With the increasing integration of technology into our lives and the demand for complex business solutions, functional business consultants play a vital role in bridging the gap between business processes and technology implementation. Seek, Australia's leading job portal, predicts a significant 32.2% job growth for this role over the next five years, and with a typical salary of $115,000, this presents an enticing opportunity. But what exactly is a functional business consultant? Today, we will delve into what it means to be a professional in this role, the skills required for success, and how to pivot to this career path.
What is a Functional Business Consultant?
To put it simply, they are responsible for analysing, optimising, and streamlining specific functional areas within an organisation to drive efficiency, productivity, and growth. They bring together expertise from diverse backgrounds, including finance, commerce, business, teaching, and field sales, to provide valuable insights and recommendations. As problem solvers and facilitators, these professionals navigate unique projects that require effective communication, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Why choose a career in functional consulting?
1. High demand and continued growth:
A career in this field, particularly with Microsoft's Dynamics 365 and Power Platform, is highly sought after and expected to experience continued growth. As technology continues to shape the business landscape, professionals with expertise in these platforms and tools are in high demand. By staying at the forefront of technology trends, individuals in this field can secure their place in a thriving industry.
2. Versatile career path:
A career in functional consulting offers versatility and diverse opportunities for professional growth. Consultants can explore various career paths, such as program or project management, business analysis, or technical roles. This flexibility allows individuals to adapt to their interests, strengths, and evolving market demands, ensuring a dynamic and fulfilling career journey.
3. Impactful solutions:
Functional consultants have the opportunity to positively impact the world through the solutions they help build and implement. By leveraging their expertise to bridge the gap between business needs and technology capabilities, they contribute to the development of innovative solutions that drive organisational success. This fulfilment comes from creating something that has a lasting impact on people and organisations, making this career path deeply rewarding.
Skills for success:
To thrive in this field, individuals need a combination of technical and soft skills. These skills include effective communication, critical thinking, analytical abilities, adaptability, and the capacity to facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders. With a strong foundation in these skills, professionals in this field can navigate complex projects, understand business requirements, and translate them into practical, technology-driven solutions.
How to become a functional business consultant:
The UTS Graduate Certificate in Business Consulting and Technology Implementation has been co-designed with Microsoft and leading services firms Avanade, Capgemini, and EY. This program is specifically created to provide students from a wide range of backgrounds with the skills and knowledge to work in the professional field of functional consulting using Microsoft Dynamics 365. The initiative focuses on solving existing skill shortages and aims to fill some of the estimated 286,000 additional skilled technology workers needed over the next four years, as highlighted by the Tech Council of Australia.
In conclusion:
The role of a functional business consultant offers an exciting and future-proof career path. With the demand for skilled professionals who can bridge the gap between business processes and technology implementation, functional consultants are well-positioned for success. Their diverse backgrounds, range of skills, and expertise in platforms like Microsoft's Dynamics 365 and Power Platform make them invaluable contributors to organisational growth and transformation. By choosing a career as a functional consultant, individuals can embark on a journey of professional growth, versatility, and meaningful impact in an ever-evolving business landscape.
If your organisation needs to develop new skills in your workforce, talk to us at PLUS UTS to find out how we can help.
