As an IT Specialist, you’ll be expected to solve a variety of technical problems on a daily basis. There is a wide range of certifications available depending on your area of interest. In addition, internships or cooperative education how to hire a software developer programs can be very beneficial.
- Employers use this certification to identify the best job candidates for technical support roles.
- If you have a knack for troubleshooting and enjoy helping others with technical issues, a career in IT support could be the perfect fit.
- But it shouldn’t be underestimated, as soft skills are often seen as just as important as technical skills.
- Building rapport with clients and customers will help you establish trust and credibility in your role.
How to Become an Information Technology Specialist
When choosing an education program to become an IT specialist, it’s crucial to ensure that the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Accreditation ensures that the program meets high educational standards and that the degree or certification you earn will be respected by employers. In the United States, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is a leading accrediting body for IT and computer science programs. These skills equip IT support specialists to effectively manage and resolve technical issues, ensuring smooth IT operations within an organization. When starting your IT career, gaining an entry-level IT role is a good way to build experience. Entry-level roles allow you to practice your skills, learn new ones, and cement your knowledge.
Top Reasons to Become an IT Support Specialist in 2021
We know writing a resume is stressful, especially when you may not have prior experience. At Merit America, as part of our program, we partner you with Job Support Specialists to help you write a winning resume, highlighting your transferable skills and technical education. We’re happy to share that there is a high ongoing demand for IT support specialists.
- You’ll discover how to choose a specialty and the relevant skills to hone, as well as ways to show your knowledge through certification, self-study, and experience.
- All by itself, having a network won’t do much to help you become an IT support professional.
- You may be working with internal or external teams on any given day as well as a variety of projects and problems across the company.
- Another way to gain practical experience is through personal or side projects.
- It equips you to troubleshoot issues more effectively and lays the foundation for more advanced roles in IT.
Discover CompTIA certifications
Recruiters will be looking closely at your job application to see evidence of these soft skills. That’s why it’s really useful if any course or qualification you take includes not just technical information but soft skills training too. For instance, courses offered by Climb Hire include job readiness training in interview technique, resume writing, and other interpersonal skills. IT (information technology) is a really broad field that involves anything to do with computer systems, networks, data storage, and software. As an IT support specialist, you may be working in any or all of these areas.
Step 4: Pursue Vendor-Specific Certifications (Timelines Vary)
Tech+ also helps you attain technical knowledge and lays the perfect foundation for CompTIA A+, although it is not a prerequisite. The 120-credit program is completed over eight terms, typically taking four years to complete. Students can complete their degrees on campus or online at programs such as the bachelor of science in information technology offered through Arizona State University. Aspiring information technology professionals should take courses in high school to prepare them for further studies such as computer science and advanced math. This can often be an entry-level career, so the pay can be lower than in more specialized roles. According to PayScale (2024), an IT specialist can expect to earn $61,810 per year on average.
Step 6: Network.
We also recommend doing specific company-based research to learn more about who the company is and who their customers are. The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into https://wizardsdev.com/en/news/quality-backend-is-it-possible/ getting a job in each phase of life. The average Support Specialist salary in the United States is $40,782 per year or $20 per hour. From supporting internal employees and helping to keep them productive to assisting external customers, an IT specialist seems to handle it all.
- Employers want to see your qualifications, certifications, and relevant experience in the field.
- Get the latest information about companies, products, careers, and funding in the technology industry across emerging markets globally.
- In fact, the world of IT offers a variety of career paths in diverse industries.
- Emphasize any technical skills you utilized and the impact you made in your previous positions.
- Consider whether you prefer a traditional on-campus program or need the flexibility of an online or part-time program.
- The certification covers troubleshooting, cloud monitoring, security events, and security solutions.
The IT Support role often involves troubleshooting hardware and software problems, and knowledge of operating systems helps you understand the SysAdmin / IT Support Specialist job software aspect. These programs are designed to provide you with the foundation knowledge and skills required in the IT industry. Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Accreditation guarantees that the program meets high educational standards, which can be critical for your professional credibility and career advancement. Attending an accredited program is often a prerequisite for licensure as a professional IT specialist and can enhance your job prospects. CompTIA estimates that 72% of active IT support specialist job listings do not require a four-year degree.
