There are many names for technology consulting, including IT consulting, computer consulting, business and technology services and IT advisory. Whatever you call it, we’ve pulled together this handy guide to help you work out if it’s the right career route for you.
We’ll run through:
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What is technology consulting?
Technology consulting can involve many different services – from outsourcing technology to recommending how best to use IT to managing systems on a client's behalf. Typically, a client will commission the services of a consulting firm to develop an IT system or examine their existing one.
Implementing the right technology often allows a business to speed up growth, reduce costs, manage risk and improve the way it operates. Thriving organisations use technology to maximise efficiency – and profitability. To do this, they need expert advice. It’s easy to see why technology consultants are in demand.
What is a tech consultant?
Tech consultants are the IT advisors who work for consulting firms or offer freelance services to support their clients' needs. They’re the people who advise businesses on how best to use technology to meet their objectives.
Their remit can cover technology systems (ie. tools, software, computers) or processes (ie. how the tech is being used, such as workflows) – or both. As these two areas underpin business performance, understanding how they interact is advantageous for a tech consultant. However, some consultants will specialise in a niche, such as software development.
Typical areas of technology consulting
There are various roles and specialisms within technology consulting.
Some popular areas include:
- Bespoke software development
- IT infrastructure planning
- Risk assessment analysis
- Security consulting
- Disaster recovery planning
Want to know more? Learn about them in our guide to technology consulting roles.
What are the top firms in tech consulting?
There are plenty of top employers in technology consulting.
Most technology consultants will work for consulting firms, and these types of comapnies are a great place to start your early career. Here are a few examples to start researching:
How much can you earn as a graduate in technology consulting?
How much you’ll earn as a technology consultant will vary depending on several factors, including your employer, location, specialism and experience.
For example, according to the National Careers Service as of 2025, technical architects (ie. those who plan, design and build IT systems for clients) will earn between £42,000 (as a starter salary) and £90,000 (once experienced). Meanwhile, the National Careers Service states that a software developer typically earns between £30,000 and £70,000.
As a grad, you’ll likely initially earn a lower salary that will increase over time.
Typically, roles that include a training contract will have the smallest wages. However, despite the lower salary, taking a training role can be an excellent long-term choice as the industry qualification will come in handy for years to come.
Not all grad job adverts will include the salary, so you won’t always know how much you’ll earn until you’re in the recruitment process. While every job will pay differently, it’s still good to get an idea of the average earnings in the sector.
Learn more about technology consulting salary expectations.
What skills do you need to excel in technology consulting?
Do you have strong technical, commercial and communication skills? If you do, it sounds like technology consulting could be a super route for you.
In brief, these are the skills you’d ideally have to succeed in technology consulting:
- Communication skills for giving advice (including written and verbal)
- Technical skills to understand and implement the technology
- Business skills and commercial awareness to understand the implications of technology recommendations (ie. cost-savings and keeping up with competitors)
- Management skills
To find out more, visit our guide to the skills you need for technology consulting.
Not feeling confident about your skill set? Don’t worry. There’s always room for improvement. We’ve got tonnes of advice on key graduate skills, including what they are and how to grow them.
Key takeaways
Businesses use technology consulting (also known as IT or computing consulting, business and technology services and IT advisory) when they need advice on their IT systems and processes.
Tech consultants typically work for consulting firms and advise different clients on how to use technology to best meet their business goals. While some consultants will be generalists, others will specialise in particular areas (including software development, infrastructure planning, risk assessment, IT security and disaster recovery). How much you earn in the role will depend on your specialism, as well as your experience and employer.
If you’re a technically savvy communicator with commercial awareness, you’ll go far in the sector.
Discover graduate opportunities in technology
Looking for a tech role? Browse the latest technology and IT infrastructure opportunities and apply today to kickstart your career in the sector.