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Information technology internship vs information technology consultant

The differences between information technology interns and information technology consultants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an information technology internship, becoming an information technology consultant takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an information technology consultant has an average salary of $84,790, which is higher than the $35,342 average annual salary of an information technology internship.

The top three skills for an information technology internship include java, customer service and python. The most important skills for an information technology consultant are customer service, database, and project management.

Information technology internship vs information technology consultant overview

Information Technology InternshipInformation Technology Consultant
Yearly salary$35,342$84,790
Hourly rate$16.99$40.76
Growth rate10%9%
Number of jobs147,638142,475
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4243
Years of experience26

What does an information technology internship do?

When it comes to an information technology internship, one of the primary responsibilities is to follow directions from supervisors and gain practical experience. Most of the tasks revolve around lending assistance in generating codes and building a database, participate in troubleshooting, and developing network systems under the supervision of more experienced colleagues. Furthermore, the tasks will vary on the directions handed, which is why it essential to coordinate with team members at all times and adhere to the guidelines and policies of management.

What does an information technology consultant do?

An Information Technology Consultant, also known as IT Consultant, is responsible for sharing extensive knowledge of Information Technology by providing suggestions and solving issues within the company. Among the duties include installing and maintaining the necessary software and hardware, designing new procedures, overseeing all implementations, and ensuring that all systems are running smoothly, employing methods to secure databases, and providing essential instructions when needed. Furthermore, an Information Technology Consultant needs to coordinate and report to management or supervisors at all times.

Information technology internship vs information technology consultant salary

Information technology interns and information technology consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Information Technology InternshipInformation Technology Consultant
Average salary$35,342$84,790
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $47,000Between $62,000 And $115,000
Highest paying CityLos Angeles, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateHawaiiWashington
Best paying companyAlixPartnersCalifornia Resources
Best paying industryManufacturingFinance

Differences between information technology internship and information technology consultant education

There are a few differences between an information technology internship and an information technology consultant in terms of educational background:

Information Technology InternshipInformation Technology Consultant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaStanford University

Information technology internship vs information technology consultant demographics

Here are the differences between information technology interns' and information technology consultants' demographics:

Information Technology InternshipInformation Technology Consultant
Average age4243
Gender ratioMale, 77.0% Female, 23.0%Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 14.8% White, 54.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.5% White, 58.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%8%

Differences between information technology internship and information technology consultant duties and responsibilities

Information technology internship example responsibilities.

  • Manage internal company email software Linux programming to include making and changing file directories, installing programs via terminal command prompt.
  • Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
  • Diagnose and resolve network issues; verify IP addresses for network connectivity.
  • Contact hundreds of employees to assist with computer replacements using VMWare.
  • Used VMware to expand virtual servers in addition to providing backup snapshots.
  • Distribute and install new desktop hardware/software, switches, and printers throughout classrooms.
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Information technology consultant example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish telecommunication design and installation consulting services on VOIP phone systems.
  • Develop functional requirements as well as managed development and quality assurance activities using a full SDLC.
  • Ensure adequate security protections for proprietary data and intellectual property; manage and configure firewalls and security posture.
  • Lead enterprise-wide virtualization effort, overseeing and completing vendor/hardware qualifications, architecture/design, installation, configuration, migration and documentation.
  • Lead disaster recovery exercises, infrastructure hardware/software decommissioning initiatives and redeployment of legacy application retirements/migrations for Fannie Mae (client).
  • Assist in deploying PC's and laptops to sales organization as well as updating the OS as necessary per laptop specifications.
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Information technology internship vs information technology consultant skills

Common information technology internship skills
  • Java, 13%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Python, 6%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • C++, 5%
  • Data Entry, 3%
Common information technology consultant skills
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Database, 8%
  • Project Management, 8%
  • Cloud, 8%
  • Troubleshoot, 4%
  • Business Processes, 4%

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