Mr. Sunil Kumar
IT consulting has come a long way since its inception, transforming from the demand for subject matter experts (SMEs) in a single technology to the need for versatile engineers with a wide array of skills.
In this article, we look through the perspective of Mr. Sunil Kumar who, with a prominent footprint in the IT landscape, has quite a bit to contribute to this conversation, thanks to his work as Scaled Agile Trainer, Agile Practitioner, Scrum Trainer and much more, making for over a decade's experience in the ever-evolving IT landscape.
In the early days of IT consulting, knowledge of mainframe systems, particularly IBM, was crucial for performing large-scale computations and managing data. Kumar says, "As technology advanced, the focus shifted towards customizing software development to design interactive tools for data analysis and input." This marked the beginning of a new era, where IT consultants played a crucial role in business analysis, strategy consultation, and management services.
Mr. Sunil Kumar embarked on his journey in IT consulting a decade ago, working as a Business Data Analyst consultant for a major retail giant in the USA. His primary responsibility was to analyze existing systems and identify areas for improvement in processes and efficiency. This involved gathering data from various platforms, analyzing it, and presenting customized reports with strategic recommendations. However, as the complexity of data sources increased, including videos, blogs, texts, and PDF documents, along with the rise of the Internet of Things, managing and sourcing this data became technically and strategically challenging.
"Before 2015, most companies similarly managed their IT workforce to their non-IT contributors, relying on skill-based management approaches. However, as Agile methodologies gained traction, organizations realized the need to adopt a different approach to managing teams and their deliveries" - highlighted Kumar. Agile was introduced in the early 2000s but has yet to be widely embraced by industries utilizing information technology for their growth. By 2015, the shift towards Agile-based development models had become more prevalent, leading to a surge in demand for IT consultants with expertise in Agile.
The adoption of Agile methodologies revolutionized the IT management industry by enabling companies to meet the ever-changing demands of consumers through frequent, incremental deliveries. Kumar, looking back, stated that this change in the delivery process created a high demand for IT consultants with diverse skill sets, commonly known as full-stack developers. These consultants possessed a wide range of skills, from analysis and development to testing and deployment of solutions.
"This shift towards versatile skill sets prompted consulting firms to invest in training their consultants to work on the entire software development lifecycle." - says Kumar. Consequently, there was an increased demand for trainers who could impart these skills to IT consultants. The expert continued - "As technology continues to evolve, the need for consultants who can adapt to these changes remains crucial." Organizations are constantly seeking consultants who possess the expertise to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and improve business outcomes.
While the onset of AI may change the way organizations interact with customers, it cannot replace the demand for consultants who can effectively utilize AI to enhance business processes. Mr. Sunil Kumar, owing to quick adaptation and strategic decision-making, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between technology and business needs, providing valuable insights and guidance to organizations looking to optimize their operations.
IT consulting has undergone significant transformations over the years, and Mr. Kumar has been one of the exemplary players in the field, performing at the core of this ongoing evolution. His expertise in Agile methodologies and his ability to navigate the ever-changing IT landscape have made him a respected figure in the industry. As organizations continue to seek ways to leverage technology to improve their outcomes, the demand for IT consultants with diverse skill sets will only continue to grow.
