How to break into tech consulting: Five practical tips for graduates   

If you’ve ever felt unsure about joining the tech industry without a Computer Science or Engineering degree, you’re not the only one. The idea that tech is just for coders or math experts is changing.

Many tech jobs, like business analysis, project support, risk, compliance, or cybersecurity, need skills such as critical thinking, good communication, teamwork, and the ability to learn quickly. In fact, around 85% of employers are using skills-based hiring processes, recognising that traditional qualifications alone are no longer a reliable predictor of success.

At FDM, we look for people from many different academic backgrounds. This is because solving problems in tech is easier when you have different viewpoints.

The main routes into tech consulting  

There are multiple pathways into consulting, each allowing individuals to contribute their unique strengths.

The graduate route: Our Graduate Programme is ideal for those with a bachelor’s degree, particularly in STEM, though we welcome anyone passionate about technology.

UX Designer Abby Sharky, now working at an IT company via FDM’s Graduate Programme, shares, “The best learning I’ve experienced has come from getting involved early, asking lots of questions, and learning from the people around me. Whether that’s other designers, developers, or business analysts.”

The apprenticeship route: Gain practical experience, develop new skills, and get paid while working toward a university degree.

The career returners route: Our Returners Programme supports experienced professionals re-entering the workforce after a career break.

Tips to start your career in tech consulting 

Tech is evolving fast, and so are the misconceptions around it. One of the biggest? A lack of understanding about what tech consultants actually do and the value they bring to organisations. In reality, the demand for professionals who can make sense of complex information, connect insights to real decisions, and help businesses navigate an increasingly digital world is only growing.

That said, stepping into tech consulting for the first time can feel daunting, especially without a technical background. You may come across tools you’ve never heard of and acronyms flying around in meetings, concepts that feel like a foreign language.

But, your mindset and willingness to learn will carry you further than any pre-existing technical knowledge ever could.

FDM Consultant Amber Zain, now a Help Desk Analyst at a financial institute, shares her experience when starting out: “I felt quite intimidated coming from an apprenticeship background. I expected consulting to be very fast paced, with high expectations to perform immediately and make a strong first impression.

In reality, the transition was much smoother than I anticipated. There was strong support from both FDM and the client. Having an understanding and supportive team who took the time to guide me helped me integrate, understand the role, and adapt steadily. This enabled me to naturally develop in the role with confidence, strengthening the quality of my work and my professional communication skills.”

Abby also thought that she would need to know everything beforehand. She shares, “The reality has been much more supportive and collaborative than I expected. I’ve been able to learn by doing, get regular feedback, and see how design decisions play out in real projects and with real users…There’s a strong focus on developing your skills rather than getting everything right first time, which has really helped me build confidence as a UX designer.”

Ultimately, your attitude plays a huge part in your success as not all employers will look for only experience. Be sure to communicate your passion for technology and contribute to the dynamic tech landscape.

If you’re ready to pursue a career in tech consulting, here are some valuable tips to get you started and build the knowledge and capabilities employers actively seek.

1. Get comfortable with key tools

It’s no surprise that building a range of technical skills is important for success in tech. Learning to use the tools that drive modern businesses is one of the best ways to boost your employability. Python is a great place to start. It’s a computer programming language that can be used to develop website applications, automate tasks and even carry out data analysis and visualisation. It’s a great beginner’s tool to learn. Power BI is also common in consulting; it’s Microsoft’s business intelligence platform for reporting and visualisation, and will make you more valuable from the start. Cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are now central to most enterprise technology.

For example, try working with real datasets in Power BI and write simple Python scripts to address practical challenges.

2. Strengthen your data literacy

Data literacy is a highly valued skill in technology, extending beyond basic spreadsheet use. It involves interpreting dashboards, identifying trends, and asking insightful questions about data limitations. These skills are important in project management, UX, business analysis, cybersecurity.

Start with Excel, focusing on formulas, pivot tables, data cleaning, and visualisation. Progress to Power BI, then learn basic SQL to access roles involving databases. While you do not need to become a data analyst, these skills are valuable in any position.

3. Understand AI’s role in business

AI is transforming business operations. Graduates who understand where AI adds value and where it does not will distinguish themselves from those with only technical tool knowledge.

Start by exploring practical applications of AI, such as automating repetitive tasks. Understand the limitations of AI and become familiar with widely used tools like Microsoft Copilot, AI-assisted coding, and automated reporting platforms. Develop a critical mindset to assess when to trust AI results and when to question them, as this skill extends beyond technical expertise.

At FDM, we’ve embedded AI fluency into our consultants’ training from day one. Amar Gill joined FDM’s IT Operations Practice and currently works as a cybersecurity analyst for a financial organisation. He says the AI training he received helped refine his existing skills. “Considering I was out of university for a few months, it was a really well-structured training to re-jog my memory on certain modules I had previously taken, and ensure I was site ready.”

4. Develop your soft skills deliberately

Communication, adaptability, critical thinking, and collaboration are highly valued in technology consulting. While some believe soft skills are either natural or learned on the job, you can and should develop them just as intentionally as technical skills.

Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms to those outside your field. Enhance your writing by documenting projects and lessons for others to understand. Find opportunities to collaborate under pressure, as adaptability is crucial.

Amber Zain shares one piece of advice she would give her pre-consulting self: “I would trust my abilities and embrace being a beginner rather than seeing it as a weakness. Focus on openly showing eagerness and interest by asking questions, sharing ideas, and bringing a fresh perspective. I’d also use this opportunity to actively communicate with team members within my role and across other areas, helping me better understand how our work contributes to the wider organisation. I’d also remind myself that there is a strong support system in place, including mentors from both the client and contractor sides, who are there to guide, support, and help grow throughout the journey.”

5. Build your professional presence and network

Your skills are most valuable when visible to the right audience. Use platforms like LinkedIn to highlight your progress, projects, and engagement, which are often more impactful than a list of qualifications. Ensure your profile reflects your current goals and experience. Post regularly about your learning, completed projects, new tools, or challenges solved.

Amar shares: “Post your achievements, sprint completions, and projects on LinkedIn. Build your personal brand.”

In addition to LinkedIn, connect with professionals in your desired roles and industries. Follow relevant companies and engage with content from experts in your target field.

Key types of technology consulting 

Tech consulting covers a wide range of specialisms, and as a graduate starting out, understanding the landscape helps you identify where your skills and interests fit best. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas you might work across:

1. IT Consulting

IT consultants help organisations get more out of their technology by identifying problems and recommending practical solutions. For example, helping a client to map out how their current systems work, spotting inefficiencies in how data moves between departments, or helping a business migrate from legacy systems to more modern infrastructure.

Common roles: IT Business Analyst, IT Project Coordinator, Systems Analyst, IT Support Consultant.

Common tools: ServiceNow, Jira, Microsoft Visio, Confluence, Microsoft 365.

2. Data Analytics

Data analytics consultants help businesses turn the information they collect into decisions they can act on. In practice, this might mean building a dashboard that gives a client a real-time view of their sales performance, cleaning a messy dataset so it can actually be used, or analysing customer behaviour to help a business understand why people are dropping off at a certain point in their journey.

Common roles: Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Reporting Analyst, Junior Data Engineer.

Common tools: Power BI, Tableau, SQL, Python, Excel, and Azure.

3. Cybersecurity Consulting

Cybersecurity consultants protect organisations from digital threats by identifying weaknesses before they can be exploited. For example, this could involve monitoring security alerts and investigating anything suspicious, running vulnerability assessments to find gaps in a client’s defences, or helping a business respond to and recover from a security incident.

Common role types: Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Security Consultant, Risk and Compliance Analyst.

4.Cloud Computing

Cloud computing consultants help businesses move their systems, data, and applications from traditional on-site infrastructure to cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. For example, you might help a client plan and execute a migration, testing cloud environments to make sure they’re performing correctly, or documenting how new cloud-based systems should be used and maintained.

Common roles: Cloud Engineer, Cloud Support Analyst, Cloud Infrastructure Consultant, DevOps.

Common tools: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Terraform.

Software Development

Software development consultants design, build, and improve the applications and systems that businesses rely on to operate. In a graduate role, you might be writing and testing code for a new feature, fixing bugs reported by end users, or contributing to sprint planning sessions where the team decides what to build next.

Common roles: Software Engineer, Developer, Application Support Analyst, Test Engineer

Common tools: Python, Java, JavaScript, Git, GitHub, Azure DevOps.

Ready to take the next step?

There is no single path into technology, and no background excludes you. Whether your strengths are in coding, data, design, or strategy, there is a role where you can excel.

Considering your next move? Explore how FDM can support your journey and help you stay at the forefront of digital transformation.

If you are just starting out, the FDM Graduate Programme is a great opportunity to launch your career in tech, with expert coaching and the chance to work with our industry-leading clients. Enquire today.