What does a PC support Specialist do?
A PC support specialist is the person who provides technical support for a company or organization’s customers and employees. It’s a PC support specialist’s responsibility to assists costumers or employees who are having troubles with a particular software, computer, or other devices such as printers or scanners that are connected to the company’s digital data system. PC support specialist utilizes a wide variety of computer software and equipment to provide educated advice and help customers and/or employees solve their issues.
When a major problem appear, the PC support specialist connects with appropriate technicians or vendors for repair and service to any hardware, software, or other devices. As a PC Support Specialist, you need to keep up with the latest technologies by extracting knowledge and information from reliable sources such as technical manuals, product releases and articles from reputable networks. Since computer support specialists troubleshoot and resolve various computer and software issues, they may work in a help-desk environment or provide technical support in an organization’s IT department. Moreover, PC Support professionals could work in a variety of fields, such as computer systems, telecommunications, finance, or educational services.
What education do I need to become a PC Support Specialist?
All employers require candidates to have computer expertise but many organizations are flexible in terms of the requirement for the level of education. In general, a certification training, a degree or a diploma from a vocational institution or community college is sufficient for entry level PC support positions. Certification training programs such as PC support training, Computer support training, and CompTIA training will prepare students for entry-level positions in the computer support industry. Vocational institutions and community colleges also provide training in computer support; in addition, job placement services are often provided to help students get started in the field.
At Academy of Learning College, we have a professional designed PC Support Specialist program that prepares students to deal with the problems they may encounter when supporting Personal Computers in an office environment. It provides in-depth knowledge of both computer hardware and software, and prepares students to take the CompTIA A+, Network+, and Server+ certification exams. Students will have practical hands-on experience in trouble shooting computer problems and assembling a computer. Also, successful students may choose to progress to advanced qualifications such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate.
What’s the employment situation like for PC Support Specials?
According to PayScale Canada, a PC Support Specialist earns an average salary of C$53,000 per year. The total annual salary of a PC Support Specialist ranges from $34,905 to $68,713, with a maximum bonus of $1,750. Most people with this job move on to other positions after 20 years in this career.
Employment of PC support specialists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. More support services will be needed as organizations upgrade their computer equipment and software to keep up with the rapid development speed of modern technologies.
As the largest career college in Canada with 50 campuses across the country, Academy of Learning College attributes the growth in our success to identifying the gap between the formal education available and the realities of the working world. We fulfill the needs of learners by developing customized programs for each student, while meeting the requirements for convenient and effective training at an affordable cost.