Page 40 - EngineerIT July 2022

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

So, you want to become an outsourced

IT consultant

Leon Hendricks, CEO and founder of DLK Group, a major IT partner to large corporations, shares what it takes to
become a consultant in this very competitive field.

outh African businesses have to love doing what you’ve specialised wealth of experience in their area of
undergone massive changes over in because you’ll be applying those specialisation, but also actively keep
Sthe last few years, especially in skills in many different industries. their skills updated. This allows them
how they interact with their clients and 2. You want flexibility more than a to apply their creativity more readily.
employees. Virtual meetings and work permanent position. Consultants They constantly expand their skills to
from home are no longer novelties, and provide services on a short- keep up with the latest trends in their
the gig economy is in full swing. term basis. Besides the flexibility field.
For many companies, this has meant benefits, consulting offers variety, 5. You’re flexible, reliable and agile.
augmenting their teams with consultants specialisation, and the ability to Flexibility, reliability and agility are key
to ensure they have all the correct - often choose the work that gives you the tenets of how consultants operate.
very scarce - skills on board. By the same biggest kick and to set your own You value being able to determine
token, people whose employment was prices. Those who choose to work your own hours and work patterns,
affected by Covid-19 have turned to this way will tell you that these but you’re also highly self-accountable
consulting as an alternative way to earn benefits far outweigh the downside because you know your next gig is
income, offering their scarce IT skills to of keeping your project pipeline dependent on positive references
a number of clients, rather than a single flowing and making sure you’re and a strong track record of previous
employer. earning enough to pay the bills at the gigs. This is why we look for people
end of the month. who are innovative and receptive to
But what does it take to be a top IT 3. You want to experience many change to place as consultants.
consultant in this environment? These different industries. Exposure to
are the characteristics we look for in different industries and cultures The 4 Industrial Revolution is changing
th
IT consultants to fulfil key roles in our is a given for consultants. Our the way people work and how
clients’ businesses: best consultants already have companies engage with people and other
1. You love what you do and are good experience in a few industries and companies. If you have the right skills and
at it. Consultants work and engage are always keen to learn about new specialisation - and the right personality
with companies that are “shopping” environments. traits - you can succeed as a consultant.
for the skills they need, so specific 4. You’re keen to keep building on your
skill sets that make you stand out as a existing knowledge. Consultants Join the debate, drop me a line
candidate are key. But you also need work across industries and have a hansv@nowmedia.co.za

2022 ICT Skills Survey goes live Critical Skills List issued earlier this year.

In a questionnaire for individuals,
the survey will include a look at how
South African IT professionals plan to
he survey, a trusted guide to the view of current skills capacity of the adapt to an evolving digital landscape,
the state of ICT skills in South practitioners and their intentions for how they prefer to acquire new
TAfrica, is carried out by Wits future skills development. skills, and whether the hybrid work
University’s Joburg Centre for Software This year, the survey will assess how environment is prompting them to work
Engineering (JCSE) in partnership with the Covid-19 pandemic impacted skills remotely for employers based in other
the Institute of Information Technology availability, the effect the lockdown has countries.
Professionals South Africa (IITPSA). had on workforces, and whether hybrid The two confidential questionnaires
The survey assesses skills demand models have increased cross-border are now live and can be accessed via
and supply from both a corporate and working in the IT sector. https://va.eduflex.com/jcse/login
practitioner perspective, to identify It will also address employers’ IT where respondents can register and
the most pressing skills needs from the skills - needs and shortfalls - how they then login to select either or complete
corporate perspective, balanced with upskill staff, and the impact of the new both of the surveys.

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