3 answers
Pius
Student
Emmonak, AK
5
Questions
Asked
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Computer Support Specialist
# #computer-science #computer #information-technology
What pathway would you suggest me to a successful future in becoming one? And which degree should I be aiming for in College?
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3 answers
Ben Gof
Finance
29
Answers
Wayne, New Jersey
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Yes there are multiple types of computer support specialists. I believe your referring to someone who helps others setup their computers and troubleshoot problems. If that's the case, alot of that work is done over the phone nowadays so you don't need physical access to the computer, but you will require good communication skills and some patience.
You will also need a good understanding of how to navigate through a computers settings and how a computer is setup. I started my career in IT 20 years ago working in a IT Help Desk where customers would call with issues and I would walk them through where to go on their computer to solve problems. It was very rewarding and also opened many other doors for me. I would suggest a general computer science degree would be very helpful for this type of position and maybe also pursue some certifications. Lookup the Comp Tia A+ certification. It is not difficult to pass and looks very good on a resume. I would also ensure that you take several classes in networking and cyber security. That will broaden your horizons and open more doors for you as you go through your career.
I would also suggest spending time on your own by reading blogs about computer support and watching videos. To be an excellent computer support specialist, you should enjoy troubleshooting and trying to figure out problems. Many of the problems you would be working to correct are cookie cutter and follow the same path, but not all. Sometimes, you will need to dig in and find out why the normal solution isn't working. But that is also a part of the satisfaction and enjoyment, which happens when you solve that really tough problem that no one else could figure out! Invest the time to learn and you will do great!
You will also need a good understanding of how to navigate through a computers settings and how a computer is setup. I started my career in IT 20 years ago working in a IT Help Desk where customers would call with issues and I would walk them through where to go on their computer to solve problems. It was very rewarding and also opened many other doors for me. I would suggest a general computer science degree would be very helpful for this type of position and maybe also pursue some certifications. Lookup the Comp Tia A+ certification. It is not difficult to pass and looks very good on a resume. I would also ensure that you take several classes in networking and cyber security. That will broaden your horizons and open more doors for you as you go through your career.
I would also suggest spending time on your own by reading blogs about computer support and watching videos. To be an excellent computer support specialist, you should enjoy troubleshooting and trying to figure out problems. Many of the problems you would be working to correct are cookie cutter and follow the same path, but not all. Sometimes, you will need to dig in and find out why the normal solution isn't working. But that is also a part of the satisfaction and enjoyment, which happens when you solve that really tough problem that no one else could figure out! Invest the time to learn and you will do great!
Charles Palmer
Cybersecurity R&D
8
Answers
Hanover, New Hampshire
Updated
Charles’s Answer
First we need to talk about what you mean by college. A four year degree in computer science would be great. A masters degree would be even better. However, if computer support specialist is your real interest you may very well be satisfied with an associate's degree from a good junior college. In fact, you might consider redirecting slightly to a career in computer security. This year there are tens of thousands of computer security jobs in the United States alone that are unfilled. If you're interested in other countries, the demand there is just as strong. For computer security an associate's degree is plenty to get started, especially if you accompany that with high motivation, self study, and even attending a junior college with security specialties.
Jon Wasson
Product Director
23
Answers
Powhatan, Virginia
Updated
Jon’s Answer
Hi Pius. There are several options you might consider if you want to be a computer support specialist. A general degree in information technology would be a great choice. This degree would cover many technical topics and give you a broad skillset that can be applied to support but more as well in IT.
You might also consider Computer Science as well. This degree would deep dive into programming as well as the math and statistics side of technical sciences. It may be more than you need truly to do computer support, but it is a great long-term degree which can take you into other roles as your career grows. Plus it may help you with trouble-shooting skills.
These are 4 year degree options, but you don't necessarily have to go that route. There are other options like certificate programs, 2 year associate degrees and free online training ( https://grow.google) that might land you an entry level job. Some companies like Google are pushing for high quality, great paying jobs that don't need degrees (https://www.fastcompany.com/90527332/no-college-degree-required-google-expands-certificate-program-for-in-demand-job-skills). I have personally worked with many very successful folks who did not have a degree and were extremely quality for these roles, without needing the degree. That being said, I would encourage a degree of some form however, but just so you have full awareness as to what's out there.
It is great that you have found your passion and are prepping for future schooling. Please make sure to look out for hands on training (i.e. personal project or maybe volunteering) and/or internships too, as this is great way for your to fine-tune your educational pursuits.
Good luck!
You might also consider Computer Science as well. This degree would deep dive into programming as well as the math and statistics side of technical sciences. It may be more than you need truly to do computer support, but it is a great long-term degree which can take you into other roles as your career grows. Plus it may help you with trouble-shooting skills.
These are 4 year degree options, but you don't necessarily have to go that route. There are other options like certificate programs, 2 year associate degrees and free online training ( https://grow.google) that might land you an entry level job. Some companies like Google are pushing for high quality, great paying jobs that don't need degrees (https://www.fastcompany.com/90527332/no-college-degree-required-google-expands-certificate-program-for-in-demand-job-skills). I have personally worked with many very successful folks who did not have a degree and were extremely quality for these roles, without needing the degree. That being said, I would encourage a degree of some form however, but just so you have full awareness as to what's out there.
It is great that you have found your passion and are prepping for future schooling. Please make sure to look out for hands on training (i.e. personal project or maybe volunteering) and/or internships too, as this is great way for your to fine-tune your educational pursuits.
Good luck!