Consultant
Outside expert role
A consultant is someone hired to give expert advice in a specialized field: a management consultant, a security consultant.
The term implies outside expertise brought in temporarily rather than permanent employment.
Companies hire consultants to solve specific problems, provide objective assessments, or fill knowledge gaps.
The word sometimes carries skeptical connotations—suggesting someone paid handsomely for advice that may be obvious or impractical.
One who gives guidance
- strategistExpert in planning campaigns
- analystOne who examines systematically
- BCGTuberculosis immunization
- engagementCommitment to wed or attend
deliverable · stakeholder · recommendation · audit · assessment · proposal · retainer · billable
Self-employed service provider
- self-employedWorking independently, not hired
- solopreneurSelf-employed business owner
- portfolioCollected works or assets
- gigShort-term paid work
contract · hourly · rate · invoice · client · retainer · networking · LinkedIn
Expert in one field
- referralDirecting someone elsewhere
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
- second opinionAdditional expert consultation
- oncologistPhysician specializing in tumors
cardiologist · neurologist · dermatologist · appointment · examination · clinic · hospital · outpatient
Computer systems management
- softwarePrograms directing computer operations
- implementationPutting plans into effect
- SAPBusiness software giant
- OracleProphetic shrine or speaker
systems · infrastructure · integration · developer · architect · troubleshooting · deployment · migration
advisor
One who gives guidance
- strategistExpert in planning campaigns
- analystOne who examines systematically
- BCGTuberculosis immunization
engagement · deliverable · stakeholder · recommendation · audit · assessment · proposal · retainer · billable · outsourcing
freelancer
Self-employed service provider
- self-employedWorking independently, not hired
- solopreneurSelf-employed business owner
- portfolioCollected works or assets
gig · contract · hourly · rate · invoice · client · retainer · networking · LinkedIn · pitch
specialist
Expert in one field
- referralDirecting someone elsewhere
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
- second opinionAdditional expert consultation
oncologist · cardiologist · neurologist · dermatologist · appointment · examination · clinic · hospital · outpatient · physician
IT
Computer systems management
- softwarePrograms directing computer operations
- implementationPutting plans into effect
- SAPBusiness software giant
Oracle · systems · infrastructure · integration · developer · architect · troubleshooting · deployment · migration · cybersecurity
Consultantemployee
Hired organizational member
company man · insider · direct hire · lifer · rank and file
Consultantclient
One who hires professionals
advisee · trainee · apprentice · mentee · consultee
Consultantdecision-maker
One with choosing power
executive · implementer · manager · operator · doer
- legal consultationProfessional guidance on law
- pediatrician consultationMedical visit for minors
- travel consultantsJourney planning specialists
- public relations consultantManages client-public communication
- management consultantExternal business problem-solver
- free consultationMeeting without payment required
consultants, consultancy, consultancies, consultative, consultation, consultations