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What are some computer troubleshooting skills I should learn about before I join an office to be an IT guy?

I want to work in an office environment and repair computers for people from changing out the hardware and installing software for people. I guess I need more information on what skills I should learn in particular like troubleshooting wifi or peripherals things like that.

computer information-technology computers
Thank you comment icon Hard reset, check youtube for others Prajwal S
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Fred’s Answer

Don't forget about soft skills. These are usually not taught anywhere, but are critically important. You need to be a good communicator - both orally and in written form. You will have to write up issues and resolutions in clear and concise formats. You will be talking to people who all have different levels of computer competency. You will be constantly interrupted by "more important" issues, and you need to be able to jump from project to project, and then get back to earlier ones as smoothly as possible, so being able to keep calm at all times. Being able to put people at ease is a huge bonus. A lot of the time, people are stressed when they have IT issues, and may not always be super pleasant to you. Having a thick skin and being able to not take it personally is critical.

Working in IT can be extremely rewarding. I've been dong it for over 20 years, and truly enjoy it.

Fred recommends the following next steps:

Look on job sites to see what kinds of skill companies are asking for
Take a basic PC repair class at a community college or tech/vocational school
Look at local colleges/university/trade schools to see if they have any programs
research some certifications you can get in pc repair, networking, etc.
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Mark’s Answer

I use to do this job and many employers want to see that you have CompTIA’s A+ Certification.
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Nicole’s Answer

Hi Jacob Z. Thanks so much for this great question!

I think the two previous answers you have gotten to this question are spot on...I lean in on the guidance on soft skills. The word "troubleshooting" combined with "skills" is invaluable, regardless of the career path.

The skill set that makes people who build their career around troubleshooting includes soft skills like perseverance, tenacity, trial and error and patience. Having the balance of these types of soft skills in the context of a job like IT or repairing computers, can be tough, especially when clients/customers are trying to get to results (or get their computers back so they can create results). But when balanced well, individuals can almost always build their learning curve and gain credibility because there is less of a likelihood that clients/partners/customers will be unhappy with the outcome, even if they may have to wait a little longer.

For sure, spend that time and invest in yourself by getting as strong as you can in the technical aspects of doing this type of work. That investment can only help you. Be sure also, to build those soft skills that ensures that you can actually help the partners you intend to help and increase your value to them.

Best of luck to you!
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