When pursuing a reliable, long-lasting career with a respectable job outlook, many prospective students find themselves exploring the field of Information Technology (IT) Support Specialists. We depend on technology throughout many industries and career fields. Technology is what helps connect 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. Therefore, numerous industries rely on IT Support Specialists as key members of their staff.
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 day-to-day needs such as reestablishing internet connection, answering questions via phone or web chat, or 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 rely 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.
- Ensuring, evaluating, and adapting system security.
- Staying up to date in tech advances and trends in IT support.
IT Support Specialist Requirements
Employers may want specialists who have strong, proven computer skills. A potential advantage is to possess an associate degree in computer science or a related area of study. At Berks Technical Institute, the IT Support Specialist program is designed to help prepare you for a successful career. During your college education, you can expect to be trained on various aspects of this field, including:
- Practical computer applications
- Hardware and software applications
- Database concepts
- Security
- Data mining
- Web service
- Technical skills on the internet, email, and software.
An associate degree can often be accomplished within two years. This helps you to enter the workforce quickly, building not only your experience but your financial security. Certain programs provide a hybrid delivery modality including a combination of classroom and firsthand experience to provide a full, well-developed understanding of this field.
In addition to actual computer skills, it can also be beneficial to work on your human relations skills. As an IT support specialist, you may be required to not only communicate but also listen to the needs of employers, employees, customers, co-workers, and superiors. Active listening is key in this field, as you may be asked to understand the complete picture of a user and find the right solution for them. The stronger verbal skills you possess, the better. Being able to communicate your instructions clearly, can provide help for those who may not understand technology at the same level as you. With this ability to communicate also comes practiced patience. It is easy to become frustrated when trying to help a client. As an IT specialist, the ability to break down complex ideas in simple terms and find ways to know that a user understands your instructions are helpful.
Analytical skills are another crucial component of success as an IT specialist. The problems you may be expected to solve could 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 creatively and approach issues from multiple angles can be vital.
Start Your Career Today
If you are interested in pursuing a career as an IT Service Specialist, a suitable place to start is a qualified technical program. At Berks Technical Institute, you will receive instruction and training to help prepare you to enter the workforce with confidence. BTI’s IT Support Specialist program helps you gain the skills for the IT Support field upon completion.
