1. 1 The IT Consulting Field One-Time Job, or a Career Path? CS460 Software Development and Project Management 12/07/2005 Daniel Kelly

2. 2 Why the IT Consulting Field? Bruce’s Fault Guest Speakers all about Permanent Hire Personal Goals are Consulting Didn’t know much about it Do have some contacts with one company

3. 3 Introduction What is the difference between Consulting and Staffing Companies?

4. 4 Trends in Consulting Trends in the past (pre-Ecommerce boom) Trends in the Future Impacts of Offshore Outsourcing

5. 5 Consulting Definitions Contract Contract to Hire Direct Placement

6. 6 Consulting Contract vs. Consulting Permanent Comparison Criteria –Advancement Opportunities –Benefits Offered –Education Opportunities –Salaries

7. 7 Pros vs. Cons of Consulting Pros –Latest Technologies –Meet Variety of Professionals –Prestigious Companies –Higher Pay –‘Boom’ During Economic Expansion –Freedom –Make New Contacts In Many Companies –Get to be the Expert / Hero

8. 8 Pros vs. Cons of Consulting Cons –Job Security Time off between projects = Lost Wages Projects Can End Suddenly –Constantly The ‘New Guy’ Expected to be the Expert Inter-Office Politics –Sometimes Supply Own Benefits –Your reputation follows you

9. 9 Local Consulting Companies TEK Systems Exacta Corporation Stratagem Greenbrier & Russel Inacom (One Stop Shop)

10. 10 How to Become a Consultant 1. Contact Consulting Firms and/or post resume online –(thingamajob.com, monster.com) 2. Review any Opportunities and choose a Firm 3. Set up Interview with Consulting Firm –Negotiate Contract with Firm 4. Firm Presents individual to the Client

11. 11 How to Become a Consultant cont. 5. Interview with the Client 6. Get Hired 7. Complete Project 8. Bench or Next Project

12. 12 Frequently Asked Questions Assembled from various web sites

13. 13 Interview With A Consultant Media Clip: Describe your Background?

14. 14 Interview With A Consultant Media Clip: What’s Your Worst Experience?

15. 15 Interview With A Consultant Media Clip: What’s Your Best Experience?

16. 16 My Plan Consulting after Graduation –Contract at First –Contract To Hire Eventually

17. 17 Resources Internet Links –http://www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting/strategies/20040506-gunn.html –http://www.computerworld.com/careertopics/careers/report/0,11188,10242005,00.h tml –http://techrepublic.com.com/5208-11180- 0.html?forumID=77&threadID=14425&start=0&tag=search –http://www.computerworld.com/careertopics/careers/story/0,10801,105488,00.html –http://career.thingamajob.com/becoming-a-contractor.aspx/Consulting-vs- Permanent-employment.aspx –http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=NAWLJWR UUCDFOQSNDBECKH0CJUMEKJVN?articleID=161501030 Interview –James Murray at Tek Systems

18. 18 Any Questions?