What does a systems support specialist do?
A systems support specialist is responsible for assisting end-users on system issues, including network configuration and improving network infrastructure. System support specialists implement network strategies alongside the whole technology team to boost the system's efficiency and optimal performance. They create resolution reports for reference and write recommendations to prevent system defects and inconsistencies. A systems support specialist also handles network installations and upgrades, requiring them to have excellent technical skills and knowledge of programming languages.
Systems support specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real systems support specialist resumes:
- Manage the internal installs of the application on all relevant versions in order to test and QA new patch releases.
- Configure VOIP IP communicators and manage user administration to ensure adequate telecommunication securely.
- Manage large-scale PC deployments including site surveys involving verification of network activity and appropriate power availability.
- Administer SharePoint site updates and create documentation to aid users and expedite problem resolution.
- Used JAXB to convert XML response to Java class objects.
- Resolve errors within proprietary application on java, oracle and unix.
- Provide support, local and remote, for users regarding OS, software and hardware issues.
- Work closely with service center to remedy any problems, requests or issues at remote sites.
- Create network, e-mail, dial-up, VPN, and systems security access accounts for all employees.
- Perform installations, OS deployments, and maintain an up-to-date record of necessary tasks need to resolve tickets.
- Support include setting up network points, VPN access, and support for VP's and CEO's laptop emergencies.
- Deliver monthly and quarterly PowerPoint presentations for senior management team which include center metrics, process synergies gain, expense savings.
- Help set up all model homes and construction trailers with SOHO networks, printers, file network sharing and VoIP phones.
- Resolve Citrix issues for company management team
- Utilize Microsoft PowerPoint to finalize report design.
Systems support specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Systems Support Specialists are proficient in Customer Service, Troubleshoot, and Technical Support. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Listening skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Systems Support Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 14%
Provided customer service and help desk support, troubleshooting computer-related problems and assisting with testing design and maintenance of system applications.
- Troubleshoot, 8%
Document solutions for future use by the entire team Troubleshoot technical/procedural issues using established knowledge database and personal skills/experience.
- Technical Support, 6%
Promoted from the retail environment to corporate operations, bring people and process management skills into delivering comprehensive technical support processes.
- PC, 5%
Managed large-scale PC deployments including site surveys involving verification of network activity and appropriate power availability.
- System Support, 4%
Teamed with other IT and system support personnel to ensure timely ticket assignments and accurate closure/resolution.
- Computer System, 4%
Provided recommendations for continuous improvement of the computer systems, network and applications utilizing knowledge of current industry and market trends.
"customer service," "troubleshoot," and "technical support" are among the most common skills that systems support specialists use at work. You can find even more systems support specialist responsibilities below, including:
Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a systems support specialist to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic." Systems support specialists often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "improved the quality and user functionality of the dow jones customer support website resulting in increased customer usability and satisfaction. "
Listening skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling systems support specialist duties is listening skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation." According to a systems support specialist resume, here's how systems support specialists can utilize listening skills in their job responsibilities: "communicated with end users to learn the nature of their problems, diagnosed, troubleshoot and suggested resolution for the problems. "
Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of systems support specialists is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday systems support specialist duties, as "support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "provided excellent customer support to customers nationwide including the research for possible telecommunications solutions that will benefit their business. "
Speaking skills. For certain systems support specialist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "speaking skills." The day-to-day duties of a systems support 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 systems support specialists do: "network optimization/backup: optimized network connections to satellite locations through vpn and mlps in a hub and spoke configuration. "
Writing skills. Another common skill required for systems support specialist responsibilities is "writing skills." This skill comes up in the duties of systems support 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 systems support specialist resume shows how this skill is central to what a systems support specialist does: "supported a network of 100+ windows workstations in a novell network at this insurance underwriting company. "
The three companies that hire the most systems support specialists are:
- G & S Research8 systems support specialists jobs
- The PNC Financial Services Group5 systems support specialists jobs
- AgreeYa Solutions4 systems support specialists jobs
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Compare different systems support specialists
Systems support specialist vs. Support
A support employee is responsible for assisting the business operations and responding to customers' inquiries and concerns regarding its goods and services. Support logs all customers' interaction and escalates potential complaints to the appropriate department. They also help with implementing strategic procedures to improve operations and reach maximum productivity. A support employee must have excellent communication and customer service skills, ensuring clients' satisfaction with the services and maintain good feedback to boost the company's brand, attract more clients, and increase revenues.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between systems support specialists and support. For instance, systems support specialist responsibilities require skills such as "troubleshoot," "technical support," "pc," and "system support." Whereas a support is skilled in "cash management," "customer satisfaction," "hr," and "inventory control." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Supports really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $50,563. Comparatively, systems support specialists tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $74,929.The education levels that supports earn slightly differ from systems support specialists. In particular, supports are 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a systems support specialist. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems support specialist vs. Technician support tier
A technician support tier focuses on providing technical support to clients or employees within a company. Typically working in a team setting, a technician support tier addresses technical problems and troubleshoots to identify the root of the issues and perform necessary corrective measures or repairs. Their responsibilities also revolve around responding to inquiries, answering calls and correspondence, conducting regular maintenance of systems and networks, maintaining records of all transactions, and supporting software and networks. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with all team members while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real systems support specialist resumes. While systems support specialist responsibilities can utilize skills like "troubleshoot," "pc," "system support," and "desk support," technician support tiers use skills like "lan wan," "phone calls," "cisco ios," and "tier ii."
On average, technician support tiers earn a lower salary than systems support specialists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, technician support tiers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $62,098. Whereas systems support specialists have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $74,929.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Technician support tiers tend to reach similar levels of education than systems support specialists. In fact, they're 3.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for systems support specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Ming Chow
Associate Teaching Professor, Tufts University
References:
1. cybersecurity
2. cybersecurity
Systems support specialist vs. Systems coordinator
A systems coordinator is responsible for managing the data and information networks of an organization, ensuring that the systems are free from any unauthorized access and malware threats. Systems coordinators assist with the configuration and upgrades of the system to improve infrastructures that would prevent operational delays and downtimes. They also help the engineering team in designing efficient systems for business requirements, run quality checks to identify gaps, and resolve technical issues by analyzing components and navigation.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from systems support specialist resumes include skills like "pc," "desk support," "technical troubleshooting," and "switches," whereas a systems coordinator is more likely to list skills in "patients," "data entry," "project management," and "access database. "
Systems coordinators earn the highest salary when working in the automotive industry, where they receive an average salary of $98,854. Comparatively, systems support specialists have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $74,929.When it comes to education, systems coordinators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to systems support specialists. In fact, they're 3.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Systems support 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.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between systems support specialists and help desk specialists, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a systems support specialist might have more use for skills like "pc," "system support," "java," and "sql server." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of help desk specialists require skills like "phone calls," "client facing," "remedy," and "technical problems. "
Help desk specialists enjoy the best pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $60,916. For comparison, systems support specialists earn the highest salary in the technology industry.In general, help desk specialists hold similar degree levels compared to systems support specialists. Help desk specialists are 1.8% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of systems support specialist
Updated January 8, 2025
