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What Does an IT Support Specialist Do?
If you like to solve problems and help people, here’s a role to consider. IT support specialists, also called computer support specialists, provide technical support for a company and its staff. They use their knowledge of computer science to troubleshoot problems, provide routine maintenance and help employees. Support specialists answer questions or resolve computer problems in person, via telephone or through remote video.
These computer help specialists resolve issues related to hardware, software or other aspects of computer systems, and some also provide network support.
Tech support services are crucial to business, so these jobs may involve some night and weekend work.
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- Set up equipment for employee use, including operating systems and software
- Conduct computer diagnostics and work with computer users to resolve problems
- Perform regular maintenance on systems
- Repair or replace computer equipment and related devices
- Learn about new hardware and software and train people to use them
The educational requirements for IT support specialist positions vary by role. Most employers focus on specific computer skills, though some require a bachelor’s degree. Skills may be obtained through an associate degree or certification offered by community colleges and vendors or large software companies that sell specific equipment or software.
It’s critical for IT support support specialists to stay up-to-date on current IT technology and best practices. Many specialists advance to other roles in information technology, such as software developer, network systems administrator or a management role.
- Have good customer service skills
- Have excellent communication skills, especially over the phone, web chat or email
- Are a good problem-solver
- Are patient
- Are able to describe computer problems and solutions in a way that a nontechnical person can understand
