Information Technology (IT) is not rocket science.
Okay, it can be, but you don’t have to have a degree in computer science to enjoy a career in IT. The people on the front line of IT are the help desk or technical support people. If you want to use a military analogy, these are the people deep in the trenches. They are your first line of defense for computer problems. And, if you are stout of heart and sharp of mind, you could get a career alongside them.
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Tech Support Career Outlook
According to Computerworld’s 2015 Forecast survey, “30% of respondents said they plan to hire for this skill in the next 12 months.” US News says the median salary for a computer support specialist is $60,180. Keep calm, you’re more likely to start in the $30,000 range.
“30% of respondents said they plan to hire for this skill in the next 12 months.”
Those numbers make IT help desk or tech support careers look like a good career path in IT. Increased employment opportunities and pretty good pay, right?
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According to another Computerworld article “IT jobs will grow 22% through 2020, says U.S.“, the growth projections aren’t to be relied on. In the article, Ron Hira, an associate professor of public policy at the Rochester Institute of Technology said.
“Volatile occupations tend to be subject to bad forecasts, and it’s clear that computer occupation employment levels are very hard to forecast.”
There’s No Life Like IT
Computers run 24/7. Consider that. Tech support workers often work in shifts and are expected to be on-call. You also tend to hear only about the problems, and people are often in a foul mood when you meet them. It can be a pretty thankless job. In fact, you may even shoulder the blame for things beyond your control.
Consider that IT is always changing and evolving. You will have to keep pace as well. Some progressive companies allot time and money for additional training, but many will expect you to learn on your own time and your own dime. Add that to your shift work and being on-call, and it can become more of a lifestyle than a career.
Make sure it’s a lifestyle that you really want and can live with. Make sure that your spouse or other people in your life can live with it as well. If you’re good with that, carry on reading to see how to break into the career.
Know Your Stuff
You need, “…some computer knowledge, but not necessarily a post-secondary degree.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests this minimum requirement. That’s a pretty wide open suggestion. You can break into the field with just a few computer courses, but like many careers, the more you know the better your odds of getting hired.
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A degree in computer science, or something similar, would be your best bet and carry you further up the career ladder. Still, a college certificate or associate degree will take you pretty far. Those take less time and less money, so if time and money are a concern this is a good path.
People with a few years work experience and some self-learned computer skills may want to look at industry certification.
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The CompTIA A+ certification is arguably the best place to start. You’ll get a solid foundation in the technology and customer service skills. From there you can continue with other CompTIA certifications or move into more vendor specific certification programs. Microsoft, Cisco, Apple, and Linux all have certification programs that are highly valued in the IT world. Plus, they tend to be more up to date than a college or university program.
The complete package is a blend of formal education and certification. It’s not necessary, but it’s also not frowned upon. Most people in tech support don’t start out with that but build up to it over the years.
Show Your Stuff
You’ve got your diploma, degree, certifications…all the proof that you have the basic skills. So do a few thousand other people. What can you do to make sure that you get the interview?
Professional Plain Resume
You’re trying to get a job that requires you to know the facts and make them crystal clear. Anything other than a basic professional resume probably won’t do you any good. It may even do you harm. Let your words speak for you, not fancy fonts, graphics, or colors. The goal of all tech support is to keep it simple.
Christopher B Gerke 