Are you a Jira administrator dreaming of a career switch? The world of Jira consulting might be calling your name! It's a field that offers not only competitive compensation globally but also significant respect and influence, as consultants are often highly valued for their expertise. If you've ever considered this path, now might be the time to explore it.
The Foundational Skill: Jira Administration
Before anything else, let's be clear: strong Jira administration skills are a non-negotiable prerequisite. You can't become a Jira consultant without first mastering Jira administration. If you've never been a Jira admin, that's your starting point. Consultants are expected to know significantly more than their clients and their development teams combined. They represent deep expertise.
The #1 Consultant Skill: Communication
Beyond technical prowess, the most crucial skill for a Jira consultant is effective communication. It's not just about speaking a particular language (though decent English skills are often beneficial in a global context); it's about how clearly, efficiently, and persuasively you can articulate your ideas and thoughts. Equally important is your ability to truly understand your clients, stakeholders, and managers. Exceptional communication skills are the absolute key to success in this role.
Your Launchpad: Jira Training
So, you've got the Jira admin skills and you're working on your communication. Where do you actually start your consulting journey? My personal experience, and what I recommend, is to begin with Jira training.
When you're first starting, you won't know everything about every facet of Jira. This is normal. Training offers a relatively low-risk environment to hone your skills:
- Focused Scope: Trainings typically cover a predefined set of topics within a limited timeframe (e.g., a two-day Jira training outline). This focused context is less daunting than full-blown consulting.
- Learning Opportunity: During trainings, you'll face diverse questions from participants. This exposure will rapidly expand your knowledge base and teach you different ways to explain complex Jira concepts. You'll get comfortable admitting when you don't know something immediately, learning to say, "I'll get back to you with that information."
- Building Confidence: Regularly delivering trainings helps you get used to speaking in front of groups, articulating ideas under pressure, and refining your explanations. You'll learn to simplify concepts like issue type screen schemes, which can be challenging to explain.
I recall a training session where a participant struggled with the concept of workflow steps and statuses, arguing that only statuses were needed. This pushed me to explain workflow not just as a diagram, but as a state diagram, a concept familiar from computer science. These experiences are invaluable for a consultant.
Training is, in essence, a mini-consultation for your own learning. It helps you accumulate the practical experience and confidence needed to eventually become a world-class consultant.
Accelerating Your Consulting Journey
Becoming a top-tier consultant isn't an overnight process; it typically takes years of experience. However, with today's online resources, you can accelerate your growth by immersing yourself in all things Jira.
Consider these additional steps:
- Create Content: Just like what many others and I do, making YouTube videos about Jira can significantly help you articulate your thoughts, answer common questions, and build your personal brand. For instance, my "Get Answers" playlist is dedicated to addressing user queries.
- Engage with the Community: Actively participating in forums, answering questions, and sharing your insights helps solidify your understanding and visibility.
- Seek Feedback: Continuously solicit feedback on your explanations and delivery.
The journey to becoming a Jira consultant means you eventually reach a point where you don't just think about being a consultant; you simply are one. Start with trainings, embrace continuous learning, and build your profile.
If you're ready to start your journey in Jira consulting, or have questions about where to begin, feel free to reach out.