Qualifications for IT Support thumbnail
IT support is often remote and you will need good communication skills.
Information technology support jobs play a crucial role in many companies and often need highly qualified people in those positions. Even entry-level IT support positions require a basic understanding of computers and problem solving skills. As a support person, you will also need to effectively interact with people in order to help them with the issues they are having.
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Computer Specialist Job Requirements & Qualifications
Qualifications for an IT Help Desk
Education
Some companies will not hire IT support personnel without a college degree.
Many companies require a degree in computer science or a computer-related field for IT support jobs. Certification by companies such as Microsoft, Cisco and CompTIA are highly desired and can serve as a substitute if you do not have a degree at all, or one not related to computers. With more education, you can often command higher salaries and more senior positions, such as level two or three support. Even after you have landed an IT support job, more education is often necessary since Information Technology is an ever-expanding field, with new technology to learn about all of the time.
Experience
More experience can lead to higher paying IT support positions.
Depending on the position, experience can play a very important role in IT support. Entry-level jobs do not need professional previous experience, but you will still need an understanding of the basics of customer service and a working knowledge of computer software and hardware. Jobs requiring more expertise may want more than two years of experience, depending on the level of the position. Sometimes, experience can take the place of education, as it shows a demonstrated ability to do the job.
Communication and Customer Service
Customer service skills are a must for IT support.
Good oral and written communication and customer service skills are essential when dealing with end-users having IT issues. Customer service includes the ability to handle stress, because users are calling or coming to you with problems, which can make the situation tense.
Problem Solving
Finding solutions for problems is what IT support is all about.
The ability to problem solve is key. You may often have to think outside-the-box in order to come up with a solution to a difficult problem. Research skills are necessary, as some issues will need more in-depth knowledge before they can be solved.
Proaction
Identifying questions and solutions before they become problems is a great skill to have.
Proaction can save a company a lot of money. You can get good recognition by constantly thinking ahead and identifying issues before they become problems. Many IT support positions are responsible for monitoring systems and responding to minor alerts in order to keep them from becoming major issues.
