What Does an IT Support Specialist Do?

The requirements vary by role. Most employers look for candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree. Other businesses that require specific computer skills may consider experience over formal education. Some offer entry-level positions and plenty of on-the-job training.

An associate degree from a community college is the most common path, followed by a certificate. Look for certificate and degree programs in computer science, information technology, management information systems or computer engineering. 

It’s critical for IT support specialists to stay up-to-date on current technology and best practices. Many technical schools, vendors and large software companies offer certifications on new programs. 

Many specialists positions are a good jumping-off point. Desk technicians can advance to other roles in information technology, such as software developer, systems analyst or network and computer systems administrator.

Certification and credentials, such as ones offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), are a smart move in IT, especially in a support specialist job.

It depends on the educational path you choose. Certificate programs can last from six months to a year. An associate degree takes two years, while a bachelor’s degree takes four. 

It depends on the size of the business, but the job is typically full-time. It may involve some night and weekend work when the technology isn’t working properly.

It looks very stable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts steady growth of about 6% from 2021 to 2031. That works out to about 75,000 openings per year over the decade.

• Good customer service skills
• Excellent communication skills, especially on the phone, web chat or email  
• Good problem-solving skills
• Patient
• Able to describe computer problems and solutions in a way that a nontechnical person can understand