You\’ll graduate a confident, highly trained computer support specialist. Many positions require that you report to the same office location every day. Other technicians may be able to provide support remotely and work from the comfort of their own home. In some positions, support technicians may need to travel to a client\’s location to resolve a complex problem. Computer support specialists enjoy the variety of work they encounter each day.
Move up to a senior or team leader role
Being able to talk about complex issues in simple terms is super important. This step is your starting point and helps you learn the basics of math, English, and computers. He researches and writes student-focused articles on a variety of topics for Rasmussen University.
Hone your problem-solving skills
Company Name is committed to providing excellent IT support to ensure the smooth operation of our technology systems. We value teamwork, problem-solving, and delivering high-quality service to our users. If you are invited for an interview or an assessment, you need to prepare well and show your confidence and competence. You can expect to answer questions about your background, skills, motivation, and goals, as well as technical questions that test your knowledge and ability to solve problems. You may also have to perform practical tasks, such as setting up a computer, fixing an issue, or using a software.
- IT certifications will prove that you have the skills to handle the job.
- The ability to stay patient, professional, and positive in such situations contributes significantly to success in this role.
- Stay current with technological advancements and trends and regularly update your knowledge of operating systems, hardware, and software concepts.
There may be tech-specific questions or tests that will gauge your knowledge on hardware, software, and coding basics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for computer support specialists, including help desk specialists, is expected to grow by 6 percent through 2031. As businesses continue to update their tech and expand their IT services, they’ll need more skilled pros to support these efforts. Application support specialists know a lot about specific software programs.
- You should be able to communicate clearly and politely with users, understand their needs and expectations, and provide effective solutions.
- Some help desk support members work on an on-call basis, responding to queries when clients are having problems.
- Tailoring learning experiences further, professionals can maximise value with customisable Course Bundles of TKA.
- Then, as they’re exposed to new disciplines and technologies, they discover their niche and branch out into other IT careers, such as network administrator, DBA, or IT security specialist.
- A help desk specialist makes sure everyone can focus on their main tasks by handling the annoying tech issues.
Types of Help Desk Specialists
Common tasks this role works on include sorting and following up with support tickets, diagnosing problems, and guiding customers and clients in the right direction. This involves extensive client-facing interactions throughout the day whether through face-to-face support or over-the-phone guidance. While high-level customer support is the goal, help desk personnel must also be extremely well versed in software and hardware knowledge in order to properly with issues that arise. Help desk technicians belong to the occupational field of computer support specialists. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 6 percent job growth for careers in this field between 2023 and 2033 4. Those interested in working in IT can get their start as a help desk technician before acquiring the skills to pursue more specialized roles.
A help desk technician, also sometimes called a computer support specialist, a desktop support technician or a help desk analyst, is a trained IT professional. There are many advancement opportunities for help desk support technicians with experience. The job allows you to get your foot in the door for higher positions, such as an IT manager, a network administrator or an IT security specialist. As you gain additional experience, you’ll be eligible to take on more responsibility. If you work as a liaison between an IT department and the employees of an organization, you may earn a higher salary than a computer user support specialist. Computer network support specialists earn a median annual wage of $65,450.
For example, when a user has a question, the help desk technician must be able to diagnose the IT issue as well as explain the solution to the user. If you like to solve technical issues and work with people, then help desk technician may be a good next step for you. Today, it\’s easier than ever to launch a computer support specialist career.
They may escalate complicated technical problems like faulty products to IT support. Practical experience is important for becoming a proficient Helpdesk Technician. Hands-on experience helps you build confidence and competence in troubleshooting real-world issues. Working under the supervision of experienced professionals also provides valuable learning opportunities. The great aspect to starting as a help desk technician are the opportunities to expand into other IT roles. This is a good position to gain experience, network, and develop a professional resume while working.
Step 5: Create a great resume and cover letter
Many specialists feel good about being able to help computer users solve problems. Technicians know that their role is vital to the operations for the companies where they work. Without the expertise of computer support specialists, many businesses and organizations would have difficulty operating. Help desk professionals are a vital part of most organizations, as they help keep computer downtime to a minimum. Most help desk support personnel use software to create and respond to tickets and user requests.
Our suggestion is to regularly upskill yourself through online courses and certifications. I suggest joining professional groups on LinkedIn or forums to discuss these trends and challenges with people who may have more knowledge than you. Stay current with technological advancements and trends and regularly update your knowledge of operating systems, hardware, and software concepts. While a formal education, especially a degree in Computer Science or any tech-related field, may increase your chances, a college degree isn’t required to become a help desk technician.
Level 2 specialist
Learn more about the salary, responsibilities, strengths and work environment of a Help Desk Support specialist. Once you have the education, certifications, and experience, start applying for Helpdesk positions. Customise your resume to highlight your technical skills and relevant experience. Use job portals, company websites, and networking to find job openings. Prepare for interviews by practising responses to common Helpdesk scenarios and demonstrating your problem-solving abilities. Help desk technicians are vital in keeping the wheel moving by providing support either remotely or in-person.
Strengthen your resume.
As the first point of contact for tech issues, excellent communication skills are essential. You need to be patient, good at understanding how do i become a help desk issues from the user’s perspective, and able to explain technical problems in simple terms. This makes it easier to resolve issues and ensures that users feel supported. Know the job, research the company, and practice answering common interview questions. Their job description primarily entails providing users with all hardware and software technical support.
Learn the essential steps to start your career and develop the skills needed for success in this role. Help desk technicians are specialized customer service representatives. They use their technical knowledge of hardware and software to troubleshoot users’ problems.