Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialist Career Overview

In today's technology driven world, almost every household in the Western world has at least one computer and many have one for every family member. Because of this, the demand for computer support specialists is constantly on the rise. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer support specialists can expect an 18% job increase in the next ten years due to this increasing reliance on computers. What this means for aspiring computer support specialists is that there has never been a better time to get the training and education needed to succeed in this diverse career choice.

Essentially, a computer support specialist is someone who offers daily maintenance and finds solutions to computer issues. This could be something as minor as a forgotten personal password or as major as a system shut down at a large corporation. The computer support specialist will be in charge of finding the error and solving the problem as quickly as possible. Computer support specialists work in call centers, in commercials buildings, and are responsible for making house calls and office visits whenever requested.

Computer Support Specialist Training and Education

Currently, 31% of all computer specialists have a bachelor degree or higher in the field of computer specialists, as reported by the Population Reference Bureau. Nevertheless, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most companies now require a bachelor degree or higher from their computer support specialist hopefuls. A computer science or information technology degree or master's degree is the best bet. If you are not interested in obtaining one of these, however, there are associate degrees and certificates that can help an aspiring computer support specialist obtain the specific programs needed. According to the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board , some of these certificates include A+, Network +, CCNA and MSCA.

A computer support specialist can expect to learn basic hardware, PC components, operating systems, networks, software applications, and troubleshooting techniques. Courses can be achieved through a technical institute, a university, or through an on-line institute.

Because the information sector is constantly changing, many computer support specialists will continue to attend seminars and further their education in certain computer programs such as PHP, Microsoft, and XML. The cyber world has already evolved into Web 2.0 and is fast tracking to the new generation of Web 3.0. Computer support specialists need to be one step ahead of this technology craze at all times.

Computer Support Specialist Salary Outlook

In 2007, computer support specialists made a yearly average of $45,300, as reported by the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The highest 10% of computer support specialists made almost $70,000 in 2007.

Although many careers are expected to suffer due to the economic crisis, computer support specialists are not one of these. In fact, from 2005 to 2007, computer support specialists in the United States saw an increase of 10.2%, one of the largest increases in all scientific and engineering labor force trends, as stated by the Population Reference Bureau. These large numbers are expected to continue to rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports more than 150,000 new jobs will be created in this industry in 2009.

Computer Support Specialist Career Specializations

There are several different industry choices related to the field of computer support. The Population Reference Bureau indicates that 84% of these careers are industry related while only 16% are government related. Some of these industries include software support, security and commodities exchange, website management, and monetary authorities. The BLS Occupational Employment Statistics reports that some of the highest paying industries include computer design, school computer system maintenance, and software publishers.

Computer support specialists are found anywhere there is a computer system, from schools to banks, from Fortune 500 companies to movie sets and everywhere in between. What this means for aspiring computer support specialists is that there are several paths you can take to not only achieve the training and education needed, but also to find a fulfilling career in an environment best suited to you.

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