When pursuing a reliable, long-lasting career with a good job outlook and financial security, many prospective students find themselves exploring the field of information technology. We depend on technology throughout most industries and career fields. Technology is what connects us, allows us to provide services quickly, and interact with the greater world around us.
This increased level of technology dependence has both positive and negative consequences. While we are better connected, there is also the risk of hacking and other tech issues. This is why numerous industries rely on IT Support Specialists as key members of their staff. When pursuing career options, an IT Support Specialist’s job outlook is an important consideration. With the ever-increasing demand for technology support, this field offers promising opportunities.
What is an IT Support Specialist?
IT Support Specialists provide a variety of services that help analyze, troubleshoot, and evaluate a variety of technology issues. The role of an IT specialist can vary, including helping industries and companies internally and aiding external customers. Work can include tracking information, providing security support, monitoring usage, and helping to ensure a variety of systems work effectively and securely. The tasks performed by an IT support specialist can range from tackling day-to-day needs, such as reestablishing internet connection and answering questions via phone or web chat, to more complex tasks, such as creating new systems, websites, or applications for internal and external use.
Typical Responsibilities of an IT Support Specialist
IT Support Specialists can pursue different fields of focus. Industries, from home services to health, retail, and business relies on technology for most, if not all, of their main operations. While the field an IT specialist works in may vary, the general responsibilities tend to remain the same. These responsibilities can include:
- Providing IT assistance to staff and customers.
- Consulting with IT managers and other internal departments.
- Providing training on hardware and software.
- Monitoring hardware, software, and system performances.
- Resolving errors quickly and accurately.
- Updating software and hardware.
- Maintaining databases.
- Testing, and adapting system security.
- Staying up-to-date in tech advances and trends in IT support.
IT Support Specialist Requirements
If this career sounds right to you, there are a few potential requirements you could have to meet before you are adequately prepared to join this career field. One of the main possible requirements for entering the field is earning a college degree. Employers may be looking for specialists who have strong, proven computer skills. A clear advantage is to possess a degree in computer science or a related area of study. At Berks Technical Institute, our associate level IT Support Specialist program is designed to help prepare you for a successful career. During your education, you can expect to be taught different aspects of this field, including:
- Practical computer applications.
- Understanding hardware and software applications.
- Database concepts.
- Security.
- Technical skills in the internet, email, software, and more.
An associate’s degree can often be attained within two years. This can help you to be able to enter the workforce quickly, building not only your experience but your financial security. Certain programs, such as the program at Berks Technical Institute, provide a combination of traditional classroom work and hands-on experience to provide a full, well-developed understanding of this field.
In addition to the actual computer skills, it is beneficial to work on your human relations skills. As an IT support specialist, you will be expected to effectively communicate and listen to the needs of employers, employees, customers, co-workers, and superiors. Active listening is key in this field, as you should understand the complete picture of a user’s needs and find the right solution for them. The stronger verbal skills you possess, the better. You should be able to communicate your instructions clearly, so you can provide help for those who likely won’t understand technology at the same level as you. With this ability to communicate also comes practiced patience. It can be easy to become frustrated when trying to help a client. As an IT specialist, you should be able to break down complex ideas in simple terms, finding ways to help a user understand your instructions.
Analytical skills are another crucial component of success as an IT support specialist. The majority of the problems you may be expected to solve may be highly technical. You should be able to look at both the small and large picture to determine the best solution for the problem at hand. The ability to think outside the box and approach issues from multiple angles is vital.
Start Your Career Today
If you are interested in pursuing a career as an IT Support Specialist, a great place to start is a college-level program. At Berks Technical Institute, you can receive the education and training to apply for entry level positions with confidence. Our program is designed to help prepare you with up-to-date skills and an understanding of some of the latest advancements in technology. You can gain the tools and skills for success in this field at BTI. This career option continues to maintain a positive outlook. With our need for technology to operate as intended, there will most likely be a need for specialists who can help make sure this technology is working as efficiently and securely as possible.
