What Is a Help Desk Technician?

A help desk technician, also sometimes called a computer support specialist, a desktop support technician or a help desk analyst, is a trained IT professional. These positions are essential to today’s workforce. 

Throughout the course of a business day, many computer users run into technical and non-technical difficulties. They rely on the services of computer support specialists to troubleshoot and resolve their IT problems. 

Without the expertise of computer support specialists, many businesses and organizations would have difficulty operating. Help desk professionals are a vital part of most organizations, as they help keep computer downtime to a minimum.

What Does A Help Desk Technician Do?

Computer support specialists provide vital support to a variety of industries. Without their technical support and troubleshooting services, businesses, schools, and other organizations would not be able to operate efficiently. In addition to identifying and resolving computer issues, technicians may also:

• Set up computer systems and new hardware

• Install and update software

Some technicians may also help troubleshoot internet connections and related devices such as routers and modems. There are several job titles related to help desk technicians that perform this type of work, including:

• Computer Support Specialist

• Desktop Support Technician

• Computer Specialist

• Computer Technician

• Help Desk Analyst

• Network Technician

• Support Specialist

• Technical Support Specialist 

• Computer Support Engineer

• IT Support Specialist

• Field Service Technician

• Desktop Support Analyst

Computer support specialists enjoy the variety of work they encounter each day. Many specialists feel good about being able to help computer users solve problems. Technicians know that their role is vital to the operations for the companies where they work.

How Much Does A Help Desk Technician Make?

According to Investopedia, the average computer support technician makes an median annual wage of around $47,610. Entry level help desk technicians may make less, while those with several years of experience may make more. The salary for a computer technician depends on several factors, including:

• Training

• Experience

• Education level

• Certifications

• Position title

• Location 

• Industry

Similarly, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the projected job growth for help desk technicians is excellent. As computer equipment and software become more complex, the need for technicians will continue to increase. 

Is Working At A Help Desk A Good Job? 

Computer technicians enjoy a comfortable, indoor work environment. Many positions require that you report to the same office location every day. Other technicians may be able to provide support remotely and work from the comfort of their own home. In some positions, support technicians may need to travel to a client’s location to resolve a complex problem. 

IT support is usually needed around the clock, so technicians may need to work a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Because each computer support specialist position is different, it’s important for job seekers to carefully read each job description. Help desk professionals work anywhere computers are in use, which is just about every industry: 

• Businesses of all sizes 

• Schools and colleges

• Financial institutions

• Hospitals and clinics

• Government agencies and offices

People who work at a help desk enjoy their jobs because they know they are fulfilling a very important role in technology.

How Do I Become A Help Desk?

Becoming qualified for a help desk job is easier than you think. Anyone with basic computer knowledge, an interest in technology, and the desire to succeed will do well in a help desk professional training program.

Today, it’s easier than ever to launch a computer support specialist career. There are many routes to becoming a help desk technician, but you don’t need to attend several years of schooling.

In fact, there are a variety of short-term tech training programs that last less than a year. At Southern Careers Institute, our Computer Support Specialist program can be completed in as little as seven months.

Computer support specialists need to be able to communicate effectively and remain patient while troubleshooting problems. That’s why our training program will also help you polish your customer service and public speaking skills. You’ll graduate a well-rounded professional, ready to start your career. In addition, SCI training programs will prepare you to sit for several help desk certifications. 

Best Certifications For Help Desk Jobs 

Graduates of SCI Computer Support Specialist Training are prepared for a variety of exciting certifications. Our thorough and career focused education prepares you for some of the top help desk certifications today, including:

• IC3 Digital Literacy 

• CompTIA: A+, Network+, and Security+

• NETWORK PRO: Test Out Network Pro

• NETSIM: NETSIM (TEST OUT) PC Pro

• Microsoft Office Certifications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook

• Windows Certifications

Earning these certifications expands your career options, as they prove you have the help desk technician skills that employers want. For some companies, certifications are a help desk technician education requirement that you need to have completed prior to accepting a position. SCI will help prepare you for the workforce. You’ll graduate a confident, highly trained computer support specialist. 

How To Become An Online Tech Support Professional

Online tech support professionals help customers remotely, either over the phone, via email or chat. Even though you are a TX help desk technician, you may be helping someone in another state or even a different country! 

When you complete our computer training program, our Student Career Services can assist you in finding a help desk technician job. Southern Careers Institute is a name that employers know and trust. Before you know it, you will be working at your first help desk job.

Help Desk Technician Training In Texas

At SCI, we understand that finding the best IT technician training program for you shouldn’t be hard. Our top computer support programs are offered at several SCI campus locations in Texas is offered in:

• Austin

• Brownsville

• Pharr

• San Antonio – North

• Online

Our online training is a convenient option for anyone juggling the demands of a family or a job. As a student in SCI’s program, you’ll learn what every help desk tech should know. You’ll graduate with the expertise and knowledge needed to launch your career.

Sources

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/101315/10-best-tech-jobs.asp

Blog Disclaimer: Information stated in this blog is for general information purposes only. SCITexas.edu not assume or guarantee income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at Southern Careers Institute.