Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for systems consultants in the United States
Systems consultant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected systems consultant job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 56,000 new jobs for systems consultants are projected over the next decade.
Systems consultant salaries have increased 8% for systems consultants in the last 5 years.
There are over 455,105 systems consultants currently employed in the United States.
There are 134,337 active systems consultant job openings in the US.
The average systems consultant salary is $99,659.
Are systems consultant jobs in demand?
Systems consultant job and salary trends over time
Systems consultant jobs over time
Systems consultant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 455,105 | 0.14% |
| 2020 | 468,224 | 0.14% |
| 2019 | 396,574 | 0.12% |
| 2018 | 595,372 | 0.18% |
| 2017 | 579,343 | 0.18% |
Average systems consultant salary over time
Systems consultant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $99,659 | $47.91 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $96,375 | $46.33 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $94,193 | $45.29 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $93,694 | $45.05 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | $92,580 | $44.51 | +1.7% |
Systems consultant jobs by state
Most common states for systems consultants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 812 | 117% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,827 | 33% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 200 | 32% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 309 | 29% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 254 | 29% |
| 6 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 533 | 26% |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,488 | 25% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 339 | 25% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,213 | 22% |
| 10 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 772 | 22% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 684 | 22% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,458 | 21% |
| 13 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 376 | 21% |
| 14 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 285 | 21% |
| 15 | Delaware | 961,939 | 201 | 21% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 161 | 21% |
| 17 | Alaska | 739,795 | 155 | 21% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 121 | 21% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 834 | 20% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 335 | 20% |
Most common cities for systems consultants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 3 | 11% | $83,447 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 3 | 8% | $101,674 |
| 3 | Lancaster | 3 | 5% | $95,055 |
| 4 | Lansing | 3 | 3% | $99,243 |
| 5 | Hartford | 3 | 2% | $96,695 |
| 6 | Little Rock | 3 | 2% | $87,869 |
| 7 | Topeka | 3 | 2% | $77,948 |
| 8 | Carmel | 2 | 2% | $81,592 |
| 9 | Washington | 4 | 1% | $102,888 |
| 10 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $101,836 |
| 11 | Baton Rouge | 3 | 1% | $95,148 |
| 12 | Sacramento | 3 | 1% | $143,430 |
| 13 | Des Moines | 2 | 1% | $86,071 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 4 | 0% | $81,427 |
| 15 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $110,132 |
| 16 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $96,965 |
| 17 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $89,593 |
| 18 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $85,743 |
Systems Consultant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of systems consultant experts
Belmont University
University of South Alabama
Mount St Mary's University
Davidson College
Stevens Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Northwood University
Tuskegee University
University of South Florida
Quinnipiac University
Duke University
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Albertus Magnus College
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
SUNY Potsdam
Drake University
What 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 general advice would you give to a Systems Consultant?
Sean Walker: Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are going to be incredibly important in Systems Engineering over the next 3-5 years. MBSE has already become quintessential to the practice of Systems Engineering, which is why it has become a staple of our Master's and Doctoral programs. AI, of course, is changing almost every technical field and will be important to Systems Engineers as well. For Systems Engineers, the challenge will be understanding how and when to apply AI to solve systemic problems. Of course, both of these elements must be applied with an understanding of sociotechnical systems concerns. An engineer with the skills to apply MBSE and AI without losing sight of the humans in the system will be highly sought after.
What Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sean Walker: To maximize your salary, it is really essential to learn the tools and methods associated with Systems Engineering while also maintaining a sense of creativity. Employers are not only looking for engineers with the ability to apply specific tools but also the ability to think creatively to solve complex systems problems. I often encourage my students to maintain their creative hobbies so that they don't lose those skills. But, more immediately, gaining a graduate education in Systems Engineering can help any engineer increase their earning potential.
What will help Systems Consultants increase their earning potential?
Sean Walker: I think the best advice for a new Systems Engineer, or really any engineer, is to be observant. One of the best things you can do when starting to apply the theoretical aspects that you've learned in school to your new career is to watch and listen to how experienced Systems Engineers practice in the field. This doesn't mean that you can't offer ideas or perspectives that are new, but that there will be challenges in your field that - due to the breadth of Systems Engineering - may not have been covered in your education.
What 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 general advice would you give to a 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 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.
Katie Horowitz
Associate Professor of Gender & Sexuality StudiesDavidson College
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to a 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 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 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 a Systems Consultant?
Anthony Barrese: Pursue opportunities to broaden your experience across systems engineering, development, integration and test, field sales support and professional services positions. Generalist experience becomes invaluable with career advancement. Running a team is much more feasible for leaders who understand the process behind the work their reports deliver.
What Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Anthony Barrese: There are many paths leading to increased salary potential. Rapidly developing a deep understanding of customer environments and needs can be one of those, but is often not sufficient on its own. Cultivating strong communication skills, building relationships across the business and distinguishing yourself as a leader will all position you for career advancement and the compensation increases that go along with that.
What will help Systems Consultants increase their earning potential?
Anthony Barrese: The ability to listen to the customer is the most critical skill. Deeply understanding the needs of the end user ensures business success. In addition, digital engineering environments and digital twin technology in particular, will become increasingly important. These tools enable gains in efficiency and promote enhanced quality.
What general advice would you give to a 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 Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Neil Eldin PhD, PE: Start on the right foot!! Start your career with the attitude that you need to give your job serious attention to build your technical skills, your people skills, and to establish a good name for yourself in the industry. Make sure you become known as a smart, hardworking person with high morals. Your technical skills will contribute half of your success. The other half you will get from learning how to sell your services. Focus on what the employers’ interests are. Explain how you can contribute to what is important to them. If you do not have what is important to them, go develop such skills.
What will help 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 a Systems Consultant?
Mark Whalen P.E.: A system engineer designs, develops, and manages complex technical systems across a large variety of industries. This can include defining solutions to system-level problems, plus allocating requirements, technologies and team member tasking at a project level, as well as communicating complex ideas and systems to key stakeholders.
An entry-level system engineer will typically apply advanced mathematical techniques to solve system-level technical problems, as well as installing, testing, and troubleshooting complex operating systems
What Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mark Whalen P.E.: Many system engineers enjoy working across all technologies at a higher organizational level, and interacting with all types of technologists to manage and implement complex technical systems.
Many system engineers can feel challenged by their lack of depth of understanding of particular technologies compared to technical specialists.
What will help Systems Consultants increase their earning potential?
Mark Whalen P.E.: There are many complex systems in existence or being developed that require knowledge and experience across many different technologies. Also, system engineering careers can often lead to managerial positions like becoming a project manager, operations manager or chief engineer.
What general advice would you give to a Systems Consultant?
Don Gelosh Ph.D.: Systems Engineering is a contact sport. As a systems engineer you are expected to be a leader.
Successful systems engineers are those who get out of their office and engage with other
engineers and technicians who work on complex systems. On any given day, systems engineers
could be working on a team, possibly leading that team, in one of the several phases of the
design and development effort. They may be working with stakeholders to determine their
requirements for the complex system or they may be working with validation test engineers to
determine if the complex system will satisfy the stakeholders needs.
While it would be expected that you are very knowledgeable in a few discipline areas, such as
electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering, you are not expected to be an expert in all
areas. However, you would be expected to know the experts in those fields and others and
how they should be involved in the overall development process. You would be expected to
understand the many processes of systems engineering and how each process contributes to
the success of the complex system.
You would also be expected to thoroughly understand any other systems and the operational
environment that will interface and interact with your system. As a systems engineer, you
would be expected to understand the big picture of the complex system.
What Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Don Gelosh Ph.D.: Being a systems engineer provides you with many opportunities to learn and grow. Systems engineers
have the opportunity to learn all they can about a specific engineering discipline field of choice (i.e.,
electrical, mechanical, chemical, power, etc.). Systems engineers are also expected to learn in general
what engineers and technicians in other disciplines do on a daily basis. Systems engineers should talk to
other systems engineers about their daily activities as much as possible. Systems engineers should learn
how to lead people and manage resources; they should learn how to both lead and serve on teams.
Systems engineers should prepare themselves through education, training, and experience for
opportunities to grow and take on new responsibilities.
One dislike may be the long hours in dealing with the challenges of developing complex systems.
However, if you enjoy this type of work, the rewards of leading and managing the creation of successful
systems will be worth the effort it takes.
What will help Systems Consultants increase their earning potential?
Don Gelosh Ph.D.: There is a great demand for those who can understand the big picture as well as knowing the
smallest detail in the development and delivery of complex systems. It is very important that
everyone involved in the engineering of complex systems works from the same requirements
and understands the intended operational environment. Systems engineers facilitate this
common understanding of the target system, interconnected systems and the operational
environment.
Today's advanced technology and systems that utilize that technology are increasingly
becoming more complex and more challenging to develop and deliver. This requires a different
type of engineer, one who has both in-depth technical knowledge and leadership skills.
Systems engineers who understand these requirements and can deliver successful complex
systems will always be in demand.
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 a 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 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.
Dalya Fadlalla
Adjunct FacultyTuskegee University
Computer/Information Technology Administration And Management
What general advice would you give to a 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.
What Systems Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dalya Fadlalla: Some companies and industries with JOB_TITLE positions are showing growth and progression. Computer Information Systems (CIS) is a field worth considering with the quick advance in technology and great profession to enter now.
This field offers many benefits including reasonable salaries, many great opportunities for advancement and development, and job security.
The demand for CIS graduates has increased, so CIS graduates should expect and
Believed that to be in high demand in many industries.
Computer Information Systems (CIS) is a career with great potential and a promising future.
What will help Systems Consultants increase their earning potential?
Dalya Fadlalla: JOB_TITLE for day-to-day activities will be different depending on the specific role and industry they are working in. When it comes to Computer Information Systems (CIS) graduates entering the job market, it will be useful to have a clear understanding of a job description, and daily activities with expectations of the job for someone who entered the field.
Daily basis activities will depend on their specific job title. Some of the common job titles in this field include IT or IT project manager, programs developer, computer administrator, and database administrator. There are common tasks for Computer Information Systems including managing projects, analyzing data, leading research, managing projects, creating presentations or reports, checking and maintaining computer networks, and collaborating with team members.
For someone entering this field, his day might include learning new skills, completing tasks assigned by a supervisor, working on small projects, collaborating with other team members, and managing and organizing large amounts of data.
Someone who entering the field needs to be open to learning and willing to take on new challenges to grow and develop their skills in the field. CIS offers a wide range of job opportunities with unique daily activities and responsibilities
Ehsan Sheybani Ph.D.
ProfessorUniversity of South Florida
School of Information Systems and Management
What skills stand out on 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 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 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 Systems Consultant resumes?
Guido Lang Ph.D.: - Systems analysis and design
- Business/process/data modeling
- IT project management
- Change management
What skills will help Systems Consultants earn the most?
Guido Lang Ph.D.: - Cloud computing
- Scrum
- DevOps`
Michael Munger
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Director, PPE ProgramDuke University
Department of Political Science
What skills stand out on 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 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 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 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 Systems Consultant resumes?
Michael McLaughlin: The ability to solve unstructured problems.
What soft skills should all Systems Consultants possess?
Michael McLaughlin: The ability to work well with people.
David Garaventa
Director, Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity Programs, Assistant Professor, CISAlbertus Magnus College
Business Administration and Management Department
What skills stand out on Systems Consultant resumes?
David Garaventa: The skills/attributes required across a variety of jobs in the IT fields.
What soft skills should all 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 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 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.
Robert Rucker
LecturerArizona State University
School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering
What hard/technical skills are most important for Systems Consultants?
Robert Rucker: From step 2, knowing a particular technology very well may not match the employer's needs, so there is a real need to articulate principles (the hard part of education). For example:
1. Need to know how to design and implement ( or contribute to) a 'principled' information base (this is a skill my students encounter routinely)
a. Designing an information system requires knowing multiple levels of analysis and synthesis
- I teach the undergrad and graduate levels of database
( I have been teaching' conceptual level modeling --- using Object role modeling ( this is a layer above ER and relational, and has been underappreciated IMO
b. relational level analysis using SQL
implementational level using T-SQL
c. NoSQL using Couchbase and SQL++ and hence the key-value mode of storage
implementation ( SQL + NoSQL seem essential in this world of federated databases !)
d. Of course, there is the underlying substrate of approaching an info task in the first place!
2. For what it's worth, I also teach big data. Again, finding (understanding) and exemplifying the principles underlying the algorithms and data development is crucial.
What skills stand out on Systems Consultant resumes?
Robert Rucker: Being articulate/communicative is a real positive - being able to write up a coherent report is a big plus.
What soft skills should all Systems Consultants possess?
Robert Rucker: Being able to learn a new technology very quickly is critical since that is what my students encounter.
Melody Buckner Ph.D.
Associate Vice Provost | Digital Learning and Online Initiatives, Assistant Professor of PracticeUniversity of Arizona
Digital Learning
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Systems Consultant job market given the pandemic?
Melody Buckner Ph.D.: More of pivot to collaborate workspaces and working virtually from home offices. This includes the educational sector where hybrid and flex models of instruction will flourish. The light has been shined into the face-to-face classroom and there are cobwebs. We can help to advance education with modern pedagogical practices that include humanized technologies and more personalized learning experiences for learners of all ages.
What technical skills for a Systems Consultant stand out to employers?
Melody Buckner Ph.D.: The ability to communicate via technology will be essential in the workplace. Employees will be required to navigate virtual environments, networks, privacy and security issues. Digital literacy should become digital fluency. We need to go beyond be familiar with digital skills and become comfortable or entrenched in these skills. Example: don't just drive the car but know how the car is made and be able to fix it.
What's a good job out of college for Systems Consultants?
Melody Buckner Ph.D.: Any career that you can do from your home. Jobs where physical presence is required will be difficult in the future. I think collaborative space will become more the norm in public offices and private spaces will be created in personal spaces like homes or special office environments. Business will take advantage of the cost saving and put space as the responsivity of the employee. Let's hope tax codes keep up with this trend and allow write offs.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Systems Consultant job market given the pandemic?
Christopher Lanz: I'm not sure any trend will be relevant long term. Short term, there will be increased competition among job applicants, since, as the economy contracts, there will obviously be fewer positions in toto. Thus applicants with more thorough training, or perhaps those with more or better certificates, will have an important advantage.
We have seen no decline in demand for trained computer scientists, who have always enjoyed a tremendous advantage in the job search (100% of our graduates go immediately into a job after graduating).
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Systems Consultants?
Christopher Lanz: No certificate program or selection makes an applicant competitive with an actual computer scientist. Employers are fully aware that such a person is in the strongest position to learn anything. This is absolutely not true of certificate-earners.
What's a good job out of college for 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 a 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 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.