Consultants regardless of discipline or focus pursue continuing professional development in order to stay relevant and competitive. They are in the nature of advanced formal studies, on- line seminars , boot camps, conferences, practitioners forums, among others.
This is where they add value while acting as sparring partners to clients and organizations. Aside from continuous learning and adaptation, other known skill sets of competent consultants are project and project risk management, collaboration and communication and as they mature in consulting practice, achieved industry exposures.
By virtue of their technical orientation and focus, those in the IT consulting field are apparently ahead in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning and practice curve. They carry the so-called hard skills. On the side of those categorized as soft skills consultants e.g. Human Resource Consultants, they face the challenge of reskilling and skilling.
The following will empower consultants to leverage AI technologies, drive innovation, and deliver impactful solutions to their clients.
- Understanding AI Fundamentals – foundation in AI Concepts, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing and computer vision, how they work and their applications.
- Data Analysis and Management –AI relies heavily on data. Consultants must learn how to collect, clean, analyze, and manage data effectively. Skills in data science, statistics, and database management are essential. Tools like Python, R, SQL, and various data visualization software should be mastered
- Ethics and Governance in AI – As AI technologies advance, ethical considerations become increasingly important. Consultants should understand the ethical implications of AI, including bias, privacy, and accountability. Knowledge of AI governance frameworks and regulations is also necessary to ensure responsible AI use.
- AI Tools and Platforms – Familiarity with AI tools and platforms such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and cloud-based AI services (e.g., AWS AI, Google Cloud AI) is crucial. Hands-on experience with these tools will enable consultants to develop and deploy AI solutions effectively.
Do not be left behind; invest in AI knowledge acquisition and practice to adequately compete and stay relevant.
Do not be left behind; invest in AI knowledge acquisition and practice to adequately compete and stay relevant.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nery Mendoza, CMC®
She is Certified Management Consultant and is a practicing Business Adviser,
Executive, Career and Community Coach.
