Computer Support Specialist

Welcome to The 2011 Hot Jobs Guide

Why It’s Hot:

According to U.S. Labor Department, 78,000 new computer support jobs will be created by 2018. This rate of 18% far outpaces the average for all occupations. In an increasingly technology driven society, people need their computers to work at all times. Computer support specialists earn a living by fulfilling this important need.

• What You’ll Do:

Computer support specialists typically receive descriptions of issues from hardware or software users and respond to the users with a series of steps or commands that will help the user alleviate the issue. Sometimes, this may require the support specialist to attempt to duplicate the user’s actions to try to recreate the issue. If the cause of the issue was user error, the specialist will have to tell the user what went wrong and how to prevent it in the future. If the issue is the result of a software or hardware malfunction, the

specialist will have to dig deeper through troubleshooting, or conferring with other specialists and programmers. If the root of the issue can been be fixed, the specialist will patiently help the user fix it. Other computer support specialists work in setting up computer systems to be sent to customers through installation of operating systems and software. Another duty may be the training of internal staff to properly utilize a computer’s capabilities and help users learn new systems. This can be done on a full office basis, or, in some cases, a client-by-client basis to handle all issues for their assigned group.