To become a desktop support specialist, you need at least a high school diploma, but some organizations require more advanced formal education. Certification programs and broad foundational knowledge can also help. Traits such as responsiveness, patience, and strong communication skills are also important.
Desktop support specialists solve computer problems for computer users. To become a desktop support specialist, you need at least a high school diploma. Some organizations require more advanced formal education, such as a bachelor’s degree, in an area such as information technology, computer science, or a related discipline. Some companies allow someone with a combination of education and experience to become a computer support specialist.
If you want to become a desktop support expert, start as early as possible to learn everything you can about computers. Take all the computer courses offered by the school. If you don’t plan on earning a four-year degree, consider a two-year program or certificate program offered by a community college or technical school. Certification programs that make you an expert in specific computer systems or software products can also be a path into this profession. Contact manufacturers of popular products to find out what type of training is offered.
Depending on the employer and the particular position, very specialized experience may be required or broader computer knowledge may be required. To start, consider getting as much basic experience as possible about hardware and software, servers, computer networks, how system security works, and much more. Once you know which facet of computers you are most interested in, you can start learning more and more about that area to become an expert. Having broad foundational knowledge, as well as expertise in an in-demand specialty, can help make you more employable.
Obtaining certifications that show you are proficient in the computer support field can help you become a computer support expert. CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) is a vendor-neutral organization that offers A+ certification to entry-level IT professionals. Earning this certification demonstrates to employers that you have a strong computer technology background, troubleshooting skills, and customer support aptitude. The organization also offers more advanced certifications in networking, security, computer servers and other areas.
Additional traits that are helpful if you want to become a computer support expert include responsiveness, patience, strong communication skills, and general customer service ability. The ability to explain technical concepts in simple terms is important in helping computer users understand problems and how they can be resolved. Strong troubleshooting and troubleshooting skills are necessary if you want to become a desktop support specialist. An attention to punctuality to resolve issues quickly is important. Writing skills to create computer documentation are also important.
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