Businesses that want to thrive have to turn to technology for a great deal of assistance in this day and age. Unfortunately, tackling all of the technology that is required for a business to thrive can be difficult, and sometimes small business computer consulting is necessary. Small business Internet consulting jobs are becoming increasingly popular because new businesses are springing up everywhere, and many have a great need for assistance when setting up the technological systems that will allow them to flourish. Small business Internet consulting jobs are positions that require the wearing of many hats - This is because a small business IT consultant is going to be required not only to set up the IT systems that a business intends to use, but he or she will also be required to teach the managers and owners within the company exactly what it will take for them to get the most out of these systems.
Anyone who has a passion for technology and an interest in small business will enjoy what small business Internet consulting jobs and other small business IT consulting positions have o offer. If your primary concern is to work in a field where you get to teach computers while building systems and putting together IT solutions, then the small business IT consulting industry is the right industry for you to get into.
Education Requirements
There is no set standard for education requirements when it comes to small business IT consulting, because IT and business are such broad categories that require such a myriad of skills in order to function within. If you have an educational background in business and a penchant for computers, then you are already well on your way to a career in small business computer consulting. The same is true if you have a background in computers and a passion for business, because you will be working closely with both computers and with small businesses that require IT solutions and the training associated with utilizing them to their fullest capacity.
There is no degree program that will specifically prepare you for a job in the small business IT consulting industry. Having a degree in information technology will certainly be a large determinant factor in whether or not you can get work easily in this field, and having a background in business is always a plus.
Potential Employers
As far as small business computer consulting goes, your employment choices are essentially either to join a firm offering the services you want to offer, or become self employed and offer the services on a contractual basis. Some small businesses need IT consulting and computer consulting on an ongoing basis, while others only require the additional assistance during the start up process. Most small business Internet consulting jobs are temporary jobs, then, meaning you need to be consistently on the look out for new clients and longer term work.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for small business Internet consulting jobs is definitely up. Because new small businesses are coming into existence every day, the need for small business IT consulting jobs is constantly growing. Most small business Internet consult jobs are independent consultant jobs, as small business owners call in these industry experts in order to assist them in setting up the technological aspects of their companies for optimum performance. Being a small business owner does not immediately mean proficiency in computers, which is why there is such a great need for small business computer consulting and IT consulting jobs right now. As long as there is a need for technology as an aspect of business, there will be an excellent job outlook for small business Internet consulting jobs.
Salary Ranges
IT consultants and similar positions can easily experience a wide range of different incomes. Generally speaking, most small business Internet consulting jobs pay based on experience level. The median income for a small business IT consultant with a year or less of experience is $54,315. The median salary for a small business computer consultant with between one and four years of experience is approximately $60,430. For an IT consultant with between five and nine years of experience, around $78,192 can be expected as an annual salary. With between ten and nineteen years of experience, small business IT consultants can expect approximately $92,116 per year. Finally, IT consultants with twenty years or more of experience in the industry can expect to generate around $96,207 a year as a median salary. In general, salary is always based on experience in this industry, but the base salary for a year or less experience is enough that experience is not necessarily vital when breaking into the field.
Pros and Cons of Small Business IT Consulting
The small business IT consulting industry is one that is consistently and constantly growing, meaning that there are plenty of jobs available for those who have a knack for computers, technology and business concepts. The pros associated with this industry include the large number of available jobs, and the fact that salary can increase significantly based on experience. The biggest con associated with this industry is the fact that most small business IT consultants have to work as independent contractors, and while there is plenty of work out there, sometimes finding it is difficult. Still, for anyone that has an interest in small business or business in general and technology, computers, or the IT (Information Technology) field, this can be a great industry to break into, and truly rewarding work to do.
