refine and enhance your concepts. Equally critical is adaptability in our fast-evolving field. Embrace new roles, technologies, and methodologies with an open mind, as this flexibility can unlock doors to unexpected and fulfilling career opportunities.
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Consultant?
Dr. Neil Eldin PhD, PE: Things don’t just happen. You must develop a career plan to maximize your salary potential when starting your career. Find the right employer for yourself. For example, if you are mobile and willing to travel, target employers with international projects. After working for a few years, you can request a transfer to an overseas assignment, and this will instantaneously almost double your salary. If you are not mobile and your circumstances do not allow your travel, seek employment with major corporations and seek positions that are done at the home office (e.g., estimating, procurement, and contracting).
What will help Information Systems Consultants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Neil Eldin PhD, PE: Technology has always been a game changer and those who are good at it position themselves in high demands. Keeping up with the new technologies related to whatever your specialty is will help you tremendously. AI looks like the future’s big thing, and I believe it is here to stay. Developing skills in this field will be highly recommended.
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Consultant?
Jason Nichols PhD: The business environment is very dynamic right now, especially with regards to technology, and specifically with regards to AI. The advice remains the same through this however - stay curious, and always be learning. AI requires infrastructure, and lots of it. It also requires data. Lots of that as well. Businesses won’t be successful with AI unless they are able to efficiently and dynamically expand, configure, and adjust their infrastructure in support of its implementation. They also won’t be successful unless they have a solid plan for data storage, management and security. They need your help with this, and your training has prepared you to provide this type of support. This is an exciting time to be an Information Systems Professional. You are helping to shape the future of work, and the role of technology within the modern business enterprise. We are all counting on you, your company is counting on you, and you are up for this challenge and the emergent opportunities it brings.
What Information Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jason Nichols PhD: Businesses need people to manage and secure their infrastructure, they need people that deeply and richly understand the mechanics of the systems that support them in their work, and they need people equipped to identify how to leverage these systems in transformative ways in order to create meaningful and sustainable value. All of this is underpinned by a rich understanding of the business, how it operates, and how its strategic objectives are intrinsically tied to the technology upon which it runs. Sharpen your skills in cloud computing and AI-relevant cloud services and platforms, in machine learning and AI, and in systems analysis and design. Explore design patterns relevant to the architecture of business technology systems and solutions. Become an expert at orchestrating technology and infrastructure to suit a given business need, objective, or strategy. These skills are timeless.
What will help Information Systems Consultants increase their earning potential?
Jason Nichols PhD: Build your experience base through internships and industry projects, and brag about these experiences when you interview. Collect professional certificates to compliment your degree. Security and cloud computing are excellent areas to pursue these in right now. AI and machine learning as well, of course. Build a structured skillset in problem solving and critical thinking, and demonstrate this skillset in your discussions with future employers. Map all of these efforts into a coherent story about yourself in your applications, and how they have shaped you to be a tech-savvy business problem solver, with a strong understanding of both the business and the technology. This foundation prepares you for so very many roles in our field, and businesses recognize and actively seek out this profile in their job candidates. Use the resources available to you. If you need additional time for more formal training, join a masters program. Join us for a masters program, actually. Our AI in Business masters program is launching this Fall, and is open for enrollment currently. Visit us here to learn more: https://wpcarey.asu.edu/masters-programs/ai-business
Professor David Sanford
Associate Professor an Department Chair (MIS, CS, CYB MGT, IS CYB)Northwood University
Computer And Information Sciences
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Consultant?
Professor David Sanford: Workers like that they are challenged to solve problems and lead technological innovations.
They appreciate the diversity of projects
They enjoy the need for continuous improvement and education
Many see the global impact of their work.
They also desire and appreciate the need for versatile skills
A competitive salary is also an item that employees like
Workers dislike that the work can be stressful
Dealing with tight deadlines and/ or cybersecurity concerns.
This is a positive and a negative: The need to constantly stay up to date with technology can be a bit overwhelming for some.
There may be times of isolation, and
The unexpected system failures can be frustrating as they often require extra hours or the need to be on-call.
The multiple responsibilities and managing repetitive tasks are also issues workers point out in this field.
In short, the workplace offers exciting opportunities but comes with its fair share of pressures and challenges. Different people have different experiences based on their roles and personal preferences.
What Information Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor David Sanford: Here's some of what they may do on a typical day: Develop and install computer systems and programs to ensure they meet company needs. They all ensure that computers can talk to each other and the internet without interference. Some may set up Virtual walls and put locks in place to keep the bad guys out and ensure the company's information is secure. From a technical aspect, if something goes wrong, they jump in and fix it ASAP to get everything running smoothly. They are the go-to people when others in the company have computer problems. They are supported and taught how to use new technology. From a data perspective. some handle important information and make sure it is organized and accessible when needed. Many manage large tech projects and ensure efficiency within an organization through the integration or creation of new technology. Some perform managerial duties such as developing and maintaining guidelines and manuals so that everyone can learn how to use the system(s). In this field, employees are constantly learning about new tech and products to stay on top of their game. They analyze this new technology to determine if it could be used within their organization to increase efficiency or improve a business process. In all. for someone just starting out in this field, they can spend their days teaching, running small projects and helping the team. As they gain more experience, they will face bigger challenges and learn new things.
What will help Information Systems Consultants increase their earning potential?
Professor David Sanford: Going into information systems engineering is a smart choice for many reasons. The profession is in high demand worldwide, offering job security and competitive wages. Professionals in this field have versatile skills, allowing them to work with sophisticated technology and adapt to changing business needs. Continued technological advancement creates opportunities for innovation and problem-solving. Career paths cater to individual interests, including knowledge in areas such as cybersecurity and data analytics. In addition, the possibility of working remotely enhances the flexibility of work, making it attractive to those seeking a dynamic and stimulating career
Dalya Fadlalla
Adjunct FacultyTuskegee University
Computer/Information Technology Administration And Management
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Consultant?
Dalya Fadlalla: People who work as A_AN JOB_TITLE may enjoy their work because they know what is expected from them, as it is clear on JOB_TITLE. It also, helps them be unstressed due to the clear responsibility. They can have a great opportunity to learn new skills, which has a significant impact on their organization.
Some people may find the work is more stressful, challenging, and need long hours
As a Computer Information Systems graduate entering the job market, they can explore what people like and dislike about being a Computer Information Systems professional.
Many people like working in this field, as Technology advances very fast there is always something new to learn and discover. Others may think it is hard to keep up with new technologies.
Many people appreciate that their work has a significant impact on the world. For example, if they are developing new software.
Therefore, this will depend on the person, and how he sees working in this field. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the field, you can make you can decide if this is the right path for you.
Ehsan Sheybani Ph.D.
ProfessorUniversity of South Florida
School of Information Systems and Management
What skills stand out on Information Systems Consultant resumes?
Ehsan Sheybani Ph.D.: Analytical and problem-solving skills, Strong technical skills, The ability to work well under pressure, attention to detail, teamwork skills, organization and time management, interpersonal and communication skills, management and leadership skills.
What soft skills should all Information Systems Consultants possess?
Ehsan Sheybani Ph.D.: Leadership, motivation, communication, conflict management, trust-building, decision-making, organization, and time management.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Information Systems Consultants?
Ehsan Sheybani Ph.D.: Negotiation, relevant technical skills, prioritization and goal setting, project planning, delegating, and budget management.
Guido Lang Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Computer Information SystemsQuinnipiac University
School of Business
What skills stand out on Information Systems Consultant resumes?
Guido Lang Ph.D.: - Systems analysis and design
- Business/process/data modeling
- IT project management
- Change management
What soft skills should all Information Systems Consultants possess?
Guido Lang Ph.D.: - Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Creativity
What hard/technical skills are most important for Information Systems Consultants?
Guido Lang Ph.D.: - Python
- SQL
- Excel
Michael Munger
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Director, PPE ProgramDuke University
Department of Political Science
What skills stand out on Information Systems Consultant resumes?
Michael Munger: Political science is an ancient career synergy, one that explores the connections between ethical considerations and engineering policy that works. Someone who majors in Political Science is able to make arguments about the questions that have plagued philosophers for thousands of years while using the latest data techniques to scrape online sources of information on social media. So political science instructors have to combine ethics, knowledge of esoteric procedures and laws, and statistics!
What soft skills should all Information Systems Consultants possess?
Michael Munger: Working in groups. And that's hard to teach. The best teacher is experience. Often, students learn the most when their group fails or the other members don't pull their weight. The ability to work in unstructured environments and still achieve group success is a big part of many jobs. And Political Science teaches that.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Information Systems Consultants?
Michael Munger: Political Science students should take at least one Computer Science class, be able to run a spreadsheet with skill, and be able to write crisp prose that gets to the point.
What skills will help Information Systems Consultants earn the most?
Michael Munger: The ability to lead a group by example and to get other people to feel that they are part of something larger than themselves. At its best, Political Science is like an entire little liberal arts curriculum. It's the perfect preparation for leadership, either in government or the private sector!
Michael McLaughlin
FacultyBrigham Young University - Idaho
Department of Computer Information Technology
What skills stand out on Information Systems Consultant resumes?
Michael McLaughlin: The ability to solve unstructured problems.
What soft skills should all Information Systems Consultants possess?
Michael McLaughlin: The ability to work well with people.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Information Systems Consultants?
Michael McLaughlin: Solid understanding of the technology stack (from desktops to cloud), including at least one programming language at certification level and object-oriented design skills that include exclusivity, patterns, and data design both in relational and document databases.
What skills will help Information Systems Consultants earn the most?
Michael McLaughlin: Rock-solid programming skills; and presently four languages that appear to drive the highest salaries: Object-C/Swift (macOS, iOS), Ruby, Python, JavaScript (with React.js and Node.js skills). However, this changes from source to source.
David Garaventa
Director, Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity Programs, Assistant Professor, CISAlbertus Magnus College
Business Administration and Management Department
What skills stand out on Information Systems Consultant resumes?
David Garaventa: The skills/attributes required across a variety of jobs in the IT fields.
What soft skills should all Information Systems Consultants possess?
David Garaventa: Communication and collaboration skills are critical. Particularly now that many employees are working remotely, it has become more difficult - yet more important than ever - to have IT teams that work effectively together, even when they are not in the same room together. But this is not unique to the IT realm. Whether via remote meetings or through effective written communications, it is no longer enough to simply have "technical skills." Technical skills can be taught to employees more easily than developing employee's soft skills, so when an employee approaches their job with a strong set of communication skills and strong analytic reading and writing abilities, they can often make themselves stand out to employers. The employers will recognize that they have the attributes to be an asset to the team and can then invest in helping them develop any technical areas where they may be lacking.
This is not to say that technical skills don't matter, because they do, especially in the IT field. But suppose an employee brings a strong set of soft skills to an IT team (e.g., collaboration, communication, critical thinking, etc.). In that case, they probably also can learn more technical skills as part of their job function. I once had a colleague say to me that when she is hiring, she has found that technical skill is all over the place...but it's the soft skills that are harder to find. Lastly, having the ability - and a desire - to be continually learning is essential. Technology is not static, and businesses are not static, so thinking critically in different settings across various technology platforms is very important. The tools your department uses today may not be the tools they are using tomorrow, so being fluid, adaptable, and constantly learning is the name of the game.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Information Systems Consultants?
David Garaventa: The technical skills that are required are broad and tend to be business and/or industry-specific. If you are working in healthcare IT, the patient management platforms you use could be different from the client database used by a bank's IT team, for example. So, on the one hand, the recommendation would be to determine what platforms are most commonly used in your industry area and spend time mastering those platforms. On the other hand, most industries tend to have specific tools that are most commonly used, and spending time mastering those is important.
Going deeper into the subject, technical skills around project management, cloud infrastructure, security, and end-user support bridge across all industries. Having knowledge and skills in these areas will serve IT professionals well, no matter what field or industry they end up in. Again, it is challenging to recommend specific technical skills because the field of IT is so broad.
What skills will help Information Systems Consultants earn the most?
David Garaventa: Here is where I can be a little more specific, but mostly in terms of certifications. Certifications and micro-credentials indicate two things to an employer: First, you must have an established, verified set of knowledge and skills that you bring to the table. If it is an industry-respected certification, it brings a lot of credibility regarding your knowledge and skills around a specific platform or application. The second thing that certifications and micro-credentials demonstrate to an employer is that you are willing to continue to grow and develop your skills in your field. Technology is progressing so rapidly that the things you knew last year may no longer be relevant today. And as a result, having the ability and desire to continue learning, adapting, and attaining certifications is a great way to show your ongoing commitment to your profession.
Dr. Pauline Mosley
Full Professor and Associate Chair of Information TechnologyPace University
Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Information Systems Consultant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Pauline Mosley: There are several big trends; however, in my opinion, the biggest trend we are seeing is an increase in the usage of mobile apps, cloud computing and smart technologies. The pandemic has cultivated a huge demand for these applications. The problematic effects of the pandemic such as the inability to conduct business and interact socially, has heighten the need for these technologies - hence transitioning them from emerging technologies to part of our everyday living.
What soft skills should all Information Systems Consultants possess?
Dr. Pauline Mosley: All graduates should possess strong communication skills, a willingness to take risks, think critically and innovatively. Lastly, they need to be flexible and willing to learn.
What's a day at work look like for an Information Systems Consultant?
Dr. Pauline Mosley: In my opinion a typical day for a recent graduate may entail working various hours throughout the day. In the past work days were considered from 9 to 5; however, with the pandemic and global economy, graduates should expect to work in segments through-out the day or when critical work needs to be completed. So, they should expect to work a few hours in the morning, a few in the afternoon, and possibly a few more late into the evening to accommodate the clientele that may be working in another time zone or part of the world. The concept of "the office" will be redefined by their employer. "The office" could be their homes, or a combination of home and a physical space, or it could be virtual. They should expect to work with people from various cultures and in some cases they may even interact with smart technologies, robotics, or other forms of new technologies. Their work day will be very exciting because they will have a myriad of technological options and the flexibility to decide how they work (whether remote or in-person) to complete various tasks.
What's a good job out of college for Information Systems Consultants?
Christopher Lanz: The industry is screaming for qualified techies. In Burlington, for example, firms are unable to fnd who they need. Firms actually compete for our graduates. Any job in the industry, therefore, tends to be high-paying and secure.
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Consultant?
Alanah Mitchell Ph.D.: I recommend students work on developing a portfolio of technology knowledge, skills, and tools. Early project and internship experiences can also be very helpful in finding the first career opportunity after graduation.
What Information Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alanah Mitchell Ph.D.: Expertise in the area of AI is of great interest right now as well as other technical areas (e.g., analytics, cybersecurity, technology consulting, the metaverse, and more). Of course, I always recommend students focus on developing their adaptability and ability to learn new technical subjects, critical thinking and analytical skills, collaboration skills and the ability to work in a team, project management and detail-oriented skills, and written and oral communication abilities.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Information Systems Consultants?
Les Atlas: Most certainly an impact, a very strong impact. The best lesson for us is from the 1919 Spanish Flu pandemic. That strain of flu still circulates as a seasonal virus. Over 100 years laters, it is now considered a Phase 6 pandemic by the World Health Organization. While it is reduced due to current social distancing and mask wearing, the 1919 Spanish Flu virus still causes community-level outbreaks in multiple parts of the globe. Societal changes from this event of over 100 years ago are still with us.
In fact, they changed society. As is well-documented, after a high level of immunity was reached in the 1920's, the resulting labor shortage enabled workers to demand better living and working conditions, as well as better wages and public health care. As just one example of the societal changes due to the 1919 pandemic, the drop in the male labor force empowered male workers, and also changed the gender composition.
The aftermath of the 1919 pandemic was the start of women joining the labour force. In the United States, the proportion of women in the labour force rose from 18 per cent in 1900 to almost 21 per cent in 1920. In that same year, with the ratification of the 19th Amendment of the Constitution, the Congress of the United States guaranteed all American women the right to vote.
The current COVID-19 pandemic will certainly change the way we live, be it our mobility or the kinds of career options people have. After our current year-long experience in remote learning and work, will we go back to the inefficiencies of going to our office every work day? Or will remote work be acceptable, where one's residence will not be dependent upon the locations of employment. Will we avoid future hotspots of infection, choosing to instead reside and travel in areas where infection is decreasing? Will we prefer to travel on aircraft which are certified to be virus-free and frequent restaurants which are documented to be safer? Future marketing will likely make a sharp turn in this direction.
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Consultant?
Maryam Farahani: Thinking about the fields they want to experience or try. And to be intentional about their job search. The best advice is learning as much as they can about what company offers. Visualizing themselves in the next 5 years as a starting point. Do they want to travel a lot, or be in management positions? Do they want to be subject matter expert, or a hands-on engineer or technologist? Their goal may change as they progress in their career but having one makes a big difference in their career choices and keeping them on track.