Thinking About a Career in Computer Technical Support?

Students around the country are turning their knowledge of computers and information technology skills into rewarding careers in corporations of all sizes. Are you thinking about pursuing a career in computer technical support? Breaking into this demanding field will require more than just a desire. IT training and computer courses are an important first step for those hoping to begin a career utilizing their interest in computer support. Let’s take a look at the field and see how computer classes and IT courses are playing a critical role for emerging professionals.

Why is Computer Technical Support Courses So Popular?
In the last decade, computers have become an integral part of the corporate world. While a large percentage of computer users are proficient in operating computers and working with popular programs, very few individuals have an intimate knowledge of how to repair technical problems and perform maintenance on computer systems and networks. This is why most corporations ranging from Fortune 500 conglomerates to small businesses and agencies have a technical support team. These teams are comprised of educated professionals with IT training and computer course experience.

IT Job Tasks
Computer technical support teams provide a variety of tasks to ensure businesses run smoothly. Common tasks include: installing new programs, diagnosing and repairing network problems, cleaning and modifying computer hardware and software, protecting against viruses and malignant software, and much more. Some computer support technicians help instruct new employees on how to use software programs and write instructional manuals on new company programs. Corporations invest large sums of money into computer hardware, protecting these tools and ensuring they are working properly is a top priority for brands in all industries. Computer courses are designed to prepare professionals to perform these tasks proficiently.

Job Opportunities
According to the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of computer support specialists and system administrators is “expected to increase much faster than the average”. Employment of computer support specialists and system administrators is expected to increase by 18 percent from 2006 to 2016. Employment of computer support specialists is expected to increase by 13 percent from 2006 to 2016. Also, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Consulting jobs for computer support specialists also should continue to increase as businesses seek help managing, upgrading, and customizing ever more complex computer systems” (Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos268.htm#outlook).

Computer Classes and IT Training
To capitalize on these opportunities individuals will require a strong understanding of common computer systems and hardware. IT training and computer classes offer emerging IT professionals the education they need to pursue a career in this field. “Employers will continue to seek computer specialists who possess strong fundamental computer skills combined with good interpersonal and communication skills”. (Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos268.htm).  Computer technical support courses and computer classes are available throughout the country to assist dedicated students in increasing their IT knowledge and fostering communication skills to be utilized in their careers. According to the National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies, 80 percent of today’s IT jobs are in non-IT focused businesses. (Source: http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/cite/studentResources.asp)  This means that you will most likely have a unique skill set in your company with the proper IT training.

Computer technical support courses consist of computer classes including:

• Introduction to Operating Systems
• Desktop Applications
• Configuration and Troubleshooting
• Network Administration

To learn more about computer courses at SBI-Melville and how computer technical support courses can help prepare you to pursue a career in this rewarding field, click here.

SBI-Melville is close to many locations:
Brentwood, NY - approximately 11.5 miles
Bay Shore, NY - approximately 15.3 miles
Massapequa, NY - approximately 10.2 miles

Sources:
http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/cite/studentResources.asp
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Computer Support Specialists and Systems Administrators, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos268.htm (visited January 09, 2009).