How to Become a Computer Support Specialist

May 19, 2023 12:17 pm by Sumit Gour

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Computer support specialists are IT professionals who help and guide people or organizations that are using computer software or equipment. They can also fix and improve computer systems, networks, or software, and teach users how to use them.

In this article, we will explain what computer support specialists do, how to become one, and what skills and tools they need.

What do computer support specialists do?
Computer support specialists are responsible for doing various tasks related to computer support and consulting. Some of their typical tasks include:

• Finding out customers’ computer problems and giving solutions
• Talking to customers through phone, email, chat, or in-person visits
• Writing down customers’ issues and solutions using the company’s ticketing system
• Setting up, updating, and securing computer systems, networks, or software
• Checking the performance and availability of computer systems, networks, or software
• Fixing problems with computer systems, networks, or software
• Creating and managing user accounts and access rights on computer systems, networks, or software
• Teaching users how to use computer systems, networks, or software
• Keeping up with the latest trends and developments in IT and giving innovative solutions

Computer support specialists can work for various types of organizations, such as:

• Computer systems design and related services
• Educational services
• Telecommunications
• Finance and insurance
• Software publishers

How to become a computer support specialist?
To become a computer support specialist, you need to have a mix of education, experience, skills and certifications. Here are some steps you can follow to become a computer support specialist:

1. 
   Complete your higher secondary education. To become a computer support specialist, you need to pass your 10+2 exam from a recognized higher secondary school with subjects like physics and mathematics. Try to get at least a 50% aggregate score in your 10+2, as it is a requirement for enrolling in some professional courses. Prepare for your exams by studying with a friend or joining a coaching class.
2. 
   Pursue a bachelor’s degree in IT or a related field. After schooling, apply for an undergraduate degree course in a relevant field of study. Consider earning your bachelor’s of technology in computer science, engineering or information technology. Reputed public institutions like IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and NITs (National Institutes of Technology) conduct admissions through the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) which has two parts: mains and advanced. Other universities may use your 10+2 marks as qualifying criteria. A bachelor’s degree can help you learn the basic skills and knowledge in IT concepts, tools and techniques.
3. 
   Gain some experience in IT or a related field. While studying, look for entry-level jobs or internships in IT or a related field, such as help desk technician, network administrator, software developer or junior computer support specialist. Experience can help you improve your practical skills and knowledge in IT tasks and challenges. You can also work on personal projects or join online competitions or hackathons to show your abilities.
4. 
   Earn some relevant certifications in IT. Certifications can help you show your skills and credibility in IT domains and technologies. There are many certifications you can choose from depending on your interests and goals. Some of the common ones are:

• CompTIA A+: A vendor-neutral certification that covers the skills and knowledge in installing, configuring, troubleshooting and maintaining hardware, software, networks and mobile devices.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals: A vendor-specific certification that covers the skills and knowledge in cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, compliance and trust.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): A vendor-specific certification that covers the skills and knowledge in network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals and automation.
• Google IT Support Professional Certificate: An online certificate program that covers the skills and knowledge in customer service, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, networking protocols and security concepts.

1. 
   Advance your career as a computer support specialist. You can look for more senior roles or specialized roles in IT as you gain more experience, skills and certifications. You can also pursue further education or training to keep up with the latest trends and developments in IT. Some of the career paths you can follow as a computer support specialist are:

• Computer support specialist manager: A role that involves managing the computer support specialist team and strategy of an organization.

Computer support specialist engineer: A role that involves developing and maintaining the computer support specialist infrastructure and tools of an organization.

• Computer support specialist specialist: A role that involves focusing on a specific aspect or domain of computer support, such as cloud computing, cybersecurity or data analytics.

Conclusion
Computer support specialists are IT professionals who help and guide people or organizations that are using computer software or equipment. They can also fix and improve computer systems, networks, or software, and teach users how to use them.

To become a computer support specialist, you need to have a mix of education, experience, skills and certifications. You can start by completing your higher secondary education, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in IT or a related field, gaining some experience in IT or a related field, earning some relevant certifications in IT, and advancing your career as a computer support specialist.