Every industry in today’s complex, global economy relies on technology, yet not all professionals and experts in those fields are proficient in the technology that they need to use on a daily basis. As a result, there is a demand for qualified and skilled computer support technicians. Computer technical support specialists can maintain and care for technological equipment, all while providing training and troubleshooting support when needed.
Understanding the Essential Duties of a Computer Support Technician
Computer support technicians are IT professionals who provide computer users organization with advice and guidance. In many cases, employees at an organization will call on a computer technical support professional if they are having technical difficulties or if their technology is not working properly.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the primary responsibilities of computer support technicians include:
- Evaluating technical issues that users are having to identify the cause and provide personalized support.
- Documenting any issues with technology to identify trends or patterns taking shape in an organization.
- Providing users with step-by-step instructions during the troubleshooting process, helping them to learn more about their devices and how they can utilize them more effectively and efficiently.
- Repairing computer equipment in the event of a technical issue.
- Installing new equipment or upgrading software on the company’s platform.
- Providing employees with training about new equipment or technology being implemented at the organization.
- Relaying information about major concerns to management.
Essentially, computer support technicians serve as a bridge between the IT department and all non-IT professionals in the building. They help ensure all users in the organization feel comfortable and confident while using their industry-specific technology.
Due to the nature of this position, it’s important that computer support technicians have a well-developed set of advanced technical skills. No two days are alike for computer support technicians, and they may have to perform a wide range of technical tasks to keep all operations running smoothly for the organization.
The Growing Demand for Computer Technical Support Professionals
As businesses of all sizes, and across all industries, continue to increase their reliance on the latest and most advanced technology, there is a growing need for experienced and skilled computer technical support professionals. Employment levels for computer support specialists are expected to rise by more than five percent between 2022 and 2032. The BLS predicts that there will be about 66,500 openings for computer support technicians each year throughout the next decade.
What sets this profession apart from others, however, is that the demand for IT support professionals extends beyond just one industry or sector. There are opportunities in a wide range of industries, such as:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Finance
- Business
There are a variety of trends taking shape that will continue to impact the landscape for computer support technicians. Some of the most notable trends in the industry include:
- To increase efficiency and improve customer outcomes, the IT industry will continue to focus more heavily on preventative maintenance and proactive support.
- The goal of IT support will shift from addressing the issue itself to prioritizing the user experience. In addition to quickly identifying the issue and implementing a solution, computer technical support professionals are working to provide users with advice that will help them become more confident with the technology in the future.
- Computer technical support professionals will continue to leverage artificial intelligence and other automatic technology to increase efficiency and improve outcomes.
Navigating the Path to Becoming a Computer Support Technician
The entry-level requirements to become a computer support technician vary based on the position available and the organization that is hiring. Some positions may require computer support technicians to have a high school diploma and relevant experience, while others may prefer candidates that have an associate degree.
The BLS notes that anyone interested in working as a computer technical support professional should focus on education or certification programs that cover relevant topics, such as:
- Server Administration
- Network Administration
- Information Security
- Help Desk Principles
- System Diagnostics
Regardless of the educational path that you pursue as a computer technical support professional, you will find that this position requires ongoing training and professional development. While technology continues to advance and evolve overtime, computer support technicians will need to continue to refine and improve their technical skills. As a computer support technician, you will be required to provide training and guidance related to new technology, which means that you will always need to be at the forefront of the latest technology advancements.
Embracing Education: Enrolling in a Computer Support Technician Program
While there is no specific educational qualification for the IT support field, it’s important to know that a skills-based diploma program can provide you with a competitive advantage in the job market. At Florida Technical College, we offer a Computer Support Technician Diploma program specifically geared toward this growing field.
The goal of this diploma program is to provide students with the skills-based instruction that they need to provide personalized technical support to users in a wide range of fields and industries. Students who complete this diploma program become proficient in:
- Performing system diagnostics.
- Troubleshooting technical difficulties for non-IT users.
- Repairing technology when necessary.
In addition to focusing on technical skills, this diploma program also offers insight into the best customer service practices, allowing students to meet the growing need for personalized and attentive service within the computer technical support field. The curriculum for this diploma program covers:
- Leading customer service strategies.
- Problem-solving approaches.
- Best practices in help desk support services.
Ultimately, students who complete this diploma program are prepared with the technical skills and business acumen required to pursue entry-level positions in the computer support field. Moreover, this diploma program prepares students to complete the CompTIA A+ certification program.
Elevating Your Career: Advantages of Specialized Training
While you do not necessarily need to pursue a degree or training program to pursue an entry-level position as a computer support technician, you will find that there are many advantages to the specialized training offered through a skills-based diploma program.
The benefits of pursuing a Computer Support Technician diploma program include:
- It provides you with the industry-specific, skills-based training you need to develop the most sought-after technical skills in IT support.
- It provides you with a foundation that you can build upon with further professional development. For example, after earning your diploma, you can continue to complete the requirements for the CompTIA A+ certification program.
- An additional educational qualification provides you with a competitive advantage in a crowded job market. With many other professionals looking to secure these positions, it’s important to be able to stand apart from other candidates and prove that you are the most skilled person for the job.
- It allows you to learn more about the best computer support strategies, ultimately helping you be more intuitive and successful as a computer support specialist. In an age where more people are craving personalized support and guidance, it’s incredibly helpful to be well-versed in the best help desk support strategies.
Embracing the Role of Computer Support Technicians in the Digital Age
The digital era is still in its dawning years, with experts predicting that advancing technologies will continue to redefine daily life and reshape the landscape for businesses across all industries. As a result, there will always be a need for skilled and qualified computer support technicians, though the role will continue to change and evolve over time.
If you are considering a career as a computer support technician, you must learn to expect the unexpected. Artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies will continue to have a significant impact on daily operations in businesses around the world, and these technologies may even alter the role of computer support technicians. While AI technology may reduce some of the menial or administrative tasks once completed by computer support technicians, this technology will also allow computer support technicians to focus on larger or more complex problems. To add, those that know how to leverage the lates technology will be able to use it to their advantage to provide end-users with the most comprehensive, personalized service.
Through your role as a computer support technician, you can make a difference in the lives of others who work in your organization and to share your passion with other professionals who surround you. This is a unique and rewarding career opportunity!
Prepare for a Career as a Computer Support Technician at Florida Technical College
At Florida Technical College, we offer a Computer Support Technician Diploma program designed to provide you with the skills needed to launch your career as an IT support specialist. This comprehensive program features a curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, such as information systems, operating systems, software applications, and the principles of help desk support.
Request more information about our skills-based, online degree programs today.
These examples are intended to serve only as a general guide of possible employment opportunities. There are many factors that determine the job an individual may obtain and Florida Technical College cannot guarantee its graduates any particular job. Some positions may require license or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular position you desire.
Sources
https://www.ftccollege.edu/program/diploma/computer-support-technician-diploma/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm#tab-4
https://www.fieldengineer.com/skills/pc-support-technician
https://www.extnoc.com/blog/future-of-it-support/
