As digital transformation (DX) and AI adoption continue to grow in various industries, the demand for IT consultants is on the rise. In this article, we’ll dive into the job responsibilities, salary expectations, essential skills, and more about IT consultants. If you’re looking to become an IT consultant or thinking about a career change, this guide will be helpful for you.
According to the 2023 survey by the Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA) on skills for the digital age, there is a growing shortage of professionals to drive digital transformation (DX) initiatives across businesses in Japan. The demand is especially high in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 1,000 employees, where the lack of talent is particularly evident. This makes IT consultants, who play a crucial role in DX initiatives, increasingly valuable in the years ahead.
Oskar Takenaka, Division Director of Enterprise Technology & Consulting at Robert Half Japan, states, "The demand for IT consultants is growing due to the increasing need for expertise in navigating digital transformation in Japan and the lack of available talent in IT. Organizations are looking for professionals who not only possess strong technical skills but also demonstrate excellent communication abilities, problem-solving acumen, and a deep understanding of business processes. Being bilingual sets candidates apart from competitors, allowing them to effectively bridge cultural and language gaps in diverse teams."
An IT consultant helps companies identify and solve problems by leveraging technology. This can involve everything from offering strategic advice to recommending IT systems, software, or tools that address a client's needs. While they may sometimes be involved in system maintenance or development, IT consultants typically operate at a managerial level, overseeing the entire project lifecycle.
Common challenges clients face include reducing operational costs, addressing internal staffing shortages, or analyzing why sales have decreased. IT consultants gather information on a company’s business processes, current IT tools, and overall management strategies, then analyze this data to pinpoint underlying issues. Once the root cause is identified, the consultant suggests the right IT solutions, helping guide the client through implementation.
Because of the diversity of challenges companies encounter, IT consultants need broad knowledge across various tech tools. They also require strong management and analytical skills to oversee project teams and diagnose problems through data analysis.
While both IT consultants and systems engineers gather information from clients, their roles differ significantly. IT consultants focus on understanding the business as a whole, developing project strategies that align with overall management goals. Systems engineers, on the other hand, handle more specific tasks such as system design, requirements definition, development, and maintenance.
In simpler terms, IT consultants work in the "upstream" phase of a project, creating the strategy and roadmap, while systems engineers focus on the technical aspects of the "downstream" stages, such as development and implementation.
The skill sets required for each role also differ. IT consultants need strong business acumen and the ability to persuade and influence stakeholders, while systems engineers need in-depth technical knowledge and programming skills.
IT consultants specialize in a variety of areas depending on the types of technology they work with. Here’s a breakdown of the most common specialties:
SAP is a widely used enterprise software developed by a German company. It covers areas like sales management, financial accounting, and more. SAP consultants help businesses implement and manage SAP software. With its global reach, SAP consultants are in high demand worldwide.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) refers to systems that integrate core business processes like accounting, sales, and operations. ERP consultants work to implement and manage these systems for clients.
While similar to SAP consultants, ERP consultants typically work with ERP solutions from various vendors, not just SAP.
SCM (Supply Chain Management) covers everything from sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products to customers. SCM consultants help companies optimize these processes, reducing costs and managing risks. They analyze data, conduct market research, and implement SCM systems to streamline operations.
Given how critical supply chain optimization is to profitability, SCM consultants are highly sought after.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) involves managing a company's interactions with current and potential customers. CRM consultants help implement systems that centralize customer data, making it easier to manage invoicing, handle inquiries, and build stronger relationships.
A successful CRM consultant needs expertise in both IT systems and marketing strategies.
PMO (Project Management Office) consultants manage multiple projects within an organization. They ensure that all projects align with the company's goals, while also providing support to project managers. Responsibilities include scheduling, resource allocation, cost management, and resolving any issues that arise during a project.
As large-scale projects become more common with the rise of DX initiatives, PMO consultants are becoming an essential part of many organizations.
The work of an IT consultant typically follows three main steps:
The first step involves listening to the client to understand their business challenges. Through careful analysis, IT consultants identify the underlying issues that may not be immediately obvious. Having a broad perspective and the ability to find hidden problems is key to this stage.
Once the problem has been analyzed, IT consultants propose solutions, explaining their findings and offering suggestions for IT tools or systems that could help resolve the issues. Ensuring these proposals align with the client’s existing infrastructure is essential for successful implementation.
After the proposal is accepted, IT consultants often manage the project. This includes assembling a project team, monitoring progress, and serving as the bridge between the client and the team. Quick problem-solving and effective communication are critical to project success. In some cases, a dedicated project manager may take on this role.
IT consultants generally progress through three career stages: analyst, consultant, and manager. Let’s take a closer look at each:
As an entry-level role, analysts are responsible for data collection, research, and analysis. They collaborate with senior consultants to conduct interviews and gather data, which they then analyze and present in reports. Analysts are expected to follow instructions while honing their problem-solving skills.
Consultants engage directly with clients, identifying their business challenges and proposing solutions. They also draft test plans for proposed systems and delegate research tasks to analysts. Consultants need strong business and IT knowledge to manage these large portions of the project.
Managers oversee the entire project, from strategy to execution. They are responsible for team management, resource allocation, and ensuring projects stay on track. Managers also act as the primary liaison between the client and the project team, using their leadership skills to ensure everything runs smoothly.
According to Robert Half's research, the average annual salary for IT consultants (SAP/ERP/CRM consultants) ranges from ¥5 million to ¥9 million. With career progression, experience, and skill acquisition, a high salary of ¥50 million is attainable.
Below is the average salary for related positions for your reference:
Job Title
| Entry-Level Experience
| Average Experience
| Advanced Experience
|
Technology/DX Consultant
| ¥5.5 million
| ¥6.5 million
| ¥7.5 million
|
Technology/DX Senior Consultant
| ¥7.5 million
| ¥8.5 million
| ¥9.5 million
|
Technology/DX Manager
| ¥11 million
| ¥12 million
| ¥13 million
|
Technology/DX Senior Manager
| ¥15 million
| ¥18 million
| ¥20 million
|
Technology/DX Senior Director
| ¥17 million
| ¥22 million
| ¥27 million
|
Technology/DX Partner
| ¥30 million
| ¥40 million
| ¥50 million
|
SAP/ERP/CRM Senior Consultant
| ¥8 million
| ¥9 million
| ¥11 million
|
SAP/ERP/CRM Manager
| ¥11 million
| ¥13 million
| ¥15 million
|
SAP/ERP/CRM Senior Manager
| ¥16 million
| ¥17 million
| ¥20 million
|
SAP/ERP/CRM Senior Director
| ¥20 million
| ¥23 million
| ¥27 million
|
SAP/ERP/CRM Partner
| ¥27 million
| ¥40 million
| ¥50 million
|
Analyst (Strategic Consulting)
| ¥5 million
| ¥6.5 million
| ¥8 million
|
Consultant (Strategic Consulting)
| ¥8 million
| ¥12 million
| ¥15 million
|
Partner (Strategic Consulting)
| ¥40 million
| ¥60 million
| ¥80 million
|
There are numerous skills IT consultants must possess. Here, we will discuss four key skills.
IT consultants propose solutions to clients' challenges using IT technology, so comprehensive IT knowledge is a must. It's important to understand the functionality and ease of implementation of various IT tools.
Since each client faces different challenges, it's also essential to keep up with industry trends and continually acquire the latest IT knowledge.
Management skills are needed to lead a team and ensure that projects run smoothly. This involves keeping the team motivated and overseeing project management.
While IT consultants rarely get directly involved in system development, they must communicate with project stakeholders and ensure things are progressing as scheduled.
Communication skills are crucial in various situations, from client interviews to proposals, team motivation, and presenting the final product.
These skills include the ability to clearly convey information and active listening. By accurately understanding the client's needs, you can smoothly move from diagnosis to proposal. Well-reasoned proposals can help build rapport with clients and lead to optimal personnel placement.
IT consultants must explain their proposals in a way that makes sense to the client, organizing the results of their analyses and presenting them logically. If you can test hypotheses logically, your proposals will be more reliable.
Here are some qualifications that are helpful for IT consultants:
The IT strategist certification, offered by the Information-Technology Promotion Agency (IPA), demonstrates the ability to enhance business operations using IT. The exam covers IT-related knowledge, system strategy, and management skills, often requiring candidates to draw from personal experience.
Although there are no prerequisites for the exam, it is considered advanced, with a pass rate of 15.8% in the spring of 2024.
The IT coordinator (ITC) certification, established by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry in 2001, is for professionals who can drive IT management and digital transformation in businesses. While IT coordinators focus more on business management than IT consultants, business knowledge is crucial. By the end of March 2024, over 15,000 people had earned this qualification, and about 7,000 certified individuals are active nationwide.
To obtain the IT coordinator certification, candidates must pass the IT coordinator exam, complete case study training, and submit a qualification registration application. The pass rate for the 44th exam, held from January to February 2021, was 65.7%.
The case study training requires viewing e-learning video lectures and attending over five days of group training, which can be completed online. Since it is less challenging than the IT strategist exam, this qualification is recommended for those aiming to gradually move toward becoming an IT consultant while strengthening management skills.
The project manager certification, also offered by the IPA, verifies an individual's understanding and practical ability to plan, execute, and manage projects effectively. Similar to the IT strategist exam, anyone can take this exam, as there are no prerequisites.
However, it is considered a challenging exam, with a pass rate of 13.5% for the fall 2023 exam.
The Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) management consultant is a national qualification for providing business advice to SMEs. The certification covers business knowledge in areas such as strategy, marketing, human resources, new business launches, and management information systems.
The exam is held once a year and consists of two parts: a written first exam and a second exam, which includes both a written and oral component. In 2023, the first exam pass rate was 29.6%, and the second exam pass rate was 18.9%.
This versatile qualification is held by consultants in various fields, not just IT.
The SAP Certified Consultant certification, officially recognized by SAP, includes 91 certifications as of August 2024, targeted at SAP consultants, programmers, and related professionals. With 71 certifications related to consultancy alone, this qualification proves specialized knowledge and skills in SAP systems.
The certification has three levels: Associate, Specialist, and Professional. Free learning resources and online training led by instructors are available to help candidates prepare for the exam. Moreover, exams can be taken online 24/7, making it accessible even for busy individuals.
Here are some key traits that contribute to the success of IT consultants.
In the world of IT consulting, knowledge is key. The more knowledge you have, the better services you can offer to clients. It's important to stay interested in the latest IT technologies and analysis methods, as well as to constantly learn about the industries your clients are in and new consulting techniques.
Ways to keep learning include participating in training, purchasing specialized books, and building a network of connections to stay on top of trends in the industry and IT.
IT consultants are often involved in entire projects, so it's essential to understand the workflow from planning to execution, and to focus on key points. While you may interact with many people, including clients and engineers, it’s impossible to cater to everyone’s opinions. Good judgment is required to determine what is most necessary for the project's success.
To maintain an overarching view, think from both the client's perspective and that of the system builders. Setting your own rules, such as what you must always adhere to, can help prevent indecision when it comes to making judgments.
IT consultants frequently interact with a variety of people, including clients and engineers, which means communication plays a major role. Listening to clients during interviews helps to shape the project, and effectively explaining your proposals is a key responsibility.
IT consultants must propose solutions to address the challenges faced by their clients. To make recommendations that can be effectively implemented, it's essential that the reasoning behind those suggestions is clear. Individuals with strong data analysis skills are well-suited for a career as IT consultants, as they can identify issues through thorough examination of data.
Even problems that may initially seem insurmountable can often be resolved through persistent analysis—by changing data categories or combinations, for example—demonstrating the resilience necessary to uncover solutions.
You don’t need specific qualifications to become an IT consultant, but having a strong understanding of both IT and business, along with management skills, is essential. If you’ve worked in engineering, consulting, or business management, that experience can be very useful. System engineers, in particular, often work closely with IT consultants and clients, making it easier to transition into the role.
You can also become an IT consultant by joining a consulting firm or a large vendor that handles IT projects. Another option is to identify the need for an IT consultant at your current company and help create the role. To boost your skills, consider getting certifications like IT Coordinator or Small and Medium Enterprise Consultant.
IT consultants typically have three career paths: moving up within their company, switching jobs, or going freelance. Let’s look at each one.
This path involves growing your career within your current company. Early on, you might start as an analyst, doing things like creating reports and technical documents. As you gain more experience, you can move up to consultant and eventually manager.
While you’ll need to develop new skills, like managing entire projects, the work becomes more rewarding as you progress. The ultimate goal could be becoming a partner in the firm, which is great for those interested in developing new clients and shaping long-term business strategies.
The skills you gain as an IT consultant are valuable and can be used in other consulting firms. If you speak multiple languages, you could even work with international consulting companies. You might also find opportunities in strategic or business planning roles in other industries, where you could act as an internal IT consultant, solving problems with tech solutions.
If you’re considering a career move into global companies—whether foreign or Japanese—Robert Half can help guide you through the process.
You can also choose to go freelance as an IT consultant. While this gives you the freedom to specialize in areas you’re passionate about, it comes with challenges, like unstable income and the need to find your own clients. But with the right network and time management skills, freelancing can lead to more flexibility—and potentially more income.
IT consulting offers opportunities across many industries. While there are no strict qualifications, having IT knowledge and management skills is crucial. If you're interested in this career path, start by gathering more information from this site.
