Tuesday, August 19, 2008

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

TECHNICAL SUPPORT


Do you consider yourself a problem solver? Technical Support professionals are often considered the problem solvers of the IT world. Professionals in this field of IT interpret problems and provide technical support for hardware, software, and systems. Often working in a call center or help desk, these professionals are at the front line when something goes wrong with a company’s information systems.



Technical Support is considered a great place to get started in a career within Information Technology. While prior experience is helpful, there are many ways to gain entry into this exciting field. From obtaining certifications, such as the A+ Certification, or completing one of the many college or training programs available, getting started may not take much time, but success in the field requires aptitude for technical subjects. Although it is a great place to start a career in Information Technology, becoming successful is not assured. Technical support professionals need the right technical skills and the ability to communicate. They have to be able to work under stress; when the system goes down, important clients may be lost. In fact, communication skills (and listening skills) are often considered more important than the technical skills. Like a doctor, you need to ask the right questions to fix the problem.



Technical support professionals provide valuable assistance to their organization's computer users. Because most employees are not computer experts, they often run into computer problems they cannot resolve on their own.















  1. HELPDESK TECHNICIAN

  2. PC ANALYST

  3. PC TECHNICIAN













Career: Help Desk
Technician
Description

  • Provide problem-solving and troubleshooting computer
    support in a telephone environment.
  • Responsible for fixing errors, creating alternative
    methods of completing a task, correcting user errors,
    and correcting system inconsistencies
  • Provide detailed and comprehensive documentation to
    track and record support issues.
  • Job-related skills, interests and
    values

  • Strong analytical and communication, and customer
    service skills a must.












  • Career: PC Analyst
    Description

  • Responsible for technical evaluation, implementation
    and support of PC technologies
  • Responsible for determining software and work
    station needs and acquiring equipment placed in user
    departments.
  • Coordinates training efforts of personnel and
    assists in daily problem solving of individual user
    concerns.
  • Job-related skills, interests and
    values

  • Excellent troubleshooting, problem solving, and
    customer service skills










  • Career: PC Technician
    Description

  • Under general supervision, responsible for
    installing, troubleshooting and repairing personal
    computers and related equipment.
  • Prepares related service reports and documents.
  • Job-related skills, interests and
    values

  • Troubleshooting, communication, and problem-solving
    skills are important in this career.