They also work in tandem with other IT specialists, such as software developers and cybersecurity professionals, to help an organization reach its goals. Penn Foster’s up-to-date, online IT Support Specialist Career Diploma covers basic hardware and software skills, as well as the fundamentals of networking and cloud computing. You’ll also prepare to sit for the CompTIA 1001 and 1002 exams to earn certification. If you haven’t worked in any relevant positions in the field, try to highlight any duties or skills from past jobs that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Including a cover letter will also give you a chance to contextualize skills and knowledge that would be helpful in the position. Since much of the job’s responsibilities involve helping clients with problems, employers may prefer candidates who have experience in customer service or technical support.
Software developer
It’s not just about showcasing your skills; it’s about engaging in meaningful conversations, joining groups that resonate with your interests, and becoming a part of the more prominent IT family. Many software developers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering. You can also gain relevant experience through coursework or a boot camp, or through an internship. Software developers (sometimes called software engineers) build the systems and applications that run on computers, phones, and other devices. These programs are typically designed to allow companies or employees to perform specific tasks, like managing data or collaborating across teams.
Skills and Qualifications
If you’re exploring various professional paths, Dreambound has in-depth guides to help assist you. Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology, Kathryn Uhles has served University of Phoenix in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining University of Phoenix, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.
Get started in computer support
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT specialists typically earn an average salary of $59,660 per year (or $28.68 per hour). Plus, the Bureau projects that job opportunities will grow by 5% by 2032—that’s a rate faster than most other industries. A job as an IT support specialist combines a passion for computers with a passion for problem-solving and customer service, and the demand for these professionals is rising. Develop your skill set and make yourself a more competitive job candidate by learning as much about IT support as possible. On Coursera, you’ll find opportunities to learn from some of the world’s leaders in IT. Communication skills and customer service skills are also important to the success of an IT support specialist.
By earning CompTIA A+, IT pros have all they need to land an entry-level IT support role, even if they have no IT education or experience with tech support. The level of stress can vary depending on the work environment, the specific duties of the role, and how well-equipped you are to handle the demands of the job. However, some employers offer training programs for new hires with no prior experience. They may also specialize in specific areas such as network security or cloud computing. However, some roles may require on-site work especially if the job involves hardware troubleshooting. IT support professionals usually work in an office environment, but with advancements in technology, remote work has become increasingly common in this field.
Education Alternatives: Bootcamps and Online Learning Platforms
- If you have CompTIA A+, you are qualified for an entry-level IT support role, with or without a degree.
- The certification covers troubleshooting, cloud monitoring, security events, and security solutions.
- You can also find an IT job in a variety of industries from manufacturing to hospitality.
- For instance, courses offered by Climb Hire include job readiness training in interview technique, resume writing, and other interpersonal skills.
- Many companies feel having experience supports improved practical knowledge.
- IT support specialists also work as help-desk technicians who provide customer support by sending email responses, chatting online, and calling clients to respond to tech queries.
Your resume should begin by stating your objective, which is to get a full-time IT support specialist job. Do you want to be of service to end users experiencing frustrating technical issues? Are you passionate about ensuring an organization’s internal employees have the technical support they need? Whatever your reason for pursuing a job in IT support, make it clear in your objective or opening statement.
- SREs develop automated solutions for common development and operational tasks, like latency monitoring, capacity planning, and emergency responding.
- With the right technical and soft skills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an IT support specialist.
- These professionals can be part of an in-house IT team, work at a help desk, or offer support as independent contractors.
- Do you want to be of service to end users experiencing frustrating technical issues?
- Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certifications can help you land this role.
- However, that isn’t usually necessary unless you’re aiming for a senior IT position right after graduation.
If you’ve experienced mental health issues yourself, you might have interest in a career where you can help others facing the same challenges. At the same time, you might feel unsure whether you’re interested in—or able to pursue—the years of education required to become a therapist or psychologist. These skills equip IT support specialists to effectively manage and resolve technical issues, ensuring smooth IT operations within an organization. When starting your IT career, gaining an entry-level IT role is a good way to build experience. Entry-level roles allow you to practice your skills, learn new ones, and cement your knowledge.
Budgeting for College as an Adult
Technician salary and job responsibilities can differ by company and may vary based on location, experience, education level and certifications. Computer support specialists work in various positions, supporting external and internal users with technical issues and problems. If you’re interested in this role, consider the Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera to teach you the skills you need to be ready for an entry-level job in six months or less. IT Specialists are expected to have a high level of competence on various computer programming languages, as well as knowledge of computer hardware and software types and brands. These individuals should also know how to work with different operating systems and must be able to install hardware like modems and hard drives. As well as being knowledgeable in troubleshooting software Software engineering and hardware problems.
Getting Your Education
However, when technical issues arise, it can be frustrating and disruptive. These professionals are trained to diagnose and resolve technical problems, provide assistance and guidance to users, and ensure that systems and networks are functioning properly. If you have a knack SysAdmin / IT Support Specialist job for problem-solving and enjoy working with technology, a career as an IT Support Specialist may be the right fit for you. An IT technician provides a wide range of services to support, fix, and maintain the hardware and software of an organisation’s computer systems. Often considered entry-level, IT technicians can go on to more specialised roles like systems engineer, network administrator, or cloud administrator. But generally, full-time entry-level positions will require you to have some relevant skills and experience that show you can do the job.