Landing A Technology Support Role
If you’re contemplating a career in the IT sector, you’re in good company. The need for IT professionals remains robust across various sectors. Companies are now leveraging technology in innovative strategic manners, necessitating skilled IT professionals to support these technological advancements.
For anyone embarking on or transitioning into a tech career, starting in IT support could be a wise choice. This foundational role offers a comprehensive overview of IT systems, serving as an excellent springboard for numerous career paths within technology. Plus, it’s currently one of the most sought-after positions in the job market.
Let’s not forget, IT support jobs come with attractive compensation. The average yearly wage for IT support specialists in the U.S. stands at $60,810, surpassing the general median wage by 5%. For those with more advanced skills, earnings can exceed $90,000, and IT support can pave the way to even more lucrative positions in the tech field.
If you have your sights set on becoming an IT support specialist, there are several essential competencies you’ll need to develop. Primarily, you’ll need strong technical abilities. This encompasses proficiency in computer hardware, familiarity with various operating systems like Microsoft Windows or macOS, understanding of cybersecurity principles, and a foundational grasp of networking concepts. These technical competencies are crucial for diagnosing and fixing technical problems for users.
Equally important are what we call durable skills or soft skills. These are indispensable for thriving in any professional setting and include effective communication, analytical problem-solving, and methodical troubleshooting. These skills are vital when collaborating with colleagues to solve complex issues or when providing technical assistance to non-technical staff across the company, enhancing the IT professional’s effectiveness and versatility.
Equipped with the appropriate competencies, you can delve into various facets of IT support. As you navigate through your job search, you’ll encounter a variety of job titles that might seem similar yet have distinct nuances. Here are key elements that can shape the daily responsibilities of an IT support specialist:
Company Type: The scale of the company significantly affects its IT support requirements. Larger enterprises often feature intricate IT setups, leading to specialized roles within the support team. For instance, titles like Desktop Support Technician or Systems Analyst might suggest roles with a narrow, focused scope.
In contrast, smaller companies often require IT support specialists to be jack-of-all-trades, capable of handling diverse technical issues across the organization. Positions like IT Support Generalist or Tech Support Associate reflect roles with a wide range of duties.
Industry Focus: Beyond the size of the enterprise, the sector in which a company operates also dictates the nature of IT support needed. While the foundational skills are uniform, the application can vary greatly. For example, a hospital’s IT support might involve managing patient data security, while a bank might focus on transaction integrity. Some of the leading companies currently hiring for IT support roles include Nissan, Dell, HP, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Ricoh, each with their unique tech environment demands.
Role Level: The hierarchy within IT support can be observed in both large and small organizations, though it’s more pronounced in larger setups. This tiered structure helps in streamlining issue resolution, with IT professionals categorizing support into levels like Tier I, II, or III, where basic troubleshooting occurs at the first tier, and the complexity increases as issues escalate.
When seeking candidates for senior IT support positions, employers often specify years of experience in job descriptions. Job titles themselves can also signal the expected level of expertise; for instance, roles like Senior Support Engineer or Systems Administrator suggest a need for someone with advanced skills, while positions like Junior IT Support or Help Desk Technician typically denote entry-level positions, ideal for those starting their IT careers or transitioning into the field.
Work Environment: The workplace environment for IT support specialists can vary widely, influencing both the nature of the work and how well it suits different personalities. An IT support specialist might work in a call center, offering remote assistance to users or clients. Alternatively, they could be stationed within an office setting, addressing hardware issues like printer malfunctions or configuring IoT devices. Some roles involve traveling to different sites to troubleshoot issues directly where they occur.
Titles such as Help Desk Technician often suggest a primarily desk-bound role, dealing with support calls and emails. Conversely, a title like Field Service Technician indicates a role that involves more physical movement, visiting various locations to solve technical problems. The setting of your work can also dictate the flexibility of your hours.
In summary, embarking on a career in tech support opens up a broad spectrum of opportunities. When your job search yields multiple options, it’s crucial to scrutinize each job description to discern the nuances of what each role entails in terms of environment, mobility, and work schedule flexibility.
Securing an entry-level IT certification, such as CompTIA A+, can significantly enhance your prospects for landing top IT support positions. Here’s how you can go about obtaining a CompTIA certification:
Start with CompTIA A+ to establish foundational IT skills. For those looking to specialize further, consider pursuing CompTIA Network+ for networking or CompTIA Security+ for cybersecurity. Alternatively, for those interested in ethical hacking, EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) could be a valuable addition.
Prepare for Your Certification
Select a study method that suits your learning style. Options range from eLearning courses, hands-on virtual labs, to comprehensive study guides. Instructor-led classes are also available for those who prefer a more structured learning environment.
Economize Your Certification Pursuit
Look into package deals that include both the exam voucher and study materials, or explore payment plans to manage costs effectively. Also, consider looking at AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner if cloud computing interests you, as AWS offers entry-level certifications that can complement your IT support skills.
Sit for the Certification Exam
Decide whether you’d prefer to test at a physical testing center or opt for the convenience of an online proctored exam. Both options provide the flexibility to choose what suits your comfort and schedule.
With your newly acquired certification, you’ll not only have expanded your IT knowledge but also earned a credential that’s recognized industry-wide. Employers often look favorably upon candidates with such certifications. Now, utilize Accumentum’s career resources to help you connect with potential employers and kickstart your tech career.
Accumentum® is the leading training provider for a vast array of technology vendors including AWS, Cisco, CIW, CompTIA, EC-Council, Fortinet, GIAC, HRCI, ISACA, ITIL, Microsoft, Palo Alto, PMI, Scrum, SHRM, Veritas, VMWare, and more.
