We all use our computers on a daily basis—be it for work, school, or entertainment. However, even if we are good at taking care of them, computers are bound to meet challenges.
This is where a computer support specialist comes in. Due to their work nature, these professionals carry various titles such as technical support specialists, information technology specialists (IT specialists), computer technicians, or others.
Before we get to how to become a computer support specialist, we need to understand what one does. So, here we go further into what a computer support specialist is, what they do, and the skills one should have to become one.
What Is a Computer Support Specialist?
Computer support specialists—also called computer user support specialists or computer network support specialists—are support technicians who specialize in computers. Computer support specialists can resolve the issues remotely or in person, depending on the severity of the issue. They also provide recommendations to clients so that they can repair their computers, should problems arise.
They play an essential role in the routine maintenance of their organization’s computer networks, such as performing network file backups. These professionals can do maintenance daily, weekly, or monthly, and it’s critical to a company’s incident management efforts.
What does a computer support specialist do?
Computer support specialists offer assistance and advice to individuals and businesses who use computer software or equipment.
These tech-savvy individuals can choose from various areas in which to focus their expertise, for example, to maintain computer operations, configure and repair tools or malfunctions, assist customers, and document technical procedures and issues.
These professionals may be responsible for the following tasks:
- Testing network systems
- Observing the performance of internet systems
- Troubleshooting local area networks (LAN) and wide-area networks (WAN)
- Monitoring routine maintenance to ensure network performance
- Maintaining everyday computer operations
- Configuring computer equipment or related devices
- Repairing malfunctions
- Providing customer service assistance
- Maintaining technical records and documents
- Training customers on how to use new computer hardware or software.
In addition, many computer support specialists also offer helpful advice and suggestions to company decision-makers and executives.
Computer support specialist skills
The most important skill someone in this line of work must display is excellent communication skills, given the number of phone conversations, meetings, emails, and, in some circumstances, chats they engage in daily.
Candidates for the position of computer support specialist must have a wide range of soft skills in addition to technical knowledge and expertise. those include:
- Active Listening: Listening to your customers when they describe their problem or concern enables you to better understand the situation or problem they are dealing with.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluating a situation using logical thought and offering the best solution.
- Problem-solving: Having the ability to identify and analyze issues and provide solutions to customers.
- Customer-service skills: Having patience and empathy for your customers and their situations is vital for excellent customer service.
- Organization: Willingness to juggle multiple people’s needs at once, meeting deadlines, and achieving numerous daily tasks.
How To Become a Computer Support Specialist?
Now that we know what a computer support specialist does, let’s take a look at what it takes to become one.
Education
While education is not essential, obtaining a bachelor’s degree is an excellent foundation for a successful career in computer support. A bachelor’s degree is frequently required by large software companies that give support to enterprise customers who purchase their products or services.
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In addition, technical positions are likely to require a degree in fields such as computer science, engineering, or information science. However, higher-ranking or management positions, on the other hand, require a degree in information technology or a related field.
Certification
Certification is a great way to verify that computer support specialists have the necessary knowledge and skills. Companies may demand that their computer support staff have certifications in the products they employ. Since certification demonstrates competence in the field, passing a certification test may improve a specialist’s chances of finding employment.
Career path
Many computer support experts go on to work as network and computer systems administrators or software developers For example, companies frequently promote computer support specialists to software development or computer network administration after they have worked in customer service to create systems rather than simply treating client problems.
You may realize that you’ve taken on more tasks or that you’ve taken on a leadership role as your computer support specialist career progresses. The goal is to have a broad, comprehensive education that will provide you with the tools you need to not only maintain the position but advance in your profession.
Take the first step toward your career and enroll in our Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program.