Skills you need for a tech consulting career

Like the idea of working in a fast-paced environment with the latest tech? A tech consulting career could be the right fit for you. But what skills do you need for technical consulting?

We’ll talk you through key tech consultant skills and how to grow them. We'll cover:

• The skills tech consultants need
• Other qualities that’ll help you get ahead in a tech consulting career
• How to grow your technical consulting skills
• What employers are looking for when hiring tech consultants

Whether you want to advise businesses on how to become more efficient with their existing tech use or guide organisations through bespoke software development, some key skills will help you thrive in technology consulting – whatever your specialism.

We’ve outlined the top tech consultant skills that students and grads need to break into the cutting-edge sector.

To work in technology consulting, you need a good eye for spotting mistakes. In tech, small errors can have a big impact. You need to make sure you follow every step and stay aware of potential security pitfalls. It’s great to view the bigger picture, but technology consulting is all about the small details.

You won’t build new systems unless you specialise as a software developer. However, you’ll still analyse data that will impact new systems and client decisions in most tech consulting roles. Although you don’t have to love number crunching, it’s beneficial to have good numerical analytical skills too.

Technology consulting can involve time-sensitive situations. An organisation may need you to identify a critical problem that’s stopping them from running their business. You need to be able to keep a cool head to address urgent issues.

A technology consultant needs to identify faults and find solutions. Clients may ask you to find a more effective way of running things, so you need problem-solving skills to understand the issue and work out how to address it.

Many technology consultants are the first contact point for clients, so you need effective communication. If you work in project management within the sector, you’ll also need communication skills to consult with your team and check everyone knows their tasks.

Typically, technology consultants are busy people. You’ve got to learn to juggle multiple tasks at once.

To handle multiple tasks, you need excellent time management skills. Time management is about prioritising your time effectively, so you get the work done when it’s needed.

Technology consulting isn’t just about dealing with clients. You need to know your stuff when it comes to tech. As part of your job, you might need to address computer viruses, design systems or train users on new systems. Keeping up to date with the latest tech tools and industry developments will benefit you here.

As a technology consultant, you won’t be working alone so you’ll need to work well in a team. Being a good team player means you’ll get things done more effectively.

In addition to the hard and soft skills you’ll need in tech consulting, certain personality attributes will also come in handy.

You’re more likely to suit the sector if you’re:

Tech consulting can be highly rewarding. However, you need a genuine passion for the industry to drive you forward. If you’re interested in tech innovations, you’ll naturally shine.

Many tech problems don’t have a simple solution. You may need to think creatively to come up with different options to solve the issue, so you need to keep an open mind.

The technology consulting sector can be competitive. It’ll also be trickier to get into if you don’t have a related degree or existing experience. However, if you’re dedicated and show it through extracurricular activities or courses, your drive for the industry will impress employers. You’ll also need to keep up the dedication once you’re in the role. With new products and software constantly being released, you’ll need dedication to keep learning.

Technology is fast evolving, and the top companies are always brainstorming the next big thing. To enjoy being a technology consultant, you’ll need to remain curious about new tech and how it works.

There are lots of ways to build the skills you’ll need in your graduate career.

Some of the things you can do to take your tech consulting skills to the next level include:

Many top technology firms offer students six-month or summer internships in technology and IT infrastructure.

Getting sector-specific work experience is a great way to expand relevant skills, build your network and get an insight into an employer or job role. By taking on a tech internship, you’ll grow your skills while finding out if a tech career is right for you. It’s a win-win!

Plus, getting an internship at a top firm will help you stand out against other grads in future job applications. What’s not to like?

You don’t have to work in technology to build transferable skills like problem-solving and the ability to work under pressure.

You’ll gain skills that’ll make you more employable in any job. So, think of any part-time work alongside your studies as an opportunity to learn while you earn. Be sure to call out the skills you’ve gained when you put together your CV.

Struggle with teamwork? Sign up for a sports club or ask your coursemates for feedback on your next group project.

Lacking confidence in your communication? Practise presenting or writing mock emails until you’re happier with your tone.

We’ve put together lots of advice guides on key graduate career skills and how to improve them.

If you’re not studying technology as part of your degree, look out for courses and other opportunities to learn tech skills like coding.

For example, you could pick up Python by joining a local club or teaching yourself online. It’s the perfect thing to add to your LinkedIn or CV to show you’re serious about tech.

Different technology consulting roles will require slightly different skills. For example, written communication will be particularly important if you’re a consultant compiling reports while coding will be key for a software developer.

Generally, tech consulting employers are looking for analytical and problem-solving candidates with great attention to detail, a passion for technology and a willingness to build effective relationships with colleagues and clients. It’s up to you to show employers that you’ve got the qualities they’re looking for through your tailored cover letter, CV and interview answers.

Don’t worry if you don’t tick every box though. Many firms will hire grads who don’t yet have every skill. Some employers will offer training schemes. Keep checking the application deadlines for tech internships and technology and IT infrastructure industry placements, so that you don’t miss out on the chance to fill in any skill gaps.

If you want a tech consulting career, you’ll need some key tech consultant skills. The exact skills you’ll need will vary depending on your role. However, many attributes will benefit you regardless of your specialism.

To thrive in technical consulting, you’ll need to have good attention to detail, analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, strong communication, multitasking skills, good time management, technical knowledge and the ability to work under pressure and as part of a team. Being a passionate, open-minded, dedicated and curious person will also help you get ahead in the sector.

Worried you don’t have all the skills you’ll need yet? It’s OK. There are plenty of ways to grow your skills, including by undertaking work experience – whether in the sector or not.

Wherever you’ve learned your skills, make sure you tell potential employers about them by highlighting them in your job applications and during any interviews.

Good luck in your tech consulting career journey!

This article was last updated in May, 2025.