An application consultant is a professional who assists businesses and organizations in developing technological solutions. They analyze specific needs and requirements, understand business processes, and create tailored applications. Application consultants manage and troubleshoot existing software applications, implement solutions to potential problems, and earn a median hourly wage of $43. Typically holding a bachelor's degree in computer science or related fields, they create and maintain application software and web-based programs, often under the supervision of a senior technical architect. They also provide training to customers and staff on software applications.
It typically takes 4-6 years to become an application consultant:
Avg. Salary $95,522
Avg. Salary $59,228
Stability LevelGrowth Rate 9 %
Growth Rate 0.3 %
RaceAmerican Indian and Alaska Native 0.19 %
Asian 14.58 %
Black or African American 10.40 %
Hispanic or Latino 11.39 %
Unknown 5.03 %
White 58.41 %
Gender
female 31.59 %
male 68.41 %
Age - 42
RaceAmerican Indian and Alaska Native 3.00 %
Asian 7.00 %
Black or African American 14.00 %
Hispanic or Latino 19.00 %
White 57.00 %
Gender
female 47.00 %
male 53.00 %
Age - 42
Stress LevelStress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity LevelComplexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life BalanceWork Life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Is being an Application Consultant right for you?
Take the career quizAn application consultant can move into various roles. Many become senior consultants or project managers. Some take on leadership roles like information technology director or development manager. Others transition into business analysis or software engineering. They may also move into management positions like application development director or information systems director.
The educational requirements for an application consultant typically involve a bachelor's degree, although some may hold a master's degree. According to Dr. Brian Simmons, Associate Provost at Columbia International University, "Many of these working adults are already leaders in their respective fields, looking for new places of service and advancement opportunities in their current employment places." This suggests that practical skills and work experience without gaps are essential on a resume for an application consultant. The most common majors for application consultants include Business, Computer Science, Accounting, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Information Systems. Top schools for these majors include Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, University of Southern California, and California State University - Bakersfield. Obtaining relevant certifications such as Project Management Professional or Master Project Manager can also enhance an application consultant's resume.
An application consultant needs a mix of problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative skills. They must be able to work with a variety of perspectives and think compassionately. According to Nancy McHugh Ph.D., Chair and Professor at Wittenberg University's Department of Philosophy, "Philosophy majors are well set up for this sort of skills cluster because it is built into most philosophy curriculum." They should also have business fundamentals, cost principles, and general accounting knowledge, as Randy Shearer, a professional at American Defence Group, emphasizes.
| Skills | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Client Facing | 10.50% |
| Java | 6.39% |
| CRM | 5.46% |
| Business Process | 5.35% |
| Troubleshoot | 5.18% |
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New application consultants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an application consultant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real application consultant resumes.
An application consultant's responsibilities are diverse and multifaceted. They develop and maintain applications using various programming languages and tools, such as Java, C#, and Entity Framework. They also provide technical assistance to customers, conduct unit and integration tests, and design business and application supporting data modeling. As Michael Munger, Director of Undergraduate Studies at Duke University, puts it, "Political Science students should take at least one Computer Science class, be able to run a spreadsheet with skill, and be able to write crisp prose that gets to the point."
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