Most industries need technical support specialists to keep their tech running smoothly. Learn more about what a technical support specialist does and if this field is for you. Learn how to build a successful career as an IT support specialist, from essential skills to certifications and practical experience.
How to Become a Help Desk Technician in 3 Steps
The degree program will take about four years to complete, and will get you completely job-ready. IT support specialist bootcamps include information technology bootcamps like Coder Academy, DevBootcamp, and Atlanta Code. You can even tailor your search to look for a bootcamp that offers job placement assistance and payment plans. Typically, it takes between three to five years to become an IT support specialist.
For Organizations
- Those in IT support often help develop and maintain an organization’s network systems, as well.
- Some organizations may also offer bonuses or profit-sharing plans based on individual performance or company success.
- Many companies feel having experience supports improved practical knowledge.
- IT support teams need both technical and soft skills to be effective in their roles.
- There are many great schools and educational pathways for becoming an IT support specialist.
You will learn about the network model and gain skills in debugging, customer support, Linux, troubleshooting, and cloud computing. A computer user support specialist is essentially a customer support specialist who deals with customers’ questions, responds to email requests, and assists users with technology issues. According to BLS, the average salary for computer user support specialists is $52,690. IT support specialists SysAdmin / IT Support Specialist job also design operating systems, perform system upgrades, maintain system security, and provide tech training for entry-level IT staff.
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Other responsibilities include Web development managing user control and access to networks, managing cloud systems and developing automation with tools like PowerShell. They should have technical knowledge of windows server and other desktop operations systems, as well as an understanding of virtual environments, such as VMware ESX and Microsoft Hyper-V. CompTIA certifications establish a baseline foundation of skills that you can build upon with other vendor or technology-specific certifications. You won’t have any guidance or anyone to answer your questions, you’ll have no support network if your motivation runs low, and you won’t have any training in soft skills either.
- As an IT support specialist, you may be working in any or all of these areas.
- Whatever your path, you must familiarize yourself with essential IT concepts such as networking, operating systems, hardware, and software troubleshooting.
- These professionals can be part of an in-house IT team, work at a help desk, or offer support as independent contractors.
- Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact…
- Those who earn CompTIA A+ prove to employers that they have the skills needed to perform all the tasks an IT support specialist job calls for.
