Computer Support Specialist - Job Description

Computer Support Specialist - Job DescriptionComputer Support Specialist - Job DescriptionA computer betreuung specialist assists benutzers who are having problems with software, computers, or peripherals such as printers or scanners. Some- called computer user support specialists- assist companies customers, while others- known as computer network support specialists- provide in-house support to an organizations information technology (IT) staff. Same Job, Different Title ansicht are some of the job titles that computer support specialists may also go by, although their duties are identical. When searching for job openings, also use these keywords Technical or Tech Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician, IT Specialist, Network Technician, Network Specialist, IT Consultant. Quick Facts Computer user support specialists earn amedian annual salaryof $50,210 and computer network support specialists earn $62,340 (2017).Of the 835,300 computer support professionals, 636,600 are computer user support specialists and 198,800 are computer network support specialists (2016).A variety of industries employ these technology workers. Some work for IT consulting firmsthat providetechnical supportto many different companies on a contractual basis.Technical support specialists sometimes work from home, but others travel to clients offices. fruchtwein jobs in this field arefull-time, but workers are not always scheduled during typical daytime hours. Computer users need support 24/7, and therefore support specialists must work during evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.Thejob outlookfor this occupation is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth that will be faster than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. Job opportunities will be very favorable in the healthcare and computer systems design industry. There are also expected to be openings with IT consulting firms, as small companies turn to them for tech support. A Day in a Computer Support Specialists Life These are some typical job duties taken from online ads for computer support positions found on Indeed.com Support common business and productivity softwareAssist callers with requests for information technology services, repair or support requests, complaints, and inquiries and direct to appropriate IT personnel via computer tracking systemDocument user calls issue resolution, and related processes and proceduresAnswer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or from aremote locationRecommend changes or updates in programming, documentation, and training to address system deficiencies and user needs Develop and assist in maintaining required technical documentation Educational Requirements, Soft Skills, and Advancement Opportunities All employers require that those they hire have computer expertise but many are flexible regarding how they acquired that knowledge. While some will only hire computer s upport specialists who have a bachelors degree, that is not usually the case. Some employers prefer job candidates who have an associate degree in computer science, but many others will hire workers who have just taken some computer classes. In addition to their technical skills, a computer support specialist must have particularsoft skills. These are personal qualities individuals were either born with or acquired through life experience. Excellentactive listening skills are a must. Without them, he or she wont be able to understand peoples needs. Verbal communication skillsallow a computer support specialist to convey information to those he or she is trying to help. Also required are superior critical thinking and problem-solvingabilities. After spending time helping customers or in-house users, some customer support specialists are promoted into positions where they help improve the design and efficiency of future products. Those who work for software and hardware companies ofte n advance very quickly. Some people who begin in this position later become software developers and network and computer systems administrators. What will employers expect from you? What will compel aprospectiveemployer to hire you? Here are some requirements from actual job announcements onIndeed.com Ability to learn and articulate technical information and convey to non-technical peopleExcellent attention to detail and multi-tasking abilityBe professional with clients and staffPassion for assisting others and problem-solvingAble to translate technical concepts into laymans termsCapable to work independently and multitasking Is this occupation a good fit for you? It is imperative to consider yourinterests,personality type, andwork-related valueswhen choosing a career.Aself-assessmentwill let you learn about your traits. Think about becoming a computer support specialistf you have the following ones Interests(Holland Code) RCI (Realistic, Conventional, Investigative)Personal ity Type(MBTI PersonalityTypes)ENFJ, INFJ, ENFP, INFPWork-Related Values Relationships, Working Conditions,Achievement Related Occupations DescriptionMedian Annual Wage (2017)Minimum Required Education/TrainingSoftware Quality Assurance EngineerIdentify problems with software$88,510Bachelors DegreeNetwork AdministratorManages an entities computer networks$81,100Bachelors degree in computer network and system administration or computer scienceWeb DeveloperCreates websites$67,990Bachelors degree in a computer-related field (preferred) or certification and experience Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NETOnline(visited December 22, 2018).