4 answers
David
Student
4
Questions
Updated
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What does a typical work day look like for an IT specialist?
I wanted to know what would be some everyday tasks I would be doing on a day-to-day basis if I decided to continue on becoming an IT specialist.
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4 answers
James Cole
Sr. Technical Architect
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
James’s Answer
Hello David,
Being an IT Specialist can greatly vary depending on the company you work for, the software you interact with, and your specific area of expertise. Unlike generalists who have a broad understanding of various IT concepts, specialists are expected to have deep knowledge and expertise in their particular domain.
There are both pros and cons to being an IT specialist. One of the benefits is that you may become the primary resource for a specialized area, especially in a smaller team. This can be enjoyable if you have a passion for the topics you cover and if you thrive in researching and discovering new solutions.
A typical day for an IT specialist might involve troubleshooting issues, assisting colleagues and employees with problems they are encountering, analyzing system performance, and implementing improvements to keep the IT infrastructure running smoothly. Additionally, you may spend time in meetings discussing and discovering solutions for customers, demonstrating the value of adding certain software to address their challenges, and collaborating with fellow team members to develop and implement IT strategies.
Outside of working directly with customers and colleagues, an IT specialist must dedicate time to staying updated on their particular area. This requires continuous research, personal development, and staying updated on relevant industry trends and advancements. As you become an expert in your field, you will also be expected to take on leadership roles, guiding and mentoring others on the processes, systems, and best practices within your area of expertise.
In summary, an IT Specialist's role can vary significantly based on the company and their area of specialization. However, it generally involves troubleshooting, collaborating with customers, staying updated on industry trends, and providing expertise and mentorship within your field. Embracing these responsibilities can lead to a fulfilling career as an IT Specialist.
Being an IT Specialist can greatly vary depending on the company you work for, the software you interact with, and your specific area of expertise. Unlike generalists who have a broad understanding of various IT concepts, specialists are expected to have deep knowledge and expertise in their particular domain.
There are both pros and cons to being an IT specialist. One of the benefits is that you may become the primary resource for a specialized area, especially in a smaller team. This can be enjoyable if you have a passion for the topics you cover and if you thrive in researching and discovering new solutions.
A typical day for an IT specialist might involve troubleshooting issues, assisting colleagues and employees with problems they are encountering, analyzing system performance, and implementing improvements to keep the IT infrastructure running smoothly. Additionally, you may spend time in meetings discussing and discovering solutions for customers, demonstrating the value of adding certain software to address their challenges, and collaborating with fellow team members to develop and implement IT strategies.
Outside of working directly with customers and colleagues, an IT specialist must dedicate time to staying updated on their particular area. This requires continuous research, personal development, and staying updated on relevant industry trends and advancements. As you become an expert in your field, you will also be expected to take on leadership roles, guiding and mentoring others on the processes, systems, and best practices within your area of expertise.
In summary, an IT Specialist's role can vary significantly based on the company and their area of specialization. However, it generally involves troubleshooting, collaborating with customers, staying updated on industry trends, and providing expertise and mentorship within your field. Embracing these responsibilities can lead to a fulfilling career as an IT Specialist.
Thanks for the advice.
David
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
454
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
Well...by definition, a specialist focuses on one small area. IT is actually a huge field, with many different areas you could then specialize in. A networking specialist will have a very different day than a programmer, or someone in security.
Generally, you're going to be solving problems. You may get a ticket from a customer one day saying "This doesn't work" and you fix that. Or you may be given a feature/story to implement. Or you may just notice something weird, and investigate if it is an actual issue, a random blip, or business as usual.
Every IT position I've had has lots of meetings. Large projects that span months may have regular weekly meetings. You may have several daily meetings with various teams you work with. Then there are all the ad-hoc meetings for "hey, we need to talk about <this> issue"
You spend a lot of time reading documentation, specs, and reports. You spend a lot of time WRITING them, too. You work with others, to either learn from them or teach them what you know.
Some people (like me) LOVE this. Some people I know would HATE it.
Generally, you're going to be solving problems. You may get a ticket from a customer one day saying "This doesn't work" and you fix that. Or you may be given a feature/story to implement. Or you may just notice something weird, and investigate if it is an actual issue, a random blip, or business as usual.
Every IT position I've had has lots of meetings. Large projects that span months may have regular weekly meetings. You may have several daily meetings with various teams you work with. Then there are all the ad-hoc meetings for "hey, we need to talk about <this> issue"
You spend a lot of time reading documentation, specs, and reports. You spend a lot of time WRITING them, too. You work with others, to either learn from them or teach them what you know.
Some people (like me) LOVE this. Some people I know would HATE it.
Thanks for the help.
David
Mickael Rosenberg
Software Engineer
261
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Mickael’s Answer
My experience is that it really depends on the IT specialist you are and the company you are working for. Some IT specialists really just make sure employees' computer is running with the define security by the corporate security team, with the software they need to do their job and deal with the issues every individual will have on their computer.
Some IT specialists will be managing a set of tools, with automatic upgrade and deployments that you would script, managing the licenses and so on.
And many other applications that really depend on the position you have exactly.
Some IT specialists will be managing a set of tools, with automatic upgrade and deployments that you would script, managing the licenses and so on.
And many other applications that really depend on the position you have exactly.
Thank you for the advice, Mickael.
David
Elliot Jordan
Web Developer
76
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Elliot’s Answer
You may be a lone wolf or on a small to large team. If lone wolf, you'll probably be responsible for more of your choices in how you structure your work day. You'll have more freedom but this also means you better be responsible and good with communicating when necessary. On a team, you will be designated various tasks related to your specialty (design/networking/security/servers/DB/etc.). There will be meetings to check in on work to be done and what you've done already. But mostly, you wil be DOING the work in your chosen specialty. So it helps to be organized, and competent in that area. So get busy now becoming good at that.
Thank you so much, Elliot!
David