If working with network and computer systems and computer software interests you, it\’s a great field to enter.
But what goes into this specialist work?
Let\’s take a closer look at what a computer specialist does, how to become one, and what types of jobs are available.
What A Computer Support Specialist Does
To determine whether or not it\’s the type of career you’d like to pursue, it’s important to understand computer support specialist requirements.
Computer support specialists give assistance to people and companies who use computers.
That means they provide technical support either for people using networks or to individual computer users. Some tasks they may perform in this role include:
- Testing network systems
- Monitoring routine maintenance to ensure network performance
- Observing internet systems\’ performance, as well as the performance of local area networks (LAN) and wide-area networks (WAN)
Another term for this position is \”technical support specialist\” or \”help desk technician.\”
Desk technicians often work in call centers and work as an organization\’s resource for computer troubleshooting.
These specialists also test, analyze, and evaluate systems to proactively get ahead of problems.
Required Skills
What skills do you need to be a computer support specialist?
Obviously, an intimate knowledge of computers and IT protocols is necessary. But it goes beyond that – you need soft skills as well.
A great deal of a computer support specialist\’s job involves customer service and interaction. That means listening to customer issues, accurately capturing the issue, and diagnosing the problem.
Then you must guide customers through the steps needed for problem-solving and managing the repair if necessary.
Specialists are sometimes required to lead training for new users of both software and hardware. This can include printers, copy machines, collaborative software, or email.
Another critical component of the position is keeping track of recurring issues to avoid new users experiencing them in the future.
One of the top skills for a computer support specialist is the ability to communicate with others effectively.
Many times, the users a support specialist deals with are not particularly IT-savvy.
That means the specialist will need to explain the issue in plain language that\’s easy to understand for users with little to no experience using the platforms being explained.
Become A Computer Support Specialist
You may ask yourself, \”How do I become a computer user support specialist?\”
The most important part is to understand how to perform the responsibilities of the job. Depending on the company you work for, you won\’t need a bachelor\’s degree or any specific type of degree.
There are no computer support specialist education requirements. However, you do need experience working with computers. You also need to possess the skills required to perform the role.
How long does it take to become an IT specialist?
It depends on the platform you use to get the skills and knowledge needed. By partnering with an online platform or educational source, you can become a computer support specialist much quicker than through traditional methods.
The online program at Southern Careers Institute can take as little as seven months to complete, putting you well on your path to becoming a computer support specialist.
Computer Support Specialist Jobs
With a number of career paths available, it\’s a great field to enter. The job outlook is stable.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is projected to grow 10% by 2028, which is significantly faster than the average for other jobs.
As computers become a bigger part of the workforce and related jobs spring up, more support services will be needed within companies using these computers.
Computer support specialists will be needed to help install and repair equipment. They will also need to help new users acclimate to the various IT systems.
One specialized set of computer support specialists – those specializing in computer systems design – can expect employment levels to increase by 24% in the same time frame.
A computer support specialist\’s salary is also a positive part of entering the field. It\’s a lucrative field to enter.
The median salary for a computer network support specialist is $62,770. The lower end earns around $38,270 while the higher end earned around $105,770.
Whereas, the median salary for computer user specialists is $50,980. The low end for that position earns around $31,220 while the high end can earn around $84,510.
A Fresh Start With a New Career
Working as a computer support specialist can be a fulfilling, profitable, and stable career choice for those looking to get their foot in the door in IT.
The key is to receive a thorough, comprehensive education that equips you with the tools needed to not just survive in the role, but thrive.
There are many programs available, so it\’s important to identify the one that works best for you.
Whether you\’re looking to be an IT specialist, help desk technician, computer user support specialist, computer network support specialist, or just generalized tech support, getting started in a flexible online training program is critical to ensure you have the skills needed to excel.
The computer support specialist program at Southern Careers Institute can help develop the skills you need. SCI will guide you to gain expertise in information technology and computer support that prepares you for a variety of employment opportunities.
You can complete the program in as little as seven months and receive the educational foundation needed to succeed.
As an SCI graduate, you can open up a new chapter in your story and start a fresh career path. To get started, contact us today!
Sources
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm#tab-2
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm#tab-4
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm#tab-5
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm#tab-6
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.
