CAREER PATH OF AN IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Well, training to become an IT Support Specialist may be the right decision for you. Information Technology (IT) is an in-demand field for employment today. For example, schools, hospitals, corporations, and government entities all require IT specialists to maintain their computer networks. Similarly, software companies need computer user specialists to provide customers with installation and troubleshooting assistance. Furthermore, internet providers depend on IT support specialists to answer questions and help customers with connectivity. 

Southern Careers Institute can prepare you for a rewarding career in this field through their Computer Support Specialist Online Training program. The program is also offered at the Austin, Brownsville, Pharr, and North San Antonio campuses.

What Does an IT Support Specialist Do?

An IT support specialist helps maintain computer networks and gives technical assistance directly to computer users either within an organization or remotely.

They can also work for technical companies where the job description will include providing assistance to business and home consumers. In this case, they may also be known as help-desk technicians.

The following are job duties of a computer network specialist:

• Testing and evaluating existing computer network systems
• Performing regular maintenance to ensure that networks operate correctly
• Troubleshooting internet systems, local area networks (LANs), and wide area networks (WAN)

The following are job duties of a computer user support specialist:

• Diagnosing users problems with their computers
• Installing and maintaining software
• Setting up or repairing computer systems
• Training users to work with hardware such as printers and software such as word processing or email

Those in this job role may assist computer users in person, through email, or by phone. Help-desk technicians often work in call centers where they answer simple questions from non-business users. They also might walk customers through basic steps to establish or reestablish an internet connection.

Most computer support specialists work full-time jobs. This means they may be required to put in hours at night and on the weekend. Because computer support is so vital to many applications, support services often need to be available 24 hours a day. 

Training for IT Support Specialists

Southern Careers Institute offers both online and on-campus training for computer support specialists. Students can complete the program in as little as seven months if they enroll full time. Caring instructors see that they get the assistance they need. 

Here are the course requirements for IT support specialists:

• Computing Essentials
• Computer Hardware
• Keyboarding 
• Operating Systems
• Networking
• Security
• Productivity Tools
• Help Desk
• Customer Service
• Certification Preparation
• Career Readiness

 Once training is complete, graduates are eligible to sit for various certification exams. These include IC3 (internet crime complaints), CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ (Computer Technology Industry Association), Network Pro, (installing, configuring, and maintaining a network), NetSim (network simulator and emulator), Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and Windows (8 certifications available).

Job Outlook for IT Support Specialists

The industries with the highest levels of employment in the field of IT support include computer systems design, elementary and secondary schools, management enterprises, employment services, colleges, universities, and professional schools. As organizations upgrade their computer systems and software, more support and managed IT services will be needed.

Additionally, small businesses that do not have their own IT departments will need to contract with IT consulting firms and system administrators and this will increase demand. Similarly, the employment of support specialists in computer system design and healthcare is also projected to increase.  

Many people worry about their jobs being taken over by technology, but those employed in IT stay ahead of this trend. Because the field changes so rapidly, however, it is important to constantly nurture your career through continuing education.

It is also important to note that the rise in cloud service and computing equipment could increase the productivity of many in this career path. This could cause a decrease in the hiring of new staff at many firms. Overall, the key is to remain relevant through training.

Learn Computer Support Online

If you want to be in control of your life, the time is now to get your education. An education will allow you to qualify for a satisfying and well-paying job as an IT support specialist in Texas.

Studying from home has never been easier than it is right now, and SCI has a program that suits your interests and your situation. 

Contact our friendly and professional admissions staff to get on the path to your future. We offer career services to our graduates in the form of resume building, interviewing techniques, and job readiness training.

Connect with an employer seeking candidates for roles such as:

• Help Desk Specialists
• Desk Support Technicians
• IT Support Network Technicians
• Hardware/Software Installers
• Customer Support Specialists

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