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What is a computer support specialist and how to become one
Computers are essential in our world today. Companies provide their employees with computers or laptops so that they can do their work properly. Desk-bound employees get computers while mobile or field employees get laptops. Whichever device is assigned to you, you must take good care of it. There are times, however, when computers meet challenges despite being well-taken care of. This is when one must call computer support specialists.
Computer Support Specialists are support technicians who specialize in computers. They can do routine maintenance checks and repairs. Depending on the gravity of the concern, computer support specialists may fix the problem remotely or in person. They are also expected to share tips with the clients so that the clients will be able to fix the computer, should problems arise.
If you are someone who enjoys working on computers and is interested in learning how to fix hardware, you may see this as a viable career path. Of course, you need to understand the needs of the most common computers, and you should be able to quickly identify recovery paths.
What general advice would you give to a Computer Support Specialist?
Ranganathan Chandrasekaran
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, University of Illinois
Several businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and they have rolled back their offers made to students for internships and jobs. Businesses have also resorted to downsizing and layoffs, and we are likely to see that continue, at least in the near term. However, two sectors that are showing promises of a quick turnaround are technology and healthcare.
It might take many months for the economy to get back on track, but the demand for information systems graduates is likely to grow, as a large number of businesses have turned to increased use of technology in this pandemic period. As more companies go digital, we need more professionals to manage the remote-work, technological infrastructure and meet the other demands of the business. Students pursuing education in information systems, computer science, and healthcare are going to be in greater demand.
On the positive side, the uncertainties induced by the pandemic have also helped students to prepare themselves better for a tougher job market. I found many students rise up and use the lockdown period to have a serious introspection and invest their time and effort in upgrading their knowledge and skills. The internship drought and rescinding of job/internship offers brought their dreams crashing down, but I found several students to quickly get over their disappointments, and engage in improving their skillsets utilizing the pandemic lockdown as an opportunity. I am aware of many students, especially in the information systems disciple, who spent time doing online courses, completing certification programs, and take up DIY projects on data analysis, developing analytical and forecasting models, and visualization of various aspects of the pandemic. The pandemic has resulted in massive amounts of data, released by several organizations worldwide, that have provided a stimulant for students to indulge in DIY-projects. I had several students approach me over summer to do some projects, and we have done some interesting projects using public datasets related to COVID-19.
Avg. Salary $63,926
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 10%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%
Asian 11.18%
Black or African American 11.35%
Hispanic or Latino 16.51%
Unknown 5.40%
White 55.15%
Genderfemale 19.93%
male 80.07%
Age - 41American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 41Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Computer Support Specialist career paths
Key steps to become a computer support specialist
Explore computer support specialist education requirements
Start to develop specific computer support specialist skills
Skills Percentages Computer Support 7.63% Troubleshoot 7.36% Technical Support 6.81% Customer Service 5.54% Desk Support 5.24% Complete relevant computer support specialist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computer support specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a computer support specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computer support specialist resumes.Gain additional computer support specialist certifications
More About CertificationsComputer support specialist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific computer support specialist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for computer support specialists include Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT) and Security 5 Certification.
Research computer support specialist duties and responsibilities
- Monitor and manage end-user LAN/WLAN connectivity, and utilize diagnostic tools for monitoring and testing physical networking performance.
- Interface daily with customers providing hardware and software support for a relational database design and written in INGRES using SQL.
- Perform domain registration, connect peripheral equipment, and troubleshoot workstations/blackberries remotely using SMS application.
- Deploy new machines, installing OS, applications, drivers, and network configurations.
Prepare your computer support specialist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your computer support specialist resume.
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Choose From 10+ Customizable Computer Support Specialist Resume templates
Build a professional Computer Support Specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Computer Support Specialist resume.
Apply for computer support specialist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a computer support specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Computer Support Specialist Job
Are you a Computer Support Specialist?
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Average computer support specialist salary
The average Computer Support Specialist salary in the United States is $63,926 per year or $31 per hour. Computer support specialist salaries range between $44,000 and $91,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do computer support specialists rate their job?
Computer Support Specialist reviews
You get to help a lot of people in many different ways as well as learning new things about technology
I have aids now due to the painfulness of sitting down all day
There was nothing to like. Everyone was polite an hard workers
Working with The people
I decided to go to technical support because I've been fascinated by technology all my life and I love working with the people as well. I want to use my technical know-how to solve directly the problems that customers have. I want to be the person who makes life easier and more enjoyable for people who have had a problem. This is what I like most as a technical Support.
I don't like sitting around being inactive. So I'll keep my self always busy
Updated January 8, 2025
