What does a systems consultant do?
A systems consultant is responsible for advising on the design, plan, and installation of information technology systems for clients. You will analyze data of an organization, determine the requirements of an information system, and define project objectives. Other duties include providing recommendations on the appropriate software, hardware, and systems, designing and installing new software, and organizing and conducting training for end-users. You will also be responsible for preparing test plans and test scripts needed for system testing.
Systems consultant responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real systems consultant resumes:
- Lead a training initiative to educate and transition mainframe programmers to using Java, object-orient design, and XML.
- Work on implementing new upgrade framework used to manage upgrading cloud infrastructure services using python.
- Web design services scripting in CSS, HTML, and JavaScript.
- Work with customers and vendors to design and implement Virtualization products for data centers (VCE, VMware, EMC).
- Produce technical documentation for the entire SDLC cycle and user manuals.
- Automate the Presales technical demo startup and shutdown sequences by writing both shell and perl scripts.
- Create utility using Java 2D that generate gradient-filled color bars in JPEG files for decorating web pages.
- Enhance accounts payable online system (CICS) by adding feature that automatically display corresponding AP figures.
- Work in a small-dedicate team responsible for relocating 400+ active UNIX assets from California to an Arizona data-center.
- Contract to implement the CST-Mercator software ERP system to replace manual purchase, sales, and inventory tracking.
- Lead a project team responsible for interfacing a mainframe base order entry system to a UNIX base distribution center system.
- Support and troubleshooting of Avaya PBX, CMS and Audix/Intuity voice components including basic administration for all local voice telephony.
- Design and develop an interface between a mainframe billing system, an internal banking systems and an external credit card system.
- Configure and troubleshoot network connections.
- Limit SAN installation and configuration.
Systems consultant skills and personality traits
We calculated that 6% of Systems Consultants are proficient in Infrastructure, Project Management, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Systems Consultants that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Infrastructure, 6%
Executed best-practice infrastructure automation and high availability configuration management.
- Project Management, 6%
Provided project management services to multiple regional operations with the goal of process improvement initiatives for new projects and software conversions.
- C++, 5%
Performed development on the client/server application in PL/SQL and C++ using an Oracle database and provided ongoing maintenance and support.
- C #, 5%
Developed Online CSV Protocol system using ASP.NET, C #, SQL and Web Services.
- Azure, 5%
Perform StorSimple MS Azure cloud storage firmware upgrade.
- SDLC, 5%
Introduced and modified customized SDLC methodology to accommodate RAD.
"infrastructure," "project management," and "c++" are among the most common skills that systems consultants use at work. You can find even more systems consultant responsibilities below, including:
Creativity. One of the key soft skills for a systems consultant to have is creativity. You can see how this relates to what systems consultants do because "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." Additionally, a systems consultant resume shows how systems consultants use creativity: "contracted to implement the cst-mercator software erp system to replace manual purchase, sales, and inventory tracking. "
Analytical skills. Many systems consultant duties rely on analytical skills. "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project," so a systems consultant will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways systems consultant responsibilities rely on analytical skills: "catapult launch data would be collected and temporarily stored for retrieval by the java communications application. "
Communication skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of systems consultants is communication skills. This skill is critical to many everyday systems consultant duties, as "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "utilized jni to interface the java communications application with the rtp system. "
The three companies that hire the most systems consultants are:
- Deloitte152 systems consultants jobs
- Burns & McDonnell17 systems consultants jobs
- Ace Hardware14 systems consultants jobs
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Compare different systems consultants
Systems consultant vs. Consultant database administrator
Consultant database administrators maintain and monitor the health and security of the database systems used in different applications utilized by international offices. They create database management procedures including, backup programs, server maintenance, and program updates. These administrators also provide technical support for programs and design a disaster recovery protocol in case of a security breach. They are also in charge of creating accounts and assigning the security level of access for all the users in their network.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a systems consultant are more likely to require skills like "infrastructure," "c++," "c #," and "azure." On the other hand, a job as a consultant database administrator requires skills like "database administration," "microsoft sql server," "db," and "production environment." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Consultants database administrator earn the highest salaries when working in the construction industry, with an average yearly salary of $105,138. On the other hand, systems consultants are paid more in the internet industry with an average salary of $108,853.On average, consultants database administrator reach similar levels of education than systems consultants. Consultants database administrator are 3.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Systems consultant vs. Senior consultant, information technology
A senior consultant of information technology is primarily responsible for developing strategies and procedures to optimize a company's information technology systems and infrastructure. It is their duty to assess existing networks and systems to identify their strengths and weaknesses, develop solutions in problem areas, perform risk assessments, and provide advice on how to achieve the best information technology practices. Furthermore, as a senior consultant, it is essential to lead the efforts and serve as a role model for the workforce, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real systems consultant resumes. While systems consultant responsibilities can utilize skills like "infrastructure," "c++," "end-to-end testing," and "end testing," senior consultants, information technology use skills like "architecture," "client facing," "healthcare," and "shared services."
On average, senior consultants, information technology earn a higher salary than systems consultants. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, senior consultants, information technology earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $117,869. Whereas systems consultants have higher pay in the internet industry, with an average salary of $108,853.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Senior consultants, information technology tend to reach higher levels of education than systems consultants. In fact, they're 7.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for systems consultants in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Brian Simmons
Associate Provost, Columbia International University
Systems consultant vs. Systems administrator
Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from systems consultant resumes include skills like "infrastructure," "project management," "c++," and "c #," whereas a systems administrator is more likely to list skills in "database," "powershell," "tcp ip," and "sccm. "
Systems administrators earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $86,962. Systems consultants earn the highest pay from the internet industry, with an average salary of $108,853.systems administrators typically earn lower educational levels compared to systems consultants. Specifically, they're 5.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems consultant vs. Information technology consultant
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.
Types of systems consultant
Updated January 8, 2025
