A highly skilled individual with a solid foundation in software and technology is an IT support specialist. If you have sophisticated computer abilities and are good at solving problems, you might want to think about working in this in-demand industry. In this post, we describe the duties of IT support professionals and how to turn them into one.
What exactly is an IT support specialist?
An IT support specialist advises users and fixes computer problems. People in this position are in charge of assisting users with just about any technical issues they may encounter. You need to have excellent communication skills and familiarity with standard computer systems if you want to work in this profession. It’s your responsibility to resolve any IT issues that customers or clients may encounter.
What tasks does an IT support specialist perform daily?
The strong demand for IT support specialists is primarily due to the importance of their work to the smooth everyday activities of most firms. The following tasks can be expected of an IT support specialist:
- Help consumers troubleshoot typical computer problems or difficulties
- Respond to inquiries, grievances, and requests for IT services, maintenance, support, or maintenance
- Contact the proper IT staff with any user messages or phone calls
- Use an electronic ticket management system.
- Give suggestions for enhancing computer networks.
- Offer documentation for customer service questions and responses
- Update and manage them to guarantee that systems are working successfully and effectively.
- Introduce fresh business and productivity tools
- Educate personnel about new devices, software, and industry standards
- Keep security databases updated and backed up
The typical pay for IT support specialists
According to Indeed Salary, whose pay data is often updated, the average annual compensation for a support expert is $43,905. Industry, geographical area, amount of education, and experience all affect salary.
Skill sets for IT support specialists
An IT support specialist is knowledgeable about technology and at ease fixing computer problems. A competent IT support specialist also possesses the following abilities:
- Analytical: A lot of the issues you try to resolve are technical. It’s your responsibility to assess a scenario and determine what the best course of action would be. A knowledgeable IT support professional is aware that a system fault could be caused by several moving parts.
- Communication: The majority of this position will include communicating with clients or internal users. You should probably be at ease and articulate when speaking on the phone. Whether you’re using the live chat or email option, you’ll probably require good communication skills to deliver clear written instructions and guidance.
- Innovative problem-solving: You might not immediately see every computer solution. To solve complex problems, one needs to occasionally use creativity.
- Organization: IT experts frequently have to handle multiple duties at once. Your ability to stay organized will help you maintain track of all of your ticket demands.
- Be patient: People who contact you probably won’t be as familiar with computers as you are. Maintaining your cool will assist you to clarify what this user has to do to solve their issue.
- Solving issues: Troubleshooting is a big element of what you do. You can do better in this position if you have problem-solving abilities.
- Technical: You must have a firm grasp of computer hardware and applications. You can only address the issues that your users have if you have a thorough understanding of how these things operate.
- Time-management abilities: IT workers must have great time management abilities because they frequently work alone. To keep a clear image of what must be done on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, this includes organizing and prioritization. Goal-setting, planning, and delegation are all included to make sure that activities are completed on time and in harmony with the overall objectives.
- Observation of details: An IT specialist needs to pay close attention to details to pick up on crucial details that others might have missed. When issues develop, paying close attention to detail helps guarantee prompt remedies. IT experts should be able to lead a dialogue with the appropriate questions, assisting the client or employee in fully describing a problem. The IT expert must then pay close attention to any details that might point to the issue.
How to Start a Career as an IT Support Specialist
To become an IT support specialist, follow these steps:
1. Get a university degree
Candidates with great computer abilities are in high demand from employers. Although individuals without a college education may be taken into consideration, obtaining a bachelor’s or associate degree in computer science or a closely related field of study will make you stand out from the competition. Regardless matter whether you earn a degree, you’ll likely require some training to be competent enough to perform successfully in this role.
2. Improve soft skills
Take steps to build the soft skills you’ll require in this profession in addition to your technical skills. To demonstrate that you can comprehend a users wants completely and find the best solution for them, engage in active listening. A significant portion of this profession involves chatting on the phone frequently, so be sure you are also proficient in verbal communication.
3. Make a program for an internship or entry-level position.
Although there are many entry-level IT positions available, you can also start your career in this field by doing an internship. Ask insightful questions and make the most of your networking opportunities during your internship. An internship frequently leads to a full-time job.
How to Build a Successful Career as an IT Support Specialist
An ideal IT skill set is dynamic and offers space for expansion. To develop your profession as an IT support specialist, take the following actions:
1. Get certificates
Obtaining certificates demonstrates to companies that you possess a unique combination of talents. Some businesses employ IT support experts to offer help for a single platform or specialty. A certification from the list below might be worth pursuing:
- Microsoft Technical Professional (MTA): Microsoft has several certifications available in fields including database basics, security basics, windows – based operating fundamentals, and other topics that could help you progress your career. Choose the MTA certification that will help you stand out from other applicants.
- CompTIA A+ Certification: This accreditation from CompTIA proves to potential employers that you have a strong background in hardware, tech assistance, and troubleshooting. You will also gain knowledge on subjects including security, mobile technology, and operating processes.
- Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP): If you are thinking about working with macOS, you should obtain this certification. It demonstrates that you are an expert at using this system as well as possessing the necessary support resources.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate: With this entry-level certification, you can show prospective employers that you know how to install, run, and manage enterprise-level switches and routers. This certification enables IT professionals to identify and fix common network issues.
- Network+: This internationally recognized certification attests to your proficiency in wireless as well as wired network design, management, and troubleshooting.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional: Your competence to defend enterprises from cyberattacks is confirmed by this well-recognized certification. It demonstrates the ability to design and oversee security initiatives for information at the technical and administrative levels.
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Employers can see that you can create creative solutions using a variety of technologies thanks to this mid-level certification. Among the specialties available for this certification are desktop architecture, business analytics, communications, and server infrastructure.
2. Acquire expertise
You may eventually be given a higher-level job inside your organization following a couple of years of being employed in a position where you help internal users or clients. Show that you have the knowledge and abilities to enhance the functionality and styling of the firm’s computer systems. The potential for success may even be greater if you operate for a hardware or software company. You might eventually progress to positions like a software engineer or computer network administrator.
3. Network
Developing relationships with others in the field can help you progress in your career. Join several IT professional groups to network with other IT support professionals. Bring extra business cards to gatherings where you network so that you can distribute them. Make sure you stay in touch and build a professional connection with everyone you meet.
4. Improve your resume.
Your resume should be updated to reflect your most recent education, employment history, and certifications. Provide the company’s name, your position, and the duties you undertook for every employment entry. Strive to highlight the responsibilities that are most pertinent to a career as an IT specialist, emphasizing important abilities that might transfer to such a position.
5. Seek jobs as an IT specialist
Find local openings for IT specialists and apply for the ones that most suit your skills. While applying for jobs, keep in mind that small businesses frequently have fewer experience requirements if you lack the necessary amount of relevant expertise. With your newly produced CV and a cover letter that’s been tailored for the prospective employer and the role, submit applications for the jobs for which you are most qualified.
Workplace for IT professionals
IT specialists generally operate in offices with the following features:
- Spending a lot of time at a desk
- Utilizing fax machines, computers, printers, and other office supplies
- Cooperating with outside parties and corresponding with management
- It may be necessary to labor on the weekends or after hours to ensure that a network or website is always operational.
Reasons to Work as an IT Support Specialist in 2023
There are numerous compelling reasons to work as a tech support specialist in 2023. There are a few additional factors that might influence your choice to make a career in IT support, in addition to the excellent job outlook and numerous prospects for career progression.
- The career is in high demand. Nowadays, information technology is used in practically every aspect of life. IT support professionals are expected to have significant job growth rates as long as companies and services continue to be computer-based.
- There are employment openings in a wide range of industries. Many important products and services require IT assistance. IT support specialists generally work in the creation of computer networks and for technology organizations inside the tech sector. The most likely locations for discovering them outside of technology are in business leadership and educational services.
- You can use it to prepare for a variety of other tech careers. Many of the skills needed by IT support specialists are also necessary for other jobs in the tech industry. A profession as an IT support specialist gives you many of the skills required to reach more challenging career objectives.
- It’s a stimulating place to work. It can be difficult to learn much of the information, abilities, and responsibilities of IT support workers, and these requirements frequently alter as technology develops. You need to be flexible and ready for a challenge in this industry.
Job Qualifications for IT Support Specialist
IT support specialist work demands differ depending on the firm and employment level. Businesses frequently have their requirements for technical proficiency, amount of expertise, and educational background.
The following information explains some of the prerequisites for becoming an IT support specialist.
- Education. One of the initial qualifications needed to become an IT support professional is often earning a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a closely related branch of study. Even so, some organizations might consider an associate’s degree with further education.
- Certification for professionals. Professional certificates are needed in different sectors of IT work. In any case, they’re a fantastic way to attract employers’ attention. The professional certifications offered by Google, CompTIA, and Cisco are a few of the most well-known ones for IT specialists.
- Technical foundation. IT support experts must possess a strong set of technical abilities, including excellent analytical, sophisticated computer, incident management, and writing abilities.
- Interpersonal and customer service abilities. As an IT support professional, your responsibilities will include aiding internet users in a range of IT sectors, instructing individuals on system updates, and resolving technical problems. Listening skills are essential for these occupations because they involve a lot of communication.
Career Options for IT Support Specialists
IT support specialists have a wide range of job options. This profession provides an array of specializations, from entry-level technical support employment to senior tech-related jobs. The most typical positions for IT support specialists are shown below.
1. Expert in Network Support
National average yearly salary: $65,450
Primary responsibilities: The activities associated with networks, such as troubleshooting, upholding network security, and assessing network problems, are handled by network support specialists, who are equivalent to IT support specialists in this regard.
2. Help specialist for computer users
National average yearly salary: $52,690
Primary responsibilities: A computer user support professional is a customer service specialist who handles inquiries from consumers, answers emails, and helps users with technological problems.
3. Specialist in Senior Technical Support
National average yearly salary: $65,086
Primary responsibilities: The IT support teams are managed and led by a senior technical support specialist. The position also entails several administrative duties like project management, hiring, and training for entry-level IT support workers.
What Is the Time Frame for Becoming an IT Support Specialist?
A typical training period for IT support specialists is three to five years. The length of time it takes, though, largely relies on the educational level you’re going for. Also, as requirements differ depending on the organization, it depends on their needs.
It will take you two to three years to complete your study and be prepared to hunt for employment if you’re looking for an Associate Degree in Computer Science. You would need to complete a bachelor’s degree within a period of four to five years if you choose to do so. Attending a coding boot camp is another option that will hasten your preparation.
Top Colleges & Education for a Career as an IT Support Specialist
An IT support expert can pursue a variety of excellent academic programs and career paths. A few of the options you have after receiving your high school diploma are mentioned below.
Bootcamps for IT Support Specialists
Information systems bootcamps like DevBootcamp, Coder Academy, and Atlanta Code are examples of IT support specialist bootcamps. You can even focus your research to search for a bootcamp that provides financial aid and help with job placement.
Vocational Institute
Higher education institutes known as vocational schools offer skill development for jobs in practical sectors. The training required for this career can be obtained by enrolling in a computer science course at a vocational school.
Neighborhood College
A community college can be used as a replacement for a traditional institution. In addition to providing a choice of associate’s degree and certification programs, community schools are far less expensive than four-year universities. It would take roughly two years to complete an associate’s degree program in information technology, computer engineering, or some other IT-related field. Community College of Massachusetts and Philadelphia Bay Community College are the top state schools for computer engineering and other related courses.
Degrees for IT support specialists
A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or information technology is the most common educational path for a career as an IT support specialist. You can finish the degree program in around four years and will be fully prepared for employment.
A master’s computer science degree is also an option; this would need an extra two years of study. But, unless you plan to pursue senior IT employment immediately after graduation, it is typically not necessary.
How to Get the Job Interview You Want as an IT Support Specialist
You should review your pertinent IT knowledge and abilities, as well as conduct research on the IT infrastructure of your possible employer, to be well-prepared for your IT support specialist position interview. A few of the most typical inquiries made to applicants during the interview are listed below.
Practice questions for job interviews with IT support specialists
- What tasks have you performed involving the upkeep and security of hardware and networks?
- Inform us about our IT systems and products and how you’d like to deliver the best technical support possible for them.
- Are you up to date on the newest software and developments in information technology? If so, kindly give us some illustrations.
- In an online chat with a disgruntled consumer, how would you respond?
Conclusion
It’s a great career preference if this is a sector that intrigues you. The need for IT support personnel will continue to rise as long as technology advances and more elements of life shift online. This well-paying, secure employment provides stability, chances for growth, and a strong foundation from which you’re able to investigate other IT specialties.
Frequently Asked Questions about IT Support Specialists
- Can a Coding Bootcamp Prepare Me to Work as an IT Support Professional?
Sure, a coding bootcamp can prepare you for a career in IT support. A coding bootcamp is a brief, technical skills training course that aids in preparing you for employment in the IT industry. Coding bootcamps provide a wide range of job preparation services, such as help with portfolio development, resume evaluation, and interview practice. Numerous bootcamps also guarantee employment. This means that if you are unable to find employment within six months of graduating, you will receive a complete tuition refund.
- Can I Work From Home as an IT Support Specialist?
If you possess a college degree or technical experience, you can work from home as an IT support professional by obtaining an online Bachelor’s computer science degree or by enrolling in an online coding bootcamp. To learn the necessary skills, you can also sign up for appropriate online computing classes provided by MOOC platforms like Coursera and Udemy.
- Is it Possible to Work as an IT Support Specialist Without the need for a Degree?
Sure, by participating in online computer science classes or joining information technology bootcamps, you can become an IT support specialist without the need for a degree. To begin your career, you can also obtain a professional qualification. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the majority of businesses will want either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree.
- Is Being an IT Support Specialist Difficult?
The difficulty of becoming an IT support professional is a topic of debate. It does, however, necessitate less formal schooling than many positions in the computer sector. Nothing prevents you from trying this field if it interests you.
- What Does an IT Support Specialist Make on Average Per Year?
The average annual wage for an IT support specialist is about $55,510, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, salaries for network support specialists are marginally higher than those for user support specialists. The average annual salary for the second category of IT support specialists is $52,690, compared to $65,450 for the first.
- What skills are required of IT support specialists?
Customer and technical service expertise, as well as analytical, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities, are prerequisites for IT support specialists.