If you want to become a computer consultant, then you should typically begin by developing your computer skills as much as possible. You may want to receive a degree in computer science or information technology (IT), though this is not absolutely required. As you are developing your computer knowledge and abilities, you might also consider an area of IT in which you want to specialize, such as computer maintenance or networking. You can then become a computer consultant by finding companies in need of consultation and computer assistance, and providing those services to them.
One of the first things you should do to become a computer consultant is make sure you have the technical skills and knowledge necessary for this profession. You might consider receiving a degree from a college or university in computer science or IT. This is not a necessity in all instances, however, so if you have extensive professional experience working with computers, then you may not need such an education. Regardless of how you develop your computer skills, however, you need to be able to actually perform computer maintenance, set up networks, clean out malware, and perform any other services you wish to offer once you become a computer consultant.
As you are receiving the training you need to become a computer consultant, you might also consider choosing a field in which you want to specialize. Computer systems, in general, can require so many different types of maintenance or work that being able to do everything related to computers is usually impossible. You might, for example, choose to specialize in creating and administering websites, which then allows you to offer your services to companies in need of web development. On the other hand, you can become a computer consultant by working with companies to help create internal networks for them, which you can set up and maintain as a consultant.
Once you have the training you need to become a computer consultant, then you should begin looking for companies or organizations in need of your services. This may be difficult at first, but you should consider different ways in which you can “sell” your abilities to these businesses. You should consider “cold calling” businesses to offer your services, find companies unhappy with their current consultant and offer to provide them with better service, and develop relationships with a number of clients. As you become a computer consultant, you should look for new opportunities that you can reasonably support and continue to develop your professional relationship with those clients you wish to keep.
