Computer Support Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS

Low: An Associate Degree with/or Professional Courses and Allied Certification Courses like IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Certification, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), and Certified Information Systems (CIS).
On the Job Training (OJT), Apprenticeships, IT Workforce Job Training or Experience.

Medium: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology with majors in MIS, Math including calculus, linear algebra, geometry, differential equations, etc.; ITIL, CIS, CCNA, or MCTS certifications will be a big plus.

High: Post Graduation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) or a Master’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology; ITIL, CIS, CCNA, or MCTS certifications will be an added advantage.

ANNUAL AVERAGE SALARY
(Credits: www.payscale.com)

PROJECTED GROWTH
(Credits: www.bls.gov)

Computer Support Specialist is an excellent career pathway, in which employment is projected to grow at a good 8 percent from 2019 to 2029.

SKILLS/ TRAITS NEEDED

Besides technical IT skills, the Computer Support Specialist must be detail-oriented with strong “hands-on” analytical and problem-solving skills, good working business knowledge, excellent structured logical thinking, written and verbal communication, creativity, time management, prioritization, listening, inter-personal, & soft-skills, and must be constantly updated with the latest IT trends in IT/ Mobile applications & technologies and IT support, and be self-organized and proactive.

WORK FUNCTIONS

Computer Support Specialists primarily provide technical assistance and support to computer users. They attend to the user or customer calls, messages, emails, and inquiries, run computer diagnostics, troubleshoot problems, answer questions and resolve technical queries & issues. They also help prevent downtime, while optimizing the use of hardware and software resources and improving productivity. They are the backbone of the Technical Help Desk operations, and may also provide invaluable support in MIS, user training, software and hardware installation & administration, data backups, etc. They may be needed to work in shifts.