Your PC Support Specialist Career Questions, Answered
by Robyn Tellefsen
Computer support specialists spend most of their time answering other people's questions. Now it's time to get your own questions answered -- read on for responses to frequently-asked questions about this ever-expanding IT career.
What does a
PC Support Specialist
do? Computer support specialists provide technical assistance, support, and advice to computer users. Troubleshooting is at the core of this IT career, as these professionals are called upon constantly to interpret problems, communicate solutions, and educate users about the latest technologies. They are also responsible for the daily administration and maintenance of computer hardware, software, systems, and networks.
Is this a job for computer geeks? Though the job of a PC support specialist is a technical one, you can't hide behind the help desk and bury your nose in a manual all day long. This IT career requires constant interaction with colleagues, clients, and other staff; thus, computer support specialists must be able to communicate effectively in writing, in person, and over the phone.
Must I work crazy hours? Not necessarily. Many PC support specialists enjoy a standard 40-hour workweek, but the job may require being on call for rotating evening or weekend work. On-call status shouldn't require a huge sacrifice, however, since more and more PC support specialists are able to connect to clients' computers and provide technical support remotely.
What kind of training will I need? PC support specialists may be able to secure entry-level work with a computer-related associate degree; other jobs require a bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems. IT professionals can also demonstrate their skills and expertise through voluntary computer certification. And with on-the-job experience, PC support specialists may become applications developers, designing products rather than assisting users.
Will I be able to find a job? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment outlook for this IT career is very good. Computer support specialists held about 518,000 jobs in 2004, and employment is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, as the computer system design and related services industry is projected to remain one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. economy.
How much money will I make? Median annual earnings of computer support specialists were $40,430 in May 2004; the highest 10 percent earned more than $69,110, reports the BLS. And according to Robert Half International, starting salaries in 2005 ranged from $26,250 to $53,750 for help-desk and technical support specialists, and from $44,500 to $63,250 for senior technical support specialists.
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