An IT support specialist provides support to the networked system users and oversees computer networks for companies. These specialists can be part of a company’s internal staff or hired from outside. Usually, IT Specialist reports to an IT Manager but their duties can be performed by minimal supervision. In most cases, an outside specialist is employed when a company has several locations that utilize different types of IT systems.

One characteristic of IT support specialists that sets them apart from other professionals

is that they must possess a wide variety of technical skills. A person seeking such a position will typically need at least some knowledge of networking and hardware. Networking knowledge is especially important, as many IT support specialists must troubleshoot problems involving wireless routers, modems, and other hardware devices. Hardware knowledge is also necessary, particularly knowledge of computers and peripheral devices such as printers. Having these skills in addition to marketing ones is a positive asset to any IT professional.

IT support specialist certification can help to differentiate between these professionals. Certification, which can be acquired by taking a specific exam, indicates that the individual possesses certain skills. The certifications offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CTIA) are Network+ certifications, CCNA certifications, and Windows Server certifications. Some organizations offer certification to their employees on the basis that they have met certain criteria, including experience. Most IT specialists can expect to receive their certifications after approximately one year of work.

There are several distinct types of specialists within this field. Network specialists handle hardware issues affecting networking equipment. Home and personal IT support specialists manage information technology hardware from a home office. Business IT specialists provide assistance to business owners’ IT needs. There are also service techs, whose job it is to provide IT support to large corporations.

There are several best states for becoming a support specialist. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT support specialists earn the most in the field. The states with the highest median salaries are in the Midwest and South. Nationally, IT support specialists earn the second-highest median salaries, and they live in California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Florida.

The job outlook for this career is excellent.

In order to obtain employment as an IT support specialist, all that is needed is a high school diploma or a GED. Some colleges and universities offer certifications for this field. Those who complete the training and pass the exams to earn the IT specialist certificate, which is the entry-level IT specialist job title. It is recommended that candidates get at least one year of experience working as a technical assistant with a major company before pursuing this career.

• The job duties of these specialists can vary depending on the location of the facility and the company.

• Many work directly for the parent company, providing information technology support.

• Other specialists may be involved with troubleshooting hardware problems.

It is their responsibility to identify the problem and find the best solution, sometimes by re-keying or replacing the faulty hardware. On the other hand, some specialists may need to design and install network devices, such as network printers. They also test new software and hardware to see if they are compatible with company computer systems.

The information technologies industry continues to grow. In addition to hiring IT support specialists, companies also need people to fill other positions in management, including marketing, business development, technical support, and customer service. These positions require IT knowledge and a general knowledge of information technologies. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in information technologies are more likely to be hired for one of these positions.