IT support professionals are an extremely skilled customer service specialist with an extensive background in software and computers. Individuals in this role essentially are in charge of assisting clients to resolve any technological difficulties they might experience. There are several key benefits to hiring IT technicians that most businesses overlook.
Most IT specialist jobs require a candidate to possess certain skills that are necessary for their position. For example, those working as IT Technicians must understand and be proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. In addition to having excellent computer skills, IT specialists must also have good communication skills, be detail-oriented, and possess great organizational skills. A typical IT specialist job description will additionally specify the specific software programs, they must use.
IT professionals working in IT support positions may also handle other duties such as network administration. This is a more specific IT support role than most IT positions because network administrators are primarily responsible for maintaining a company’s network architecture, configuration, services, security measures, and software applications. Network administrators are often required to perform tasks such as creating policies, modifying or deleting the company’s firewall, setting up the company’s router or access server, installing new hardware or devices, and updating company software and hardware applications. A typical IT specialist job description will specify specific computer hardware or software requirements. Some specialists may also be required to participate in specific training courses on network administration.
What Certifications Can IT Technicians Acquire
IT specialists can choose to obtain a certificate in one of several IT disciplines. The National Association of Information Systems Technicians (NAST) offers certifications for a variety of IT related activities. The Certified Information Systems Specialist (CIS) designation is granted by the National Institute for Computer Software and Technology (N CIS) and is required for most IT professionals wishing to pursue a career in the IT field. The exam is based upon the National Information Security Standards Board (NISB) examination. Candidates wishing to earn a CIS certification should have a high school diploma or a GED, and must pass a short written test and a practical test.
IT technicians can also obtain other specialized certifications such as those offered by the Computer Technology Industry Association (CITA). This is an organization that represents IT professionals and offers professional development courses and seminars. To become an IT specialist, one must first complete an accredited associate’s degree from an accredited college and pass a written evaluation. After this certification is obtained, IT specialists may obtain additional information technology training or employment in a related field. In general, a CITA certified specialist possesses a bachelor’s degree, but higher education requirements may apply to some professionals.
IT support specialists typically focus on one IT support function. Some specialists work in Information Technology Services, while others focus on network installation and maintenance. A good IT specialist should possess the skills necessary to manage a variety of IT related tasks, including administrative duties, technical support, information technology planning and strategy, and networking. The duties of an IT specialist may vary according to industry standards. For example, in a financial firm, IT specialists would be responsible for security issues, data management, information technology planning and security, computer software licensing, network security management, and risk management. A qualified IT specialist can specialize by focusing on a particular IT support function.
What Compensation To Expect As A IT Specialists
On average, IT support staffs are paid on an hourly wage of approximately $19 per hour. Overtime pay is typically not included in the employee’s wages unless it is negotiated by the employer. IT support specialists who belong to a professional organization or unions may be eligible for benefits such as medical, dental, and life insurance. However, benefits coverage is subject to prevailing labor statistics in the area. IT specialists who belong to professional organizations also tend to be highly paid compared with other IT support staffs.
IT specialist job descriptions are subject to constant change due to technology, business changes, and industry preferences. Because of this, IT support specialist job descriptions are often updated. For example, in early years, an IT specialist would be responsible for performing basic computer repairs, such as repairing a slow computer, software installation, and virus removal. As time goes by, the IT specialist may find themselves handling more complex IT issues, such as repairing a computer after it has been infected with malicious code that destroys important files or altering internal server configurations to fix the problem with a system’s file server.