What does an information technology specialist do?
An Information Technology Specialist, also known as a Computer Professional or IT Specialist, is responsible for the computer support of an establishment or individual. Most of the duties require extensive and proactive knowledge of Information Technology, such as in the aspects of network and systems administration, security and information, hardware and software management, troubleshooting, and more. The tasks of an IT Specialist are diverse. It is not limited to installation or activation, as it also involves monitoring, management, and analyzation.
Information technology specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real information technology specialist resumes:
- Manage VmWare servers across the network to include patches, upgrades, move and cloning.
- Manage devices by configuring network topology and making DNS records updates/creation.
- Manage the configuration and performance management of all PC systems and telecommunications.
- Perform second tier help desk support for U.S. Treasury web-base financial management system.
- Learned Linux troubleshooting as well as basic HTML, CSS as well as learning the very base of SQL and PHP.
- Assist with data cabling, setting up router, switches, WAP systems on LAN.
- Develop and maintain client server applications for customer service systems utilizing Java applets accessing legacy mainframe systems.
- Develop inventory organizational structure and create product database using MySQL with a Java base front end ordering system.
- Fix faulty computers and printers.
- Code shopping cart functionality in PHP and JavaScript.
- Create python scripts to clean up data feeds.
- Used web development tools such as HTML and JavaScript.
- Remedy ticket system are used to keep track of issues.
- Assist users with CITRIX and troubleshooting CITRIX user accounts and server.
- Construct and maintain the user interface of the portal with CSS.
Information technology specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 24% of Information Technology Specialists are proficient in Customer Service, Troubleshoot, and Computer System. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Listening skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Information Technology Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 24%
Provide exceptional customer service while managing all procedures related to the identification, prioritization, and resolution of end-user technical issues.
- Troubleshoot, 10%
Monitor operational performance and troubleshoot system problems system related problems while isolating the cause of system failures.
- Computer System, 7%
Conduct daily analysis of TCAIMS II computer systems and operating systems to determine overall functionality of systems requirements and specifications.
- Database, 5%
Implemented data compression which reduced storage costs by 3 devices and concurrently improved database availability by rearranging application jobs.
- DOD, 5%
Gathered data and authored requirements documents for DOD appropriations necessary to establish and maintain long short-term technology funding plan.
- System Software, 4%
Assisted in Logistics computer support which includes diagnosing and resolving any workstation operating system software, application software or hardware problems.
Most information technology specialists use their skills in "customer service," "troubleshoot," and "computer system" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential information technology specialist responsibilities here:
Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an information technology specialist to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic." Information technology specialists often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "worked involved planning and delivery of customer support services, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, customer assistance and training. "
Listening skills. Many information technology specialist duties rely on listening skills. "support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation.," so an information technology specialist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways information technology specialist responsibilities rely on listening skills: "devised training plans and communicated directives to comnavairlant employees ensuring customer support throughout atlantic fleet. "
Problem-solving skills. information technology specialists are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to information technology specialist responsibilities, because "support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them." An information technology specialist resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "resolved customer support requests in the most efficient and effective manner regarding information technology or web related issues. "
Speaking skills. For certain information technology specialist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "speaking skills." The day-to-day duties of an information technology specialist rely on this skill, as "support workers must describe the solutions to computer problems in a way that a nontechnical person can understand." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what information technology specialists do: "developed office procedures.assessed technical findings and presented results of a wide variety of dod programs, capabilities, and requirements documents. "
Writing skills. Another common skill required for information technology specialist responsibilities is "writing skills." This skill comes up in the duties of information technology specialists all the time, as "strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as for real-time web chat interactions." An excerpt from a real information technology specialist resume shows how this skill is central to what an information technology specialist does: "implemented business tier including writing queries in java persistence api (jpa) and pl/sql. "
See the full list of information technology specialist skills
The three companies that hire the most information technology specialists are:
- Army National Guard127 information technology specialists jobs
- KPMG LLP87 information technology specialists jobs
- Deloitte76 information technology specialists jobs
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Compare different information technology specialists
Information technology specialist vs. Systems specialist
Systems specialists are professionals who maintain, troubleshoot, and install information and computer systems. They identify the software, data, and hardware needs of companies. Generally, they work in physically demanding indoor environments installing complicated networks. They manage, lead, and coordinate technical support for new software, upgrades, and products. Also, they configure systems for the users and assess data from different sources to make a decision.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an information technology specialist are more likely to require skills like "database," "system software," "switches," and "peripheral equipment." On the other hand, a job as a systems specialist requires skills like "veterans," "patients," "project management," and "hvac." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Systems specialists tend to make the most money working in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $91,431. In contrast, information technology specialists make the biggest average salary, $84,905, in the technology industry.On average, systems specialists reach similar levels of education than information technology specialists. Systems specialists are 0.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Information technology specialist vs. Help desk specialist
The primary role of help desk specialists is to maintain relationships between the company and its customers. Their duties and responsibilities include responding to guests' queries, providing technical computer support, and maintaining computer systems' performance. Help desk specialists are also responsible for following up with customers to resolve issues and train computer users. There are several requirements to be qualified for this position, which include having relevant customer service experience, problem-solving and analytical skills, and the ability to prioritize vital tasks.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, information technology specialist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "database," "dod," "system software," and "provides technical support." Meanwhile, a help desk specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "phone calls," "client facing," "remedy," and "provide technical assistance." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, help desk specialists earn a lower salary than information technology specialists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, help desk specialists earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $60,916. Whereas information technology specialists have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $84,905.help desk specialists earn similar levels of education than information technology specialists in general. They're 3.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for information technology specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Ming Chow
Associate Teaching Professor, Tufts University
References:
1. cybersecurity
2. cybersecurity
Information technology specialist vs. Computer specialist
A computer specialist's responsibilities typically revolve around installing and repairing computer hardware and software. They meet with clients to identify their needs, examine and troubleshoot equipment, perform upgrades, and discuss the extent of repairs or replacements to clients. In a company setting, a computer specialist is in charge of overseeing an array of equipment, conducting regular maintenance checks, and performing corrective measures as needed. Furthermore, they must provide technical support, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, information technology specialists are more likely to have skills like "customer service," "database," "system software," and "switches." But a computer specialist is more likely to have skills like "data entry," "sql," "cloud computing," and "windows nt."
Computer specialists earn the best pay in the professional industry, where they command an average salary of $78,107. Information technology specialists earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $84,905.When it comes to education, computer specialists tend to earn similar degree levels compared to information technology specialists. In fact, they're 1.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Information technology specialist vs. Technology coordinator
A technology coordinator is responsible for maintaining the organization's technology systems infrastructure, ensuring the efficiency of computer systems to meet project deliverables, and prevent delays in business operations. Technology coordinators evaluate new technology systems, studying its schematics and specifications, running diagnostic tests, and perform troubleshooting for inconsistencies and guide end-users for the system processes. They update the system's features for optimal performance, keeping the costs within the budget goals, and develop initiatives to research on current trends. A technology coordinator must have excellent technical skills, identifying technological opportunities to meet the customers' demands and increase profits.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between information technology specialists and technology coordinators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an information technology specialist might have more use for skills like "troubleshoot," "database," "dod," and "system software." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of technology coordinators require skills like "data entry," "professional development," "pc," and "qa. "
The manufacturing industry tends to pay the highest salaries for technology coordinators, with average annual pay of $79,809. Comparatively, the highest information technology specialist annual salary comes from the technology industry.technology coordinators reach similar levels of education compared to information technology specialists, in general. The difference is that they're 4.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of information technology specialist
Updated January 8, 2025
